Posted by Chinenye on Wed 15th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
A message of self-reliance has been delivered to corps members in Akwa Ibom as leaders push for a shift in mindset after national service.
(Umo Eno. Photo credit: Ripples Nigeria)
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has called on National Youth Service Corps members posted to the state to embrace entrepreneurship rather than depend on scarce white-collar employment after completing their national service.
According to the governor, acquiring entrepreneurial skills would better equip young graduates to become employers of labour and attain financial independence.
He made this call on Tuesday while declaring open the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers' Workshop in Uyo, themed "Fine-Tuning Stakeholders' Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members' Welfare Experience."
The governor was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem.
Eno urged corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that Nigeria's expanding population coupled with limited resources makes self-employment an increasingly vital option.
"Today, being an employer of labour, an entrepreneur pays better than a white collar job. Corps members must thrive to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
We are in a society where the population keeps increasing while we have limited resources, so I strongly commend the SAED scheme of the NYSC which is aimed at making our young people become employers and independent rather than job seekers," Eno said.
The governor also praised corps members serving in Akwa Ibom for their dedication and contributions toward the state's development, calling on employers and other stakeholders to deepen collaboration aimed at improving their service experience.
"Let me specifically commend the corps members posted to Akwa Ibom State for their commitment, loyalty and dedication to service. Yesterday, a Corps Member who served at the Comprehensive Secondary School, Okobo, received the State Award for Excellence.
Let this serve as encouragement to all corps members serving in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria," he said.
In his keynote address, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, described corps employers as key partners in the success of the scheme.
Nafiu, represented by the Director of NYSC South-South Area Office II, Mr Godfrey Nwaje, urged employers to provide corps members with supportive work environments, quality mentorship, and adequate welfare packages.
He also reminded employers of their obligations, which include providing accommodation or accommodation allowances, transport support, healthcare, security, and opportunities for corps members to participate in Community Development Service and other official NYSC programmes.
"We must continue to foster workplaces that are respectful, supportive and free from all forms of discrimination, exploitation, harassment and abuse," he said.
Nafiu expressed optimism that the workshop would produce practical recommendations aimed at strengthening partnerships and improving the welfare of corps members nationwide.
Earlier at the event, the Akwa Ibom State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Ngozi Akuagbaogu, explained that the annual workshop was designed to strengthen collaboration between the scheme, corps employers, and other stakeholders, while also addressing emerging issues affecting corps administration.
She added that the forum would offer an opportunity to evaluate existing efforts, identify challenges, and develop strategies to enhance the welfare, productivity, and overall service experience of corps members.
The NYSC's SAED programme was introduced to equip corps members with vocational and business skills, promoting self-employment amid rising unemployment and the shrinking availability of white-collar jobs in Nigeria.