NYSC Takes Action to Empower Corps Members Nationwide: “It Will Boost National Economy”
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to enhance the empowerment of corps members across the country. This collaboration plays a crucial role in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, which has successfully trained thousands of corps members, enabling them to establish sustainable businesses and contribute to the national economy.
During a recent visit from SMEDAN’s Director-General, Dr. Charles Odii, NYSC’s Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu emphasized the partnership’s positive impact on Nigeria’s economy, highlighting how corps businesses are supporting the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The NYSC’s programs are focused not only on economic development but also on promoting national unity and social integration.
Nafiu praised SMEDAN’s contributions to various sectors, including financial literacy, entrepreneurship advocacy, and skills acquisition. He mentioned the importance of facilitating corps members’ access to funding by strengthening links with financial institutions, thereby preparing them to be self-reliant and proactive job creators after their service.
Dr. Charles Odii underscored the necessity of revising the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NYSC and SMEDAN to further enhance the skillset of corps members. He highlighted that SMEDAN currently supports over 39 million small businesses and proposed establishing a specialized Community Development Service group within NYSC to raise awareness about SMEDAN’s initiatives.
Odii reiterated that early business orientation for corps members is vital. He aims to transform corps members into business development service providers right from their orientation camps. Furthermore, he expressed SMEDAN’s readiness to provide training for NYSC officials, preparing them for entrepreneurial endeavors post-retirement.
Overall, the collaboration between NYSC and SMEDAN underscores a shared vision for economic development, poverty reduction, and job creation in Nigeria, equipping young graduates with practical skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive landscape.
