Speeches

Closing Ceremony Of The 2008 Batch ‘B’ NYSC Orientation Course

Sep 16, 2008 - I am very delighted, once again to be in your midst today at this occasion, which marks the end of the orientation course for the 2008 Batch ‘B’ corps members deployed to Lagos State.

You will recall that three weeks ago, when I declared this orientation programme open, I urged you to take advantage of your presence in the State to cultivate the spirit of friendship among yourselves while shunning ethnic and religious bigotry.

I have been well briefed on the high level of commitment, dedication to duty, creativity and patriotism displayed by all of you in this first phase of the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC. Let me therefore congratulate you for a job well done. But it is also important for me to remind you that your responsibility to the good people of Lagos State has only just begun. All of you on parade today are expected to go to your places of primary assignment in all nooks and crannies of the State and contribute meaningfully to the social, economic and technological advancement of our communities. Given your abundant talents and profound sense of responsibility, I have no doubt that you are ready and equal to the challenge of positively affecting the fortunes of Lagos State.

Many of you would have observed that this administration has demonstrated unalloyed confidence in the ability of our youths by opening up all avenues for their participation. In the same vein, ample opportunity shall be given to you to contribute and excel in the implementation of government programmes, especially in the areas of providing manpower for qualitative free education, free medical services and environmental sanitation and the beautification programmes. We shall not spare any effort in ensuring that your proven expertise and creative energies are fully harnessed toward making Lagos the mega city of our dream and to improve the lives of our people through the 10- point development agenda of the Lagos State government.

I therefore urge you to accept your postings in good faith and face the challenges of meeting the people’s expectation. On our part, the government will create the enabling environment and provide the necessary support for your community development endeavours. Furthermore, a reward system is also in place to honour deserving corps members who excelled at the end of the service year. There shall be no excuse therefore for those who may fail to live up to public expectations as agents of change in their respective host communities.

On this note, I wish to commend the efforts of the State Government Board, the Coordinator and staff of the Lagos State NYSC for ensuring a hitch-free orientation course inspite of the limitation of the camp facilities. We shall continue to improve on the camp facilities in readiness for succeeding batches of corps members.

Let me also say that the project for the permanent Orientation Camp has not been abandoned. We appreciate the efforts of Lagos State NYSC while we continue to plead for your patience and understanding in this regard. We shall continue to support you in every way possible to make this scheme a great success in Lagos State.

Finally, on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the NYSC Governing Board and the good people of Lagos State, I now declare this orientation course for the 2008 Batch ‘B’ members closed, and I wish you safe journey to your respective destinations.

Thank you.

“Eko O Ni Baje O!”

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN)
GOVERNOR, LAGOS STATE