The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has explained why the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme was introduced into the NYSC orientation course curriculum.
Speaking while addressing Corps members deployed to Ebonyi State for the 2026 Batch B Stream II service year in Afikpo, General Nafiu said the programme was designed to tackle unemployment and promote entrepreneurship among Nigerian graduates.
He noted that no government in the world can provide white collar jobs for all its young population.
His words, “Long time ago, NYSC Management in its wisdom foresaw the challenge of unemployment we are facing today, that was why it designed and introduced the SAED programme to address unemployment and foster entrepreneurship.”
He urged the Corps members to embrace SAED training both in and out of camp so they can start businesses and become self reliant after service.
The DG said many young Nigerians have become successful entrepreneurs through the SAED programme.
He also reminded them that fostering national unity remains the core mandate of NYSC, urging them to relate freely with colleagues from different backgrounds.
He told them to respect the customs and traditions of their host communities.
His words, “According due respect to the customs and traditions of the members of your host community is one major way of earning their trust and confidence, and that would attract goodwill and hospitality for you.”
He encouraged them to learn the local language, wear traditional attire and try local delicacies.
NYSC Ebonyi State Coordinator, Mrs Pat Maidariya, said orientation activities were going on smoothly with maximum participation from Corps members.
In a related development, General Nafiu commended the Ebonyi State Government for approving a monthly allowance of N30,000 for Corps members serving in the state.
He described the gesture as proof of the state government’s commitment to Corps members’ welfare, adding that Ebonyi has become a trailblazer in providing an enabling environment for young Nigerians serving under NYSC.
The DG made this known during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila.
He disclosed that about 6,000 Corps members are currently serving in Ebonyi State, with most deployed to the public sector.
General Nafiu appealed to the state government to carry out maintenance work at the Orientation Camp, particularly the clinic, multipurpose hall, hostels and perimeter fence.
He also urged the state to reconsider granting NYSC access to Ezilo land for its rice farming initiative.
His words, “I am appealing to you and His Excellency to give another consideration and oblige us to use the farm.”
Responding, the Deputy Governor said the state government is constructing a female hostel at the Orientation Camp due to high demand among prospective Corps members.
Her words, “Here in Ebonyi State, we have been working as a team and we have a good synergy with the Secretariat. We work like a family.”
She assured that the Orientation Camp would get a facelift and promised to look into the request for the Ezilo land.
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