Speeches

Closing Ceremony Of The 2009 NYSC Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course

Mar 24, 2009 - It is my very warm delight to be in your midst today at this occasion marking the closing ceremony of the three-week programme of the 2009 Batch ‘A’ orientation course. Exactly three weeks ago, you started a new phase of life outside the four walls of your various higher institutions. I am sure that by now you must have started realizing that there is a big difference between what you learnt in your respective institutions and the realities of the outer world.

I am reliably informed that within the period you were on this camp, you had the rare opportunity of interacting with one another. The various enlightenment lectures which were taught and your exposure to different physical training must have equipped you to face the challenges of life and to effectively cope at your various places of primary assignments.

The NYSC programme has continued to be a veritable tool for unifying the various diverse ethnic groups in this country. It has over the years created opportunity for equitable distribution of manpower to the different parts of the country. As we therefore strive in our continued efforts towards sustainable economic growth, national integration and promotion of ethnic, social and cultural reintegration, efforts must be channelled towards translating the laudable ideas of the scheme into concrete achievements. This is the beauty of the scheme.

Participants, particularly those coming to Lagos for the first time would be delighted to have a feel of an entirely different environment and culture. As you proceed to your respective places of primary assignment, it is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills and contribute meaningfully to the development of the community and the State you are serving. I therefore, enjoin you to be hardworking, honest and resourceful as you perform your assignments.

Experience has shown that many corps members in the past take their primary assignments with levity, thus creating a wrong impression in the minds of the people about corps members. You are to take your job seriously and contribute meaningfully towards the growth of your respective places of primary assignments.

The mobilization of corps members for effective participation in improving the sanitary condition of Lagos State will be a top priority by the present administration. I also challenge you to come up with ideas that will assist this Government meet its desired goals.

I want to assure you all that your welfare shall be our concern and we will ensure that you enjoy your stay here in Lagos. Let me urge all employers not just to accept corps members, but to assign challenging responsibilities to them with the intention of bringing the best out of them. They must be treated with love as we are all our brothers’ keepers.

As you receive your posting letters today, I urge you to accept your postings in good faith and settle down immediately. You should also avoid truancy and make sure you inform your leaders before making any journey when the need arises.

With the economic meltdown affecting the economy, it is time for Nigerians especially the youths to start looking inward and think of how they can contribute to the improvement of the socio-economic situation of our nation; start thinking of how you can create jobs, invest in agriculture and learn skills that will enhance your job prospects to provide for yourself and help the society.

As the present Lagos State Government continues its economic and structural transformation to make Lagos the best mega-city of our time, you are welcome on board. We expect you to be vanguards of this change and assist government through your various community development programmes to realize our dreams. And we are ready to support you through effective collaborations with the NYSC Secretariat to realize this objective.

I know the challenges ahead of you may appear daunting; the future may look uncertain, but with hope and purpose of mind your challenge will be great opportunities to fulfill your goals in life. See this phase as another leg in the journey to your destiny. I am confident that you will definitely make a success of it.

It is therefore on this note that I formally declare the 2009 NYSC Batch ‘A’ orientation course closed and I wish you a very successful stay in Lagos and at your respective places of primary assignments.

Thank you and God bless.

Eko O Ni Baje!

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN)
GOVERNOR, LAGOS STATE