The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative to become job creators.
The SAED National Director, Mr. Kehinde Aremu, made this appeal during the flag-off ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II SAED in-camp training programme held on Monday at the NYSC camp in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.
Aremu highlighted that the SAED initiative was established to equip corps members with life-changing skills, enabling them to thrive even after completing their service year.
“The significance of acquiring skills in today’s world cannot be overemphasised as we continue to face high unemployment rates, driven in part by the growing number of graduates without corresponding job opportunities,” Aremu said.
He explained that the SAED programme was designed to address the challenges posed by over-reliance on limited white-collar jobs.
“The over-reliance on limited white-collar jobs has prompted the establishment of the SAED initiative. It is designed to empower you to become self-sufficient, innovative, and capable of contributing to Nigeria’s economic development as job creators rather than job seekers,” Aremu stated.
He disclosed that corps members would be introduced to 11 skill sets during the training, with each category offering sub-skill areas for them to choose from. Aremu also revealed that SAED collaborates with partners such as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Industry to provide soft loans for serious-minded participants.
“It is in your best interest to equip yourselves with these skills. They will prove invaluable, especially in the absence of white-collar jobs,” he advised.
The Benue State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Veronica Garba, commended the SAED programme and urged corps members to leverage the initiative to become self-sufficient and employers of labour after their service year.
Corps members expressed excitement about the SAED initiative. Miss Maureen Michael, a graduate of the University of Calabar, remarked, “With the SAED programme, I don’t have to wait for the government before earning a living after service.”
Another corps member, Mr. Solomon Oke, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, said, “SAED has given me the opportunity to become a chief executive officer after service.”
Motivational lectures were delivered by representatives of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and an ex-corps member turned SAED facilitator, Miss Mary Adoche.
The SAED programme continues to be a beacon of hope for corps members, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
