AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has encouraged Corps members to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme while on camp in a bid to be self sufficient.
SAED is designed to equip young Nigerian graduates with additional value beyond educational certification.
While addressing Corps members during his visit to the Oyo State NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin, the Minister expressed satisfaction and joy to be in their midst, describing them as the future of the country.
He asserted that the youths are a formidable team noting that their resourcefulness gives them steady ground to determine what best to do at any time and in any situation.
Also, Olawande applauded the Corps members for their comportment and discipline. He admonished them to take the orientation and the SAED programmes seriously, pledging start up capital for top five outstanding Corps members after the SAED training.
He encouraged them to believe in themselves and show that they are ready to partner with the government to move the country to an enviable height.
He donated N1.5 million and one cow to the 10 platoons in the camp and lauded the officials for a job well.
The Minister said he believed strongly in the potentials of the Corps members because they are still in their youthful age and with their contributions we can have the Nigeria of our dreams noting that the Ministry is working on ways where young people will be able to learn basic entrepreneurial skills online at no cost and get more startups benefits.
He assured them that the current administration is working hard to ensure Nigeria becomes a better place and a land of opportunities where every young person will be able to live their dreams.
The minister said he believed that NYSC still has a lot to achieve especially in the area of youth development and what the scheme really needs is reforms in order to make great impact.
According to him, the NYSC Trust Fund bill that was recently passed by the National Assembly will go a long way in the reorganization of the NYSC Scheme and the welfare of every Corps member will be well taken care of even after exiting the scheme through start up grants and other benefits.
