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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has revealed that the scheme contributes services valued at more than N14 billion annually to Lagos State and its residents.
Nafiu disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos State Government House, Marina. His remarks were contained in a statement issued by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu.
According to him, the figure represents the estimated minimum monetary value of the work done by over 44,000 corps members deployed across Lagos in different sectors. These include 333 medical doctors, 306 pharmacists, 274 nurses, and 7,188 teachers serving in schools across the state.
“The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has disclosed that NYSC provides services for the government and people of Lagos State worth over 14 billion naira annually,” the statement said.
General Nafiu described Lagos as the most preferred destination for corps members, noting that parents also feel more at ease with their wards posted there, given the state’s relative safety.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for renovating the temporary NYSC camp at Iyana-Ipaja and for the ongoing construction of the 10,000-capacity permanent orientation camp. Nafiu expressed optimism that once completed, all corps members posted to Lagos would camp in one location, unlike the current arrangement where some are dislodged to nearby states.
The DG also appealed for additional support, particularly the provision of an ambulance for the NYSC Secretariat in Lagos. He urged the state government to sustain its operational assistance to the Scheme, which, he said, has been crucial for its success.
“General Nafiu also congratulated the Governor on the remodelled National Theatre, noting that it was a national monument of repute,” the statement added.
Established in 1973 by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the NYSC was designed to promote national integration after the civil war. The Scheme remains compulsory for Nigerian graduates, who must undergo a one-year service period that includes orientation, primary assignments, community development projects, and a passing-out parade.