2nd December, 2011
Mrs Belinda Faniyi, assistant director, common services, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Lagos State, said on Thursday that the Iyana-Ipaja Orientation Camp was no longer adequate and needed urgent attention.
Faniyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the existing space at the camp had become too small not just for accommodation of the large number of youth, but also for the various activities at the camp.
“I think what government has to do is to acquire more land that would be capable of accommodating about 8,000 corps members.
“Over the years, we have had cause to dislodge corps members posted to Lagos State to as many as five other states because of inadequate facilities to cater for them.
“At present, we have even converted our dining hall to hostel just to create accommodation for the large number of these youths, having dislodged some to other states like Osun, Ekiti and Oyo,“ she said.
The assistant director said the issue of accommodation for corps members posted to Lagos State was becoming worrisome going by the increasing population of graduates being turned out by the universities for the scheme every year.
Faniyi pleaded with the state and local governments to step up efforts in assisting the organisation, adding that the youth deserved to exploit and enjoy the socio-political and cultural benefits in the state.
She noted that the State Coordinator, Mr Ladipo Laniyan, had been meeting with the Chairman NYSC Governing Board and the state governor over the urgent need for a new and befitting orientation camp.
Faniyi commended the new Director-General, Brig. Gen. Okorie Affia, for introducing the ‘Emergency Call Centre‘ which, she said, would provide adequate security for corps members.
The director further appealed to various local councils and other stakeholders to provide accommodation for the participants which would also enhance their security.