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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, has lauded the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its wisdom in introducing skills acquisition training for youth corps members in the country.
He made the commendation yesterday, during the opening/swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream One orientation course at NYSC permanent orientation camp, Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.
Otti said the introduction of the skills acquisition and entrepreneurial training into the orientation course content aligns with his administration’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
“This training will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to start your own businesses and contribute to the economic development of our state and the nation at large.
“With the current monthly allowance of ₦77, 000 and the monthly stipend, which your places of primary assignment will pay you, I urge you to manage your finances effectively. Allocate funds wisely, prioritise savings, and explore opportunities for business funding that NYSC provides for you during the service year,” Otti stated.
Otti disclosed that his administration was planning payment of monthly stipend to the corps members, especially those that would be posted to government establishments.
He urged the corps members to be mindful of the security situation of the country as they move about during their service year. The NYSC coordinator in Abia State, Mrs. Gladys Adama, said the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme of the scheme was introduced based limited availability of white-collar jobs, especially for Nigerian graduates.
The goal of the NYSC through the SAED, she said, was to empower Nigerian graduates during the service year to become skilled and avoid depending on government jobs that are not readily available.
“It is the dream of our Director General that every corps member will learn at least two skills before the end of the service year and become better equipped for the labour market,” she stated.
Justice C.U Okoroafor, who represented the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Lilian Abai, later administered the oath of allegiance on the corps members.
