By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has charged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to be agents of change that Nigeria desires.

Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 Batch B Stream 2, corps members.

The event took place at the NYSC temporary orientation camp, Iyana Ipaja.

The governor was represented by Mr Ibukun Dosunmu, the Director of General Services, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

He urged the corps members to take their orientation seriously and be ready to render national service.

“You have the opportunity to go beyond the ordinary and surpass the achievements of your predecessors.

“Build projects, teach the young, mentor the uninspired, guide the misguided, bring hope to the hopeless, offer comfort to the vulnerable, and be helping hands to those in need.

“Wherever you find yourselves, let your host communities feel your presence, your compassion and your positive impact.

“Do not look away from humanity; rather, be the voice that reassures, the hands that heal, and the agents of change that Nigeria so dearly needs,” the governor charged.

Sanwo-Olu said that the corps members’ experiences from the orientation course would remain invaluable.

The governor said that the state government would continue to provide the enabling environment for NYSC scheme to thrive.

He said that the government remained committed to the security of lives and property in the state, giving the assurance that the safety and welfare of corps members would remain a top priority.

In her address, the Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, said that 5,183 prospective corps members were deployed to Lagos State and 2,710 were camped in Lagos.

She said that 748 were doing orientation course in Ekiti, 408 in Ondo, 767 in Osun, and 550 in Ogun.

According to her, pregnant women, nursing mothers and those with critical health conditions have been excused from strenuous activities and granted leave from camp.

“Your Excellency, esteemed guests, it gives me great pleasure to report that these vibrant youths have already adapted to the regimented camp schedule with commendable zeal.

“Their enthusiasm is helping us to sustain a successful orientation course and smooth camp administration,” she said.

The coordinator urged the corp members to take advantage of opportunities offered by the national service to give their best to Nigeria.

She also urged them to embrace the core values of the scheme, which were designed to prepare them for leadership and responsible citizenship.

“I encourage you to participate fully and comply with all camp rules and regulations,” Salmwang added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the oath of allegiance was administered to the corps members by Justice Olalekan Oresanya of the Ikeja High Court on behalf of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Ijeoma Popoola