By Talatu Maiwada
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri has urged Corps members to embrace the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to gain skills and achieve self-reliance.
Fintiri made the call during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C, Stream 2 Corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Damare, on Friday in Yola.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Edgar Amos, the governor encouraged Corps members to take full advantage of the programme, emphasising its potential to unlock their capabilities and secure a brighter future.
“With over a million Corps members already empowered through the SAED programme, its impact is certainly remarkable.
“The programme offers valuable skills, start-up capital, and business incentives to help you thrive as entrepreneurs.
“By participating in SAED, you not only gain knowledge and skills but also join a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and change-makers,” he said.
Fintiri assured the Corps members of their safety in the state and advised them to remain vigilant and adhere to personal security tips provided by experts in the camp.
Mr Ateli Samson, the NYSC State Coordinator, commended the governor’s dedication to Corps members’ welfare, with the recent increase in their monthly allowance from N10,000 to N20,000.
He also affirmed the NYSC’s continued involvement in the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) programme, aimed at promoting digital literacy in schools across all local government areas.
Samson mentioned the scheme’s contribution to the National Tree Planting Campaign, revealing that five hectares of land had been acquired from the Ministry of Environment for tree planting and afforestation initiatives.
Mr Wali Yakubu, Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, welcomed the Corps members to the state and encouraged them to actively participate in camp activities while adhering to the law.
He emphasised the significance of the SAED programme, noting its provision of credit facilities and soft loans to deserving Corps members to help establish businesses and become employers of labour.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
