NYSC Reports Over 38,000 Corps Members Thriving as Entrepreneurs

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that more than 38,000 corps members have successfully ventured into entrepreneurship, marking a significant milestone in fostering self-reliance among Nigerian youths.

Speaking at the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja on Monday, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the Director General of NYSC, highlighted the accomplishments of the program.

He revealed that 38,463 corps members have established their own businesses and are thriving as employers of labor, while 11,881 received financial empowerment from collaborating partners.

The Director General also disclosed that 32,402 corps members have undergone training on eight modules focusing on ‘kick-starting my business fundamentals.’ Additionally, 1,100 corps members are set to receive grants from the NNPC Foundation to kick-start their businesses.

Furthermore, Brigadier General Ahmed underscored the role of partnerships with financial institutions and foundations in the success of the program.

Notably, collaborations with Access Bank Plc, Unity Bank, and Wema Bank have facilitated financing for corps members’ businesses.

Despite the program’s successes, the Director General acknowledged challenges such as the need for more capacity-building training, access to markets, and favorable loan conditions. He appealed to stakeholders for continued support to address these challenges.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ngozi Nwatarali, Director of SAED, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in achieving the program’s objectives. She reiterated the role of NYSC SAED in empowering youths to become self-reliant and contribute to national development.

Mrs. Nwatarali expressed confidence in overcoming challenges with the support of stakeholders, affirming that the program aims to eradicate poverty and provide opportunities for business finance and apprenticeship.