Chinedum Treasure
Corps members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 in Anambra state have received N1 million in cash prizes, business start-up support and mentorship opportunities.
The beneficiaries were presented with the prizes during closing ceremony of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu.
The major highlight of the event was the business proposal writing competition, where representatives of the 10 platoons presented their business ideas before a panel of judges.
The competition provided corps members opportunities to demonstrate how the skills acquired through the SAED programme could be transformed into viable businesses.
Chinaza Abolade AN/26B/ emerged winner with her proposal on a Naija-made small-business visibility initiative and received N500,000. Judith Inoyi (AN/26B/1949) came second and received N300,000, while Ogochukwu Obaje (AN/26B/1960) placed third with his catfish production proposal and received N200,000.
Beyond the cash prize, Obaje received additional support from Josranus Global Enterprise, Osumenyi, Nnewi South, owned by Mr Oramu Joseph.
The support package includes a crate of eggs monthly for one year and 300 catfish fingerlings to enable her commence her proposed agricultural enterprise.
Also, 20 corps members received cash gifts during the event from the Youth wing of Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC).
The President, Mr Ken Okoli underscored the commitment of partners and stakeholders to encouraging entrepreneurship and rewarding excellence among the Corps Members.
Describing NYSC as an important programme that assists young people discover themselves, Okoli pledged to mentor 20 corps members who successfully recited the 12 Core Values of Onye Anambra in addition to cash rewards he presented to them.
He also pledged that ASTUC youths across the 179 communities in Anambra State would continue to support welfare of corps members serving in their respective communities.
The Regional Manager of UBA’s United Capital, Sir Tochukwu Chidebelu, who presented the cash prizes to the winners of Business Proposal Competition, encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the NYSC programme and develop their entrepreneurial ideas beyond the orientation camp.
Earlier, Head of SAED, Mr Ben Obi said the programme was designed to expose corps members to practical skills and entrepreneurship opportunities that could prepare them for self-reliance and productive engagement after national service.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua commended the corps members for their active participation in the training.
She, however, cautioned that the few days of training received during the orientation course could not, on their own, make them experts in their chosen fields.
She urged the corps members to commence post-camp training immediately after the orientation course, stressing that continuous practice, further training and commitment would be required to attain professional competence and succeed in their chosen skills.
The activities, which combined skills development, entrepreneurship, mentorship and rewards for excellence, reinforced the objective of the SAED programme to equip Corps Members with practical tools for economic independence. 
About Author
