Sanwo-Olu’s wife charges corps members on nation building, counsels on SGBV, drug abuse

By Ayodele Olalere

The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday counseled members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, posted to the state on the need to avoid Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and charged them to make positive impact for the growth of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

While speaking during an interactive session with the Y2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Corps members undergoing orientation at the NYSC Camp, Iyana Ipaja, she noted that the NYSC scheme has fostered youth engagement and sustained the vision of its founding fathers who believed in a united Nigeria despite the differences in language, culture and religion .

The First Lady lauded the corps members for their resilience and patriotic spirit in serving the nation, stressing that their commitment in enduring camping activities, following laid down rules and regulations guiding the orientation pogramme was commendable.

“Your decision to serve Nigeria through this program reflects your commitment towards making a positive impact in the society,” she said.

She noted that her current project tagged ‘War Against Drug Abuse in Lagos State’ was borne out of the high rate of drug abuse in the society and emphasised that the project requires public support in increasing the campaign messages and expanding its reach.

She added that her office is also involved in raising public awareness about the dangers of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, in addition to the provision of assistive and protective care for victims while ensuring access to justice.

The Lagos State Coordinator, NYSC, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa described the First Lady’s visit as a source of motivation and inspiration to the corps members.

Mrs. Baderinwa appreciated the state government for its selfless efforts in ensuring that issues concerning the scheme get top priority, reiterating that the program will continually contribute to the development of the nation.