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Tag: NYSC

  • NYSC members receive training on indigenous language

    NYSC members receive training on indigenous language

    The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has commenced training for National Youth Service Corps members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on how to speak Nigerian indigenous languages.

    The second edition of the programme is being carried out on 2024 Batch A, Stream 2 members, who are currently in camp.

    This is aimed at ensuring that the indigenous languages do not go into extinction.

    Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, said the programme was conceptualized due to the rapid decline in the knowledge and use of indigenous languages, especially among the youths.

    Read Also: Corps members will take services to grassroots through HIRD initiative, says NYSC DG

    Ajiboye, represented by the Director, Orientation and Cultural Affairs, Segun Adegbaju, said: “By acquiring proficiency in these languages (Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba), corps members can interact more efficiently with community residents and improve on their communication skills during community development initiatives and various interactions, thus fostering harmonious coexistence.”

    The Camp Director, 2024 Batch A, Stream 2, Nwaoha Angela, who hailed the initiative, urged the institute to “do a follow up by reaching out to the corps members at their various Community Development Service (CDS) groups, so that it can be sustained.”

    A beneficiary, Alhassan Tellen, said: “I’m interested in learning Igbo, Yoruba and Gbagi. Learning the Gbagi Language would make it easy for me to communicate with the indigenous people of Abuja. I commend NICO for the initiative.”

  • ‘38,433 NYSC members established businesses through SAED programme’

    ‘38,433 NYSC members established businesses through SAED programme’

    The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yu’shau Ahmed, has said 38,433 corps members have established

    businesses through the scheme’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

    Ahmed spoke at the SAED’s stakeholders’ meeting yesterday in Abuja.

    The NYSC boss said the corps members had become employers of labour.

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    He noted that through the programme, which was established 12 years ago, the NYSC had sensitised 3.306 million corps members on entrepreneurship development, with over 565,489 receiving various levels of training.

    Also, Ahmed said 11,881 members were financially empowered by collaborating partners.

    The DG explained that with over 350,000 graduate youths mobilised in its fold annually, NYSC remained the most critical influencer of Nigerian youths as agents of unity, peace, and development.

  • Senate passes NYSC Trust Fund Bill

    Senate passes NYSC Trust Fund Bill

    The Senate yesterday passed a Bill seeking to establish the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund.

    The Bill, among others, seeks to provide a sustainable source of funds for the NYSC, skills acquisition, training and empowerment of corps members, training and retraining of the personnel of the scheme, development of camps and NYSC formations and facilities.

    The Bill was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South).

    During the second readings of the Bill, Adaramodu explained why it was necessary.

    The senator assured fellow Nigerians that it would help to make graduates acquire skills under the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programmes.

    He said the NYSC Trust Fund Bill would also improve the lives of corps members and take care of issues pertaining to their welfare and NYSC personnel.

    Read Also: We will ban issuance of mining licenses to investors without requisite plans – Alake

    “Since the early years of the National Youth Service Corps, which was established in May 1973 – that’s 51 years ago – this is going to be the first attempt at making sure that the Act that established the National Youth Service Corps is dealt with to ensure and afford Nigerians to benefit from why the NYSC was established.

    “The management of the scheme has not only trained and empowered corps members but has instilled patriotism and the spirit of nationalism in corp members since then.

    “The decision to establish the National Youth Service Trust Fund was conceived by some of the stakeholders, including the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration. The idea to establish the trust fund was also strongly supported by civil society organisations (CSOs),” Asaramodu had said.

  • Senate passes NYSC Trust fund Bill

    Senate passes NYSC Trust fund Bill

    The Senate has passed a Bill, which seeks to establish the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund.

    The bill, among others, seeks to provide a sustainable source of funds for the NYSC, skill acquisition, training and empowerment of Corps members, training and retraining of the personnel of the scheme, development of camps and NYSC formations and facilities.

    The Bill was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC – Ekiti South).

    Adaramodu had during the second readings of the Bill stressed the importance of the bill and assured that it will help make graduates acquire skills under the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programmes.

    He noted that the NYSC Trust Fund Bill will ensure the development of Corps members and improve their welfare and personnel of NYSC.

    Read Also: It’s our collective interest to make Tinubu succeed, says Gov. Adeleke

    “The early years of the National Youth Service Corps which was established May 1973, that’s 51 years ago, this is going to be the first attempt at making sure that the Act that established the National Youth Service Corps is dealt with to ensure and afford Nigerians to benefit from why the NYSC was established.

    “The management of the scheme has not only trained and empowered Corps members but has instilled patriotism and the spirit of Nationalism in Corp members since then.

    “The decision to establish the National Youth Service Trust Fund was conceived by some of the stakeholders which includes the 36 state governments and the FCT administration. The idea to establish the trust fund was also strongly supported by Civil Society Organisations,” he said.

  • Students protest accident involving NYSC-bound student

    Students protest accident involving NYSC-bound student

    • Business, vehicular movement paralysed

    Students of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, yesterday obstructed vehicular movement on Aba-Owerri road in Aba North Local Government.

    They protested the accident involving a female student, identified as Ogechi Mary Ezekiel, near the school gate.

    While sources said she was dead, another account had it that she was not dead, but lying critically at hospital.

    The students, who carried placards, said they had urged past and present governments to erect bumps on the road, near the school, to prevent reckless driving.

    They said reckless drivers had on several occasions knocked down their colleagues and polytechnic workers.

    Our correspondent, who visited the accident scene, reports that fact available had it that the female student had lost a lot of blood before those who identified her as a student of the school took her to a private hospital.

    The Nation learnt that the Aba-Owerri road and adjoining streets were barricaded by the students for over three hours, causing gridlock on some of the alternative routes, including Okigwe, Eziukwu and Osusu roads, forcing commuters to trek long distances to their destinations.

    Read Also: In defence of NYSC skills acquisition programme

    Business and academic activities at the time of our reporter’s visit were grounded by the student’s peaceful protest.

    A source, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent that the students took to the streets, demanding to be addressed by Governor Alex Otti with a promise to erect speed breaker on the road, to prevent recurrence.

    “The documents she had with her showed that she was a student of Accounts Department and was in the school ahead of their mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.”

    The gateman at the hospital did not allow our correspondent entry into the premises.

    The President, Student Union Government (SUG), Edwin Chijioke, said “this is the second time the school will be losing its own to reckless driving.”

    He lamented that the hospital had remained mum over the true condition of the accident victim, “as the management of the hospital are yet to give us the true position of the health of the student.”

    Aba Police Area Commander, the management of the school and the student leadership were at a crucial meeting at press time.

  • In defence of NYSC skills acquisition programme

    In defence of NYSC skills acquisition programme

    SIR: Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), an acronym for the NYSC program established in 2012, was designed to tackle the pervasive issue of unemployment, a significant challenge confronting Nigerian youths and graduates today. This issue has become a matter of national concern as some of our most educated and dynamic individuals are not actively contributing to economic and social development.

    The SAED program was charged with raising awareness among corps members about the realities of the Nigerian job market. By offering foundational entrepreneurship training and practical skills, it aimed to empower them to consider the possibilities of self-employment or initiating their own businesses.

    Many corps members harbour disdain for the program, often attributing it to the lengthy duration of both the lectures and practical sessions. During our orientation camp, the program ran daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., spanning a full five hours. In the classroom, it was common to observe corps members dozing off, engrossed in their smartphones, displaying signs of fatigue, or engaging in other forms of unserious behaviour.

    To me, that period was the highlight of the orientation camp. I gained invaluable knowledge, particularly during the lecture delivered by an official from the National Directorate of Employment following the distribution of the guidebook titled “Starting My Own Small Business: Participant’s Workbook.” This lecture served as a pivotal and transformative moment for anyone who was responsible and attentive.

    We were imparted with comprehensive insights into the intricacies of establishing a formal business in Nigeria, along with the diverse opportunities available across various sectors. Additionally, we learned about the avenues through which one could secure grants or loans from government agencies tasked with that responsibility or from commercial banks to facilitate business expansion.

    Many individuals who had successfully leveraged these opportunities were invited to deliver practical lectures, and they did so with professionalism and expertise. Their first-hand experiences served as invaluable lessons for us, providing practical insights and guidance on how to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape effectively.

    Prior to attending the camp, I already had a business idea, and I was working diligently towards realizing it. However, attending the SAED classes further ignited and encouraged my efforts. As a result, I recently took the step to register my business with the Corporate Affairs Commission, spurred on by the confidence and insights gained from the SAED program.

    Read Also: NYSC DG to corps members: Don’t waste your time seeking relocation

    With the assistance of the SAED program, four corps members were able to secure a total of N2.3 million in grants. Among the 90 corps members who submitted their business plans, seven were selected to present their proposals to officials from WEMA Bank, as well as fellow corps members and other NYSC officials. Ultimately, four corps members emerged as grant recipients, with amounts awarded as follows: N800,000, N700,000, N600,000, and N200,000, respectively. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of the SAED program in fostering entrepreneurship and facilitating financial empowerment among corps members.

    I believe that the prevalent laziness among many youths today contributes negatively to their disdain for the SAED program. Several corps members have expressed to me that they consider it the most “boring” aspect of the orientation camp. However, personally, I find the parade to be the most tedious part of the camp. This is because I lack any passion for becoming an army or paramilitary officer, which diminishes my enthusiasm for the parade activities.

    Absolutely, the blame should not be placed on the NYSC SAED program itself. Instead, it is the laziness and lack of foresight among many of our youth and graduates that hinder their appreciation of this valuable opportunity. The SAED program serves as a platform to showcase talents and acquire knowledge that can be instrumental in thriving during and after the NYSC program. It is essential for us to seize this opportunity and make the most of it, as it may only come once in a lifetime.

    • Ammar Muhammad Rajab, Kano.
  • NYSC DG to corps members: Don’t waste your time seeking relocation

    NYSC DG to corps members: Don’t waste your time seeking relocation

    The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed has urged corps members to be prepared to serve in any part of the country they were deployed for their one year mandatory service.

    He cautioned them against seeking redeployment but to rather settle down and contribute their quota to the growth and development of their state of deployment.

    Addressing Batch A Stream 1 corps members during their cultural carnival in Anambra State orientation camp, the DG who was in the camp on the spot assessment visit, also urged corps members to take their security seriously.

    He said, “I urge you to respect the culture and traditions of your host community. Remain peaceful and resilient as you add value to the community you’re posted to. I’m sure many of you will choose to remain here after your service.

    “Also take your security seriously. Take time to read the instructions in your manual and abide by them accordingly. Your security is our concern, but no one can secure you more than yourself.”

    While underscoring the importance of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development of the Scheme, Ahmed urged corps members to take advantage of the programme to become not just self-reliant, but job and wealth creators after their service year.

    “Skills acquisition is designed to make you independent, self-reliant and productive. Federal government is out to ensure youths are supported and empowered so they can stand on their own.

    “Thousands of your predecessors who maximized the opportunity are now independent. Many enjoyed several such government support in collaboration with private organisations, including soft loans provided at no interest.”

    The NYSC boss who was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Dike Ora I of Umuawulu by Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, traditional ruler of the community housing the camp, urged corps members to respect the culture and traditions of their host communities.

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    “When I was informed about the chieftaincy title, I didn’t hesitate because that’s exactly what the NYSC is preaching, unity and oneness, respect of our diverse and rich cultures.

    “The states are doing their best, but we’ll continue to partner with them to ensure camp facilities, especially the halls receive a facelift to accommodate the increasing number of corps members being churned out annually.

    Earlier, State Coordinator, NYSC, Mrs Blessing Iruma appreciated the DG for the choice of Anambra to be among the camps to be visited.

    She listed some benefits of the Cultural Carnival to include exposing the Nigerian youths to rich cultural diversities and language of the country as well as collapsing all forms of social, gender, religious barriers and extending the hands of fellowship across the cultural groups.

  • NYSC DG to corps members: no room for relocation

    NYSC DG to corps members: no room for relocation

    The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed has urged corps members to be prepared to serve in any part of the country they were deployed for their one year mandatory service. 

    He cautioned them against seeking for redeployment but to rather settle down and contribute their quota to the growth and development of their state of deployment.

    Addressing Batch A Stream 1 corps members during their cultural carnival in Anambra State orientation camp, the DG who was in the camp on the spot assessment visit, also urged corps members to take their security seriously.

    He said: “I urge you to respect the culture and traditions of your host community. Remain peaceful and resilient as you add value to the community you’re posted to. I’m sure many of you will choose to remain here after your service.

    Read Also: NYSC lauds Bayelsa corps members for discipline, comportment

    “Also take your security seriously. Take time to read the instructions in your manual and abide by them accordingly. Your security is our concern, but no one can secure you more than yourself.”

    Underscoring the importance of skill acquisition and entrepreneurial development of the Scheme, Ahmed urged corps members to take advantage of the programme to become not just self reliant, but job and wealth creators after their service year.

    “Skills acquisition is designed to make you independent, self reliance and productive. Federal government is out to ensure youths are supported and empowered so they can stand on their own. 

    “Thousands of your predecessors who maximize the opportunity are now independent. Many enjoyed several of such government support in collaboration with private organizations, including soft loans provided at no interest.”

    The NYSC boss, who was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Dike Ora I of Umuawulu by Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, traditional ruler of the community housing the camp, urged corps members to respect the culture and traditions of their host communities.

    “When I was informed about the chieftaincy title, I didn’t hesitate because that’s exactly what the NYSC is preaching, unity and oneness, respect of our diverse and rich cultures. 

    “The states are doing their best, but we’ll continue to partner with them to ensure camp facilities, especially the halls receive facelift to accommodate increasing number of corps members being chunrned out annually.”

  • Wema Bank signs MoU with NYSC on youth empowerment

    Wema Bank signs MoU with NYSC on youth empowerment

    In what many have applauded as a life changing opportunity for members of the National Youth Corps Service (NYSC), Wema Bank has joined forces with the Corps to launch the NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Programme; a strategic partnership to enable smooth and profitable entry into the labour market for young Nigerians on the scheme.

    The NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Programme is an initiative targeted at equipping youth under the NYSC, with resources for skill acquisition, job acquisition and career development, to reduce unemployment and underemployment rates, thereby stimulating economic performance and national development.

    This partnership was officially unveiled at the Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] signing ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria.

    The pioneering programme will empower NYSC members with grants and funding to help them build sustainable streams of income, and provide cutting-edge digital training in areas such as design thinking, artificial intelligence, programming languages, and content creation, in collaboration with Microsoft. Participants will also access mentorship opportunities and undergo a business plan competition to not only help them curate the perfect business plan but also substantially reward the best ideas that foster entrepreneurship and job creation; additionally providing loans for all participants.

    Read Also: 2,000 Corps members for Batch ‘A’ Stream one orientation in Oyo – NYSC

    In his address, Mr. Tunde Mabawonku, Wema Bank’s Executive Director of Retail and Digital highlighted the essence of the groundbreaking partnership. “Wema Bank, with 79 years of financial inclusion, is committed to empowering lives through innovation. This partnership with NYSC is a platform for the growth and development of Nigerian youths, intertwining digital technology with daily life and driving economic growth. Our vision is to provide the youth with tools that will accompany them beyond their service year, shaping their career and adult life,” he said.

    Mr. Ayodele Folorunsho Omotade, representing the Director-General of NYSC, expressed gratitude to Wema Bank for their support and commitment to driving the programme.

    “This MOU signifies our combined efforts towards wealth creation and the economic advancement of Nigerian youth. With Wema Bank’s support, we look forward to opening up career opportunities for our members and contributing to the development of a digitally skilled workforce,” he added.

  • 2,000 Corps members for Batch ‘A’ Stream one orientation in Oyo – NYSC

    2,000 Corps members for Batch ‘A’ Stream one orientation in Oyo – NYSC

    No fewer than 2,000 prospective corps members deployed to Oyo State are expected to participate in the Orientation Course for the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream one.

    The orientation course for Corps members deployed to the State for their one-year mandatory national service commenced from Thursday February 15- Wednesday March 6, 2024 at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ogbakuta, Off Okeho Road, Iseyin.

    A statement by the Assistant Director,Press and Public Relations Unit for Oyo NYSC, Olatoye Christy stated that the swearing-in ceremony of the orientation exercise comes up on Tuesday at the same venue bt 10:00am. 

    According to the statement, Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to preside over the ceremony while the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima will administer the Oath of Allegiance on the prospective corps members. 

    Read Also: Edo 2024: INEC seeks NYSC support towards credible election

    She said: “The Orientation Course is the first in the series of the NYSC Cardinal programmes. During this programme, prospective Corps members are  equipped with the practical, social and leadership skills that will enable them meet the challenges of the service year.

    “They will also be subjected to paramilitary drills and receive lectures on topical national issues in order to make them amenable to national interest. 

    “The NURTW are hereby enjoined to encourage their members to be nice to these prospective corps members and not exploit them. The security operatives are equally implored to ensure the manning of the road leading to Iseyin so as to be able to forestall any security breach.”