The National Youth Service Corps Oyo State, has intensified its drive for youth empowerment and economic self-reliance, with the State Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Ola Peters, charging Corps Members of the 2026 Batch C Stream I to leverage entrepreneurship, innovation and vocational skills as instruments for wealth creation and sustainable national development.
He gave the charge during the closing and exhibition ceremony of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin.
Represented by the Camp Director, Mr. Alo Emmanuel, the State Coordinator described SAED as one of the Scheme’s most transformative interventions for equipping young graduates with practical skills and entrepreneurial competencies to navigate the challenges of an increasingly competitive labour market.
He noted that the programme was strategically designed to reposition Corps Members from job seekers to job creators, thereby promoting productivity, economic independence and sustainable development.
He further expressed satisfaction with the ingenuity and quality of products and services showcased at the exhibition, describing them as compelling evidence of the creativity and entrepreneurial potential of Nigerian youths.
Mr. Peters commended the SAED officials, resource persons and collaborating partners for their dedication to equipping Corps Members with marketable skills and viable business ideas.
He urged the participants to translate the knowledge acquired during the orientation course into practical ventures, stressing that the benefits of the programme would be fully realised only when the skills were sustained and developed beyond the camp environment.
He also encouraged them to explore available grants, mentorship opportunities, empowerment initiatives and financial support schemes provided by government agencies, financial institutions and private organisations, while remaining committed to discipline, innovation, perseverance and hard work.
As they proceeded to their places of primary assignment, he charged them to uphold the ideals of patriotism and selfless service while contributing meaningfully to the development of their host communities.
Earlier, the Head of SAED, Mrs. Adebayo Oluwakemi, urged the Corps Members to embrace the opportunities offered by the initiative and position themselves for economic independence through vocational proficiency and entrepreneurship.
She observed that the increasing competitiveness of the labour market made it imperative for young graduates to look beyond conventional white-collar employment and develop skills capable of generating sustainable livelihoods.
According to her, practical competence, innovative thinking and the determination to transform ideas into viable enterprises would enable Corps Members to create opportunities not only for themselves but also for others, thereby contributing to employment generation and economic growth.
The ceremony culminated in an exhibition of products and services developed by the Corps Members, showcasing the practical outcomes of their training and the commercial potential of their acquired skills.
Outstanding participants who distinguished themselves in the SAED competitions were presented with gifts in recognition of their performance, bringing the event to an inspiring close.
The Assistant Director SAED, assured that NYSC remains committed to nurturing a generation of resourceful, innovative and self-reliant young Nigerians equipped to transform skills into sustainable enterprises and become active contributors to the nation’s economic advancement.
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