Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has earmarked ₦5 billion for construction of a 14,000-bed National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent site at Agbowa, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The governor also announced a gift of ₦100,000 for each of the 4,277 corps member passing out from the camp. He also promised ₦100 million for NYSC support staff in Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu made the promises at the passing out parade of 4,277 corps members, at the NYSC temporary orientation camp at Iyana-Ipaja in Lagos State on Tuesday. The governor dressed in the NYSC outfit at the occasion.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the corps members comprised 1,370 males and 2,907 females.
Lagos State Government had, some years ago, allocated some plots of lands at Agbowa in Ikorodu for construction of a permanent NYSC orientation camp. Sanwo-Olu said that NYSC deserved a permanent orientation camp in the state. He promised that before the end of his administration, the permanent orientation camp at Agbowa in Ikorodu would be ready for inauguration.
"This year alone, I will be putting available a total of ₦5 billion that will be used to start the full development of the permanent site for NYSC. For this batch, with all sense of responsibility and because you have been very hardworking, each and every one of you will go home with ₦100,000.
"The money will be made available into your accounts by next week," he said.
Sanwo-Olu also promised to give automatic employment to 100 corps members who would be outstanding in their national service.
"Lagos is ready to help you and work with you. The best part of your life is still ahead of you. Make sure you put in everything that is required because, indeed, the world is waiting for you, Africa is waiting for you, Nigeria is waiting for you, Lagos is waiting for you," he said.
Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in Lagos State, Yetunde Baderinwa, said that NYSC, as a contributor toward the economic stability of Lagos State, would deploy corps members to every sector of the state.
The state coordinator urged the corps members to take their postings in good faith and serve their fatherland with patriotism, dedication and diligence.
Baderinwa urged them to obey the rules and regulations of the scheme, warning that erring corps members would be penalised in line with the NYSC bye laws.
"Do not embark on unauthorised journeys. If you must travel, ensure you obtain proper permission through the right channel of communication. Be mindful of the friends you mingle with. Obey rules and be law-abiding citizens as the NYSC will not shield you if you engage in any criminal activity.
"You must note that the service year is a period of transition into adulthood; so, you must learn to take responsibilities and take life more seriously."