By Rotimi Famakin
Embrace the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme put in place by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC to remain self reliant, job providers rather than job seekers.
Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde gave this charge while declaring open the orientation course organized for 2026 batch A stream one corp members deployed to Oyo state at the permanent orientation camp, Iseyin.
Represented by the Director of Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Alhaja Kudirat Mustapha, Governor Makinde said Nigeria’s challenges are real, saying the Corps members are the opportunities the nation relied on.
He urged the Corps members not to see the service year merely as a statutory obligation, but as a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
“I encourage you to embrace the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme wholeheartedly”.
“Acquire skills that will make you self-reliant, innovative, and economically empowered beyond your service year. The future belongs to those who are prepared, and this programme is designed to prepare you for life after NYSC.”
“Develop your leadership skills, and positively impact the communities where you will serve”.
Governor Makinde who said the state remains a domain for rich cultural heritage and hospitality appealed to the Corps members to be good ambassadors of their respective families, institutions, states of origin, and the NYSC scheme.
The governor also urged them to avoid acts capable of tarnishing their image or undermining the objectives of the scheme.
“As you proceed with your mandatory one year national service journey, I charge you to be good ambassadors of your families, institutions, states of origin, and the NYSC scheme. Be disciplined, law-abiding, and respectful of the customs and traditions of your host communities. Avoid acts capable of tarnishing your image or undermining the objectives of the scheme.
In his address, the State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mr Kayode Peters, enjoined the Corps members to take the Orientation Course seriously, and participate in all the three camp activities which he said included paramilitary drills, physical training, citizenship and leadership grooming, among others
“Embarking on a journey along a well-trodden path may seem daunting at first, but every step you take carries significance and purpose”.
“Remember those who have walked this path before you, have left behind wisdom and inspiration paving the way for your own unique journey”.
“I therefore urge you to embrace this privilege of the trail for your personal growth and learning. You stand the chance of leveraging on this rare opportunity to deepen your understanding and refine your skills as many of your peers do not have the opportunity you have.”
Administering the oath of allegiance on the Corps members, the Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima represented by Justice Kareem Adedokun implored the Corps members to abide by the oath of allegiance and contribute to the development of their fatherland.
The event featured the presence of Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola and representatives of military and paramilitary agencies.
Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi
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