By Isaiah Eka
Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has charged corps members from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to strive to become job creators, rather than job seekers.
Eno gave the advice during the swearing-in ceremony for the NYSC 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members at the orientation camp in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai, Local Government Area on Friday.
The governor, represented by the Director of Administration and Supply in the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Anthony Isunguyo, emphasised the importance of innovation and self-reliance in addressing the challenges of unemployment and economic development.
Eno urged the corps members to jettison the idea of vying for the already limited white-collar jobs after their service year, develop an entrepreneurial mindset and work towards creating jobs for themselves and others.
“I urge you to take full advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and develop an entrepreneurial potential in a world where white-collar jobs are increasingly limited.
“You must position yourselves to become job creators and not job seekers. Let this opportunity ignite the spirit of enterprise and innovation in you.
“My fellow compatriots, you must use this opportunity to shape your future professionally, personally, socially, and culturally,” Eno said.
According to him, becoming job creators would enable the corps members to contribute significantly to the economic growth and development of the state and the country.
The governor advised the corps members to build bridges across ethnicity, religion, and culture in line with the scheme’s mandate and for the unity of the country.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerete Ekanem, congratulated the corps members on their successful completion of their educational pursuits.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, the commissioner charged them to be law-abiding and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state.
In his remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Sam Pepple disclosed that a total of 1,144 corps members were deployed to the state, comprising of 511 males and 633 females.
Pepple thanked the governor for approving the reconstruction of infrastructure in the orientation camp.
The state coordinator said the move would give the facility a facelift and make the environment more conducive for both corps members and staff.
