The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged Corps members to fully embrace its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme as a pathway to economic independence and self-sufficiency.

The Director of SAED, Mr. Kehinde Aremu-Cole, emphasised this during the flag-off ceremony for the 2024 Batch ‘C’ (Stream 1) SAED activities at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State.

Represented by the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, Aremu-Cole noted that many graduate youths lack the practical skills required to secure available jobs. He highlighted the SAED programme, launched in 2012, as a solution aimed at equipping Corps members with entrepreneurship and hands-on skills to address unemployment and navigate economic challenges.

“The NYSC SAED initiative contributes significantly to reducing poverty and hunger, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It provides Nigerian graduates with opportunities to develop skills during their orientation camp and service year,” he explained. He urged Corps members to take advantage of the programme to become entrepreneurs or self-reliant professionals.

Aremu-Cole detailed 11 business skills available to Corps members and encouraged them to explore these options rather than pursuing elusive paid employment.

“He also highlighted financing opportunities created by the NYSC, such as the Access Bank business proposal competition and the NYSC/Bank of Industry Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF), which provide guidance and funding for viable business ideas.

In her address, the Assistant Director and Head of SAED, Pastor (Mrs.) Jennifer Funmilola Dawodu, urged Corps members to invest their time and resources in acquiring skills that would sustain them during and after the service year.

“She commended the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator for fostering an enabling environment for SAED activities and acknowledged the efforts of trainers and facilitators for their contributions.

The event also featured testimonials from serving and ex-Corps members who showcased their acquired skills and shared their success stories.

They highlighted the transformative impact of SAED on their lives, inspiring new Corps members to take advantage of the initiative.

Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare officially launched the programme, which will provide 28 hours of hands-on training spread across nine days.

The training aims to equip Corps members with the skills necessary to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economy.