NYSC Yobe Flags Off SAED Programme, Charges Corps Members To Embrace Entrepreneurship

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Yobe State has officially flagged off the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II orientation course, marking the commencement of an intensive empowerment initiative for the new intake.

The event, which featured the recital of the NYSC anthem, opened with a welcome address from the Head of SAED, Hajiya Maryam Yahaya. In her remarks, she urged the corps members to remain focused throughout the duration of the training. She emphasized that the skills acquired during the camp are designed to provide a sustainable livelihood long after their mandatory service year.

Representing the Director of SAED, the Yobe State NYSC Coordinator, Dr. Okochi Okpara, officially declared the programme open. In his address, he stressed that the SAED initiative is a strategic response to the changing landscape of the global economy, aiming to equip graduates with practical skills and entrepreneurial capacity.

“The future belongs to those who are prepared,” the Director noted in his speech. “The NYSC believes that every Corps Member should leave service not only with memories, but with the ability to create value, generate income, and contribute meaningfully to society.”

The programme is set to expose participants to critical areas including financial literacy, investment opportunities, and digital learning platforms. Among the highlights mentioned were the Kudimata Youth Capital Market Initiative, the MTN Skills Academy, the NIYA Gigs platform, and the NYSC SME Toolkit, which is mandatory for all corps members at a token fee of N2,500.

Highlighting the importance of digital proficiency, the Director stated, “The future of work worldwide is increasingly digital. Employers, businesses, and industries are seeking people who are digitally compliant, technologically aware, adaptable, and proactive.”

The ceremony also featured a motivational talk by Mubaraq Muhammad Garba, aimed at inspiring the corps members to cultivate a proactive mindset. The event concluded with the official introduction of the Entrepreneurship Development (EDP) lecturers, including Mohammed Amin Suleiman from SMEDAN, who will lead the training sessions.

Corps members were encouraged to engage actively with the facilitators and take full advantage of the networking opportunities present on camp. The SAED In-Camp training is expected to run for the next few days, providing a foundation for the participants to transition into the labor market with confidence and practical expertise.

Mohammed Abubakar is a correspondent with Independent Newspapers.

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