The Lagos State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the long-abandoned NYSC Permanent Secretariat in Yaba, ending more than 40 years of neglect. The project officially kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the reconstruction as a significant milestone in preserving the history of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Lagos. He said the project would create a lasting legacy for young people and called for the preservation of the historic statue located within the premises.
Other government officials expressed optimism that the new secretariat would enhance the administration of the NYSC and strengthen youth development initiatives in the state. The Permanent Secretary, Toyin Oke-Osanyitolu, said the completed facility is expected to rank among the best NYSC secretariats in the country.
NYSC officials explained that the Yaba secretariat, originally built in the 1980s, once served as the scheme’s headquarters in Lagos before it was abandoned. They noted that the agency has since operated from a temporary office in Surulere, where flooding and damage to official records have posed major challenges.
Stakeholders at the event called for continued support and the timely completion of the project to provide NYSC staff and corps members with a modern and permanent operational base.