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Anambra State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Blessing Ekene Iruma has encouraged Corps Members to join the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative and move away from the pursuit of non-existent white-collar jobs.
Iruma gave the advice while officially flagging off the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II SAED programme at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area.
She said the 9-day programme was targeted at equipping Corps Members with essential skills to become self-reliant and significantly contribute to the national GDP.
She highlighted the requirement to follow SAED training both on-camp and post-camp to qualify for grants.
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“This is a clarion call for you to see the light. Do not wait for non-existent white-collar jobs. You must strive to become job creators and not job seekers, contributing positively to the national GDP,” she said.
Director, SAED of NYSC Headquarters, Abuja, Kehinde Aremu bemoaned the large number of graduates in Nigeria without corresponding job opportunities and emphasized that SAED was created as a platform to facilitate young graduates’ access to means of self-reliance.
He tasked Corps Members to imbibe the ‘One Corps Member, Two Skills’ initiative of the NYSC.
Earlier, Head of the SAED Committee, Augustine Ogiator emphasized the strategic importance of the SAED programme and noted the willingness of Corps Members to participate actively.
Chinenye Onugwu from Farm Right Express Ltd Awka who also delivered an impactful motivational talk during the event stressed the importance of self-reliance.
“No one is coming to save you but you can only save yourself. If you don’t get involved in SAED, you may find yourself broke during your service year.
“Embracing skill learning and adding value to society will result in financial rewards,” she added
Mrs. Philomena Umenduka from National Directorate of Employment (NDE) also spoke on the Entrepreneurship Development programme, providing further insights into the benefits of skill acquisition and entrepreneurship.
The flag-off of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II SAED programme which featured playlet by Corps SAED influencers, illustrating the importance of the SAED programme marked the beginning of an intensive and transformative training session.
With the combined efforts of the NYSC, trainers, motivational speakers.and enthusiastic participation from Corps Members, the programme promises to equip young graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for self-reliance and national development, ultimately boosting the national GDP.
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