24th June, 2010
At least seven corp members serving in Lagos State died during the service year, while 41 others absconded.
The Lagos State coordinator, National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), Mr. Ladipo Laniyan, disclosed this today in Lagos, Nigeria,  at the passing out ceremony of batch “B†of the 2009 corps members.
According to Laniyan, 6,146 corps members were due for disengagement, noting that, 41 out of the number absconded and shall have their certificates of discharge withheld and would be remobilized for service whenever they resurface.
He, however, announced the untimely death of seven corps members due to either ill health or auto accidents at various times during the service year.
The last 12 months have been very eventful, he stated, stressing that corps members have been able to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development and the nation at large.
Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola urged the corp members to design their purpose and pursuing their dreams with all determination.
The governor whose speech was read by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Tola Kasali, urged corp members to shun vices which could hinder them from realising their goals in life.
“No matter the circumstance, I advise you not to indulge in crime and other anti-social behavior which have become the attraction of our youth in their bid to get rich quick.
“Do not do anything that will tarnish your image, the good name of your family and that of our nation. All eyes are on you to invest your knowledge, training and skill in rebuilding our nation and socio-economic, political and scientific advancement that will place us among the 20 greatest and biggest economies in 2020,†he stated.
In his speech Kasali, whose speech was read by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Aderemi Desalu said the NYSC scheme had no doubt succeeded in ensuring self reliance, harmony as well as inculcating the spirit of patriotism in the youths of this great nation.
Desalu therefore urged the corps members to shun all vices that could bring disrepute and shame to them and the nation at large, adding that they should endeavour to join hands to build a virile Nigeria by resisting every temptation to foment trouble.
—Kazeem ugbodaga