By Oghenefego Obaebor

IN his quest to boost corps members’ interest in skills development, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that those who excel at the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development during service year would have  access to the  Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.

Ambode who spoke through Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, during the official opening of the 2017 Batch ‘B’ Stream ‘II’ Orientation course held at Ipaja, Lagos State said: ”Through the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development initiative, you could be a beneficiary of the start-up capital from Lagos State Employment Trust Fund which is presently in partnership with NYSC Lagos State.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode 

According to him, the orientation programme has been packaged to give corps members a solid foothold for a fulfilling service year as well as prepare them for the challenges of their service and post-service life. He urged corps members to pay attention to the programme in order to secure for themselves a post-service life of self-sufficiency and financial independence. ”This phase indeed marks a glorious beginning of a worthy journey in the service of your fatherland”.

He charged all corps members to make conscientious efforts to contribute to these great feats during their National service through selfless commitment, dedication and active participation in all activities during this service year. ”I implore all corps members to participate actively in all camp activities and make good use of the orientation course to equip themselves with the requisite attitude, knowledge and skills.”

He congratulated corps members for their individual academic successes which qualified them for call-up to national service. ”The government and good people of Lagos State warmly welcome you to the nation’s Centre of Excellence and are especially pleased to have you in our midst as vibrant agents of grassroots development.” He also commended the chairman and members of the NYSC Lagos State Governing Board, the NYSC Management in the state and all camp officials for the smooth take off of the 2017 Batch ‘B’ Stream ‘II’ orientation course, adding, “I wish you all a hitch-free orientation course and a fulfilling service year ahead.”

Meanwhile, the NYSC State Coordinator, Prince Mohammed Momoh said that at the close of registration, 2,279 corps members made up of  992 males and 1,287 females were registered and formally sworn in. Momoh who lauded Ambode for  his fatherly role and support to the NYSC in Lagos, said that his gesture has immensely contributed to the success of the scheme in the state. While urging corps members to participate actively in all activities on campus, he added that they  should make utmost and productive use of their stay on camp.