The Ogun State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Omolabake Frances Adewuyi, declared the programme open at the permanent orientation camp within the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu. The programme aims to equip corps members with skills to create their own opportunities and become self-reliant. The Acting Director of SAED, Mrs. Winifred Shokpeka, emphasized that the exercise is more than a routine camp activity, but a journey that can redefine the future of the corps members.
The NYSC management believes in the potential of the youth and SAED exists to help them discover their strengths, sharpen abilities, and build a future anchored on self-reliance, innovation, enterprise, and wealth creation. Many past corps members who embraced the programme are now business owners, creators of wealth, and employers of labour. The Acting Director encouraged the new set of corps members to approach the programme with seriousness, commitment, and an open mind.
The corps members will be exposed to entrepreneurship, practical skills, financial literacy, and real pathways to earning and growing. They will also learn about the Kudimata Youth Capital Market Initiative, described as "the REAL MMM: Make money, Manage money, and Multiply money." The Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) will deliver training in career readiness.
The NYSC has introduced a new digital platform, the NYSC SME Toolkit, which is compulsory for every corps member to sign up for a token fee of ₦2,500. The toolkit is described as "your personal business school for the entire service year." Thirty corps members will receive grants of ₦2,000,000 each, based on their performance on the platform.
The ceremony was attended by top officials from the Momas TVET Centre for Electro-Technology (MTVETC), who encouraged the corps members to embrace the SAED programme. The programme was introduced into the NYSC orientation course in March 2012. The SAED programme is part of the NYSC's efforts to empower corps members with skills and knowledge to become self-reliant.
The Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Omolabake Adewuyi, advised the corps members to identify areas that align with their interests and abilities, making effective use of the training, mentorship, and practical exposure provided through the programme. The ceremony marked the commencement of SAED activities for the 2026 Batch 'C' Stream 1 Corps Members in Ogun State.
The programme will provide corps members with practical knowledge that can positively shape their economic future. The NYSC SME Toolkit will serve as a resource for corps members to develop their business skills and access opportunities for growth. The SAED programme is a key component of the NYSC's orientation course, aimed at empowering corps members to become self-reliant and contribute to the country's economic development.
Key points
- The NYSC has introduced a new digital platform, the NYSC SME Toolkit, to support corps members in developing their business skills.
- Thirty corps members will receive grants of ₦2,000,000 each, based on their performance on the NYSC SME Toolkit.
- The SAED programme aims to equip corps members with skills to create their own opportunities and become self-reliant.
