By Chukwuka Ugokwe :
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State had flagged off the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme
The event was staged at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area.
The nine-day programme aims to equip Corps Members with essential skills to become self-reliant and significantly contribute to the national gross domestic product.
Speaking at the ceremony, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Blessing Ekene Iruma, encouraged Corps Members to key into the SAED initiative and move away from the pursuit of non-existent white-collar jobs.

“This is a clarion call for you to see the light. Do not wait for non-existent white-collar jobs,” she stated.
Mrs. Iruma also highlighted the requirement to follow SAED training both on-camp and post-camp to qualify for grants.
She urged Corps Members to strive to become job creators and not job seekers, contributing positively to the national GDP.
Iruma, also read address of Mr. Kehinde Aremu, Director, SAED of NYSC Headquarters, Abuja,. who bemoaned the large number of graduates in Nigeria without corresponding job opportunities.
While emphasizing that SAED was created as a platform to facilitate young graduates’ access to means of self-reliance, he tasked Corps Members to imbibe the ‘One Corps Member, Two Skills’ initiative of the NYSC.
Earlier in a welcome address, Augustine Ogiator, Head of the SAED Committee. emphasized the strategic importance of the SAED programme and noted the willingness of Corps Members to participate actively.
Chinenye Jennifer Onugwu from Farm Right Express Ltd Awka also delivered an impactful motivational talk during the event.
She stressed the importance of self-reliance, stating, “No one is coming to save you but you can only save yourself. If you don’t get involved in SAED, you may find yourself broke during your service year.”
She concluded by emphasizing that embracing skill acquisition and adding value to society would result in financial rewards.
The event also featured a drama playlet by Corps SAED influencers, illustrating the importance of the SAED programme.
Mrs. Philomena Umenduka from the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) also spoke on the Entrepreneurship Development programme, providing further insights into the benefits of skill acquisition and entrepreneurship.
The flag-off of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II SAED programme marks the beginning of an intensive and transformative nine-day training session.
With the combined efforts of the NYSC, trainers, motivational speakers and enthusiastic participation from Corps Members, the programme promises to equip young graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for self-reliance and national development, ultimately boosting the national GDP.