15th October, 2010
Six corps members serving in Lagos State, South West of Nigeria lost their lives while serving their fatherland while 26 others posted to the state absconded.
The deceased corps members and the 26 others who absconded were part of the 2009 Batch ‘C’ Corps members posted to Lagos by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
NYSC Co-ordinator, Lagos State, Mr. Ladipo Laniyan disclosed this yesterday at the passing out parade of the Batch ‘C’ Corps members held at the Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
According to him, 3,853 corps members were posted to the state out of which seven would have their services extended, six died and 26 absconded from service.
He disclosed that the six corps members passed on due to ill-health, road traffic accidents and pre-natal causes, adding that the 26 corps members who absconded from service shall have their certificates of national service withheld and would be made to repeat the service whenever they re-appeared.
Speaking at the passing out parade, Governor Babatunde Fashola revealed that his administration had expended over N110 million in the last six months on the NYSC programme in the State.
Fashola, who gave the breakdown of the amount said that the government disbursed N100 million to corps members serving with the State Public Service as allowances between the months of April and September 2010.
He added that the government also spent additional N10 million on the provision of additional 300 double bunk beds and 600 foams to augment the existing facilities at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp located at Iyana-Ipaja.
The governor was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Tola Kasali, saying that the gesture of the government was meant to acknowledge the contributions of corps members to the development of the state.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Aderemi Desalu commended the outgoing batch ‘C’ 2009 corps members for their selfless services rendered towards the development of this great nation.
Desalu, who read Kasali’s speech implored them to keep the flag flying and also enjoined them to be detribalized, nationalist and to pursue peace at all times as well as ensure that they were good ambassadors of the scheme.
—Kazeem Ugbodaga