Speeches

Swearing-In And Opening Ceremony Of The 2009 Batch ‘B’ Corps Members Deployed To Lagos State

Jul 16, 2009 - My dear compatriots in national service,

I am delighted to be in your midst today at this occasion which marks the Swearing-in and Opening Ceremony for the 2009 Batch ‘B’ Corps Members deployed to Lagos State for the One Year Mandatory National Service.

Let me use this opportunity to congratulate all of you on your success in the various examinations that qualified you for mobilization for the National Youth Service. Your success in school is an indication that you were determined to move a step ahead in your efforts to become responsible citizens. You should therefore see this opportunity as a privilege to serve your beloved nation, Nigeria and indeed humanity.

Since it was established 36 years ago, the NYSC has been a veritable institution for national unity and integration. The visionary leadership of the founding fathers of this scheme must be commended always for giving the youths the opportunity to interact with people other than those from their States of origin and ethnic backgrounds. It has provided our young graduates the platform and opportunity to imbibe the spirit of selfless service, sense of responsibility, leadership, adaptation and endurance.

In spite of the present challenges facing the NYSC Scheme, it is gratifying to note and commend the efforts of the present administration in repositioning the NYSC to stay focused and thereby keep the dreams of its founding fathers alive.

As I welcome you to Lagos State, I urge you to feel at home and join hands with the State Government towards the socio-economic development of the State. You should imbibe the spirit of hard work, honesty and respect for constituted authorities. Let the wordings of the oaths you have just sworn to be your reference point as you commence your national service.

I am aware that it is the culture of NYSC to put in place lectures and physical training that will further widen your knowledge about the history and culture of the people of Lagos State as well as assist you to keep fit at all times. I also know that lectures on self-employment will be part of this orientation programme. I urge you to take advantage of the lecture and be a creator of job rather than be a job seeker.

Nigeria today cannot afford to neglect the youths of this country if truly this country will emerge as one of the best 20 economies of the world. This is why this administration in Lagos State will continue to put in place those structures that will allow the youths to exhibit their talents which will continuously be used for the development of the State.

While we continue to appreciate the services of your predecessors in the scheme towards the socio-economic development of Lagos State, I urge you to surpass their achievements. I will therefore want you to concentrate your effort in critical sectors such as education, health and environmental conservation. The people of Lagos State are therefore waiting for you to join hands with them in the current transformation of Lagos State as one of the best cities in the world.

Let me once again reiterate our Government’s commitment in providing the necessary support to the management and staff of NYSC Lagos State to enable the Secretariat achieve the vision behind the establishment of the scheme.

On this note, I have the honour and privilege to declare the 2009 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Course Open to the glory of God and the service of our Fatherland. I wish you a wonderful and exciting service year in Lagos State, the centre of excellence.

Thank you and God bless.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State