The State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ondo State, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, has encouraged corps members to reach for excellence by engaging in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, emphasizing that the world is waiting for their potential to shine.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of SAED activities for the 2024 Batch ‘C’ (Stream II) corps members deployed to Ondo State, as well as those relocated from Lagos State, Bakare stressed the importance of acquiring skills to complement academic qualifications, especially in light of the rising unemployment rates in the country.
Bakare cited data from the Bureau of Statistics highlighting the growing unemployment crisis, which led to the NYSC’s introduction of the SAED programme.
This initiative aims to equip graduate youths with marketable skills, offering them an opportunity to break free from the cycle of unemployment.
She urged corps members to appreciate the NYSC’s efforts in establishing the SAED programme over 13 years ago as a proactive response to the nation’s unemployment challenges.
Since its inception, countless Nigerians who have participated in the programme have gone on to become industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
The State Coordinator encouraged corps members to take full advantage of the SAED opportunities, which are facilitated by qualified professionals dedicated to equipping them with skills that will make a global impact.
Bakare also highlighted the importance of the in-camp training, which would provide foundational knowledge for the skills corps members are passionate about.
She urged them to refine these skills during the post-camp training, ensuring their readiness for the job market.
The Assistant Director and Head of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, Pastor (Mrs.) Jennifer Funmilola Dawodu, also encouraged corps members to avoid complacency and remain dedicated throughout the programme.
Pastor Dawodu expressed gratitude to the Camp management, particularly the State Coordinator, for supporting the SAED programme’s success in Ondo State, as well as to the trainers and facilitators for their commitment to investing in the development of Nigeria’s youth.
She outlined the key benefits available to the corps members, including access to grants, loans, funding opportunities, and technical assistance in job searching.
The trainers and facilitators then introduced a variety of skills they would be teaching, including Agro-Allied, ICT, Creative Industry, Culinary and Catering Services, Construction, Green Energy, Satellite Security Technology, Cleaning Services, Cosmetology, Education, Automobile, and Delivery and Logistics.
