The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has flagged off a collaborative effort with State Governments across the country on the monthly sanitation exercise.

This is to increase the impact of the scheme and expand its value to critical stakeholders.

Addressing the gathering at the occasion in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the Director-General of the scheme, Mr Johnson Olawumi, on Saturday, stressed the need for the scheme to effectively contribute meaningfully to national development.

Olawumi noted that through the initiative, Corps members would be able to render selfless service by helping to maintain a safe and sustainable environment in the country.

He stated that Corps members would be at the vanguard of massive enlightenment and education of the entire populace on the dangers inherent in improper waste disposal and dirty environment.

Speaking on the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Olawunmi also gave assurance that measures would be put in place to ensure that all the camps for corps members are kept safe from the contagious disease.

The Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Kola Ademujimi, expressed delight that the programme was being flagged off in his state.

He commended the NYSC for the initiative and also the stakeholders who were working tirelessly to keep the state clean.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Sola Ebiseeni, was also present, and he spoke on the need for the corps members to participate in the beautification of the environment.

In demonstration of their collaborative effort, the representative of the Governor, joined by the NYSC DG and some other top government officials thereafter packed some wastes to flag off the programme.