The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged its 2025 Batch A Stream 1 corps members to focus on becoming job creators and wealth generators during their service year. The call was made by Aremu Kehinde, the Director of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Benue State Coordinator, Mrs. Veronica Garba, at the opening ceremony of the SAED training on Monday.
Kehinde emphasized the importance of the SAED programme, describing it as a vital platform designed to empower young graduates with the skills necessary for self-sufficiency. He urged the corps members to take full advantage of the opportunities provided, stating, “As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to make the most of the opportunities provided by the SAED programme and strive to become not just job seekers but job creators, problem solvers, and wealth generators.”
The SAED programme, which consists of two phases, aims to equip corps members with practical skills for entrepreneurship. The first phase is a 10-day in-camp training, followed by post-camp training that continues at the corps members’ primary places of assignment. Kehinde highlighted the significance of this initiative in fostering self-reliance among youth and stated that the programme helps participants select appropriate skills while also teaching the basics of business planning and enterprise development.
With the motto “One Corps Member, Two Skills,” the NYSC offers a range of skill sets under the SAED programme, including agro-allied, ICT, creative arts, construction, energy and satellite technology, cosmetology, and logistics services. Kehinde encouraged corps members to choose skills that align with their interests, stressing the importance of making well-informed decisions that would benefit their long-term career paths.
Furthermore, the programme is supported by several funding partners, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Unity Bank, Access Bank, Ecobank, and the Nigeria Credit Corporation. These institutions offer financial assistance to corps members who demonstrate excellence in the SAED programme and present viable business plans.
Mrs. Garba, in her opening address, emphasized the importance of staying focused during the training period, urging corps members to recognize their unique talents and use them to create successful businesses. She reminded the corps members not to miss the opportunity to acquire skills that could lead to self-reliance and help them establish ventures after their service year.
In his remarks, Mr. Owuna Sunday, the SAED NYSC Directorate Monitoring Officer, highlighted the significance of the post-camp training phase, calling it the most crucial part of the programme. He encouraged corps members to build upon the skills they acquire and noted that grants and loans are available to those with viable business plans.
The NYSC’s call to action aligns with the government’s broader efforts to address unemployment and foster entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth. By encouraging corps members to create jobs and build wealth, the NYSC is positioning them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
