Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has urged Corps members to prioritise skills acquisition as a pathway to self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
General Ahmed conveyed this message during his interactions with Corps members at the scheme’s temporary orientation camps in Doi-Du, Plateau State, and Wannune, Benue State, located in north-central Nigeria.
He underscored the critical importance of skill empowerment in addressing the prevailing issue of youth unemployment across the country.
Highlighting the NYSC’s commitment to equipping Corps Members with practical skills, General Ahmed mentioned the integration of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development training into the Orientation Course content since 2012. This initiative aims to equip Corps members with the necessary skills to attain financial independence and mitigate reliance on scarce formal employment opportunities.
Encouraging active participation, General Ahmed urged Corps members to utilise their time in camp to acquire at least one skill, followed by post-camp training to enhance proficiency and productivity.
He also highlighted partnerships with various financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Access Bank, Unity Bank, Bank of Industry (BOI), and NNPC Foundation, which offer financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs. General Ahmed cited successful outcomes from past Corps members who embraced such opportunities and established thriving businesses nationwide.
In addition to promoting entrepreneurship, General Ahmed noted the importance of upholding positive values, respecting local cultures, and fostering harmonious relations with host communities.
The NYSC State Coordinators, Mrs. Ikupolati Esther of Plateau State and Mr. Abe Ashumate of Benue State, reported on the exemplary conduct and active participation of Corps members in camp activities. They affirmed that all Corps members are diligently engaged in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development training, contributing to a conducive and orderly camp environment.
