The Ondo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, has encouraged corps members to explore opportunities beyond paid employment as they prepare for life after national service.
She gave this charge at the NYSC Zonal Office in Akure while addressing the 2024 Batch 'A' (Stream II) corps members ahead of their passing-out ceremony.
Bakare emphasized the importance of job creation and self-reliance through the Job Awareness Creation (JAC) programme, noting that those making significant strides in the business world are often individuals who leverage their creativity and acquired skills, rather than those solely dependent on salaried jobs.
She urged the corps members to utilize the skills gained from the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to become employers of labor and create opportunities for others.
Highlighting available support systems, Bakare disclosed that NYSC, in collaboration with financial institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and other commercial banks, offers loans, grants, and technical assistance to help corps members navigate the evolving business landscape.
Encouraging them to embrace the SAED initiative, she noted that it has played a vital role in reducing unemployment and assured them that NYSC remains committed to providing an enabling environment for both serving and former corps members to achieve their aspirations.
Earlier, the Assistant Director of SAED, Pastor (Mrs.) Jennifer Funmilola Dawodu, reminded corps members of the impact of the program, which had been instilled in them since the orientation camp.
She urged them to capitalize on the knowledge and skills acquired to establish themselves as business owners and industry leaders.
“You have been equipped at every stage to become job creators rather than job seekers. The skills you have gained are sufficient to make you self-reliant after your service year. I encourage you to build your future on this foundation,” she said.
The event featured speakers who provided insights on job preparation, interview strategies, and standing out in a competitive job market. Corps members were also educated on the use of job portals for employment opportunities and warned to remain cautious of fraudulent job offers online.
Additionally, motivational speakers prepared them for potential challenges in the larger society, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in achieving success.
The corps members expressed gratitude for the valuable insights shared, describing the Job Awareness Creation programme as a timely and eye-opening initiative that would help them transition smoothly into post-service life while making meaningful contributions to society.
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