By Onyeje Abutu-Joel
The Benue Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps, Mrs Veronica Garba has charged the Batch ‘B’ stream 1 corps members deployed to the state to use the knowledge and skills gained from the SAED programme to improve themselves and the country’s economic growth.
The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme was introduced in to NYSC orientation course content to equip corps members with requisite skills and entrepreneurial experience to address post service unemployment.
In a keynote address during the closing ceremony of a week long intensive training on Friday in Wannune, Garba who was represented by the camp Director, Mr Edwin Ughanze urged corps members not to abandon the acquired skills from the SAED training.
He pointed out that knowledge without skills leads nowhere, adding that it was that reality that inspired the NYSC to introduce SAED programme to promote the vision of “one man, one skill; one woman, one skill.”
“Skill is the answer to unemployment and the pathway to technological advancement we are looking for so if every Nigerian possesses a skill, I am confident our nation will surpass countries like China.
“During this training, NYSC has shown corps members the path to wealth, a better Nigeria, and a brighter future so I urge participants to leverage the training for their benefits and the growth of the country.
He lamented that some corps members refused to take the training seriously forgetting that success required sacrifices.
However, he assured them that they still had the opportunity to get started with off-camp training after leaving the camp.
“For those who did not take the training seriously, I encourage them to start even after camp as they still have the opportunity.
“For those who actively participated in the training, I encourage you to continue following this path until you perfect your skills”, he advised.
Speaking earlier, the Assistant Director and Head of SAED in Benue, Mr James Simput commended the corps members for their commitment and creativity.
While commending the corps members for their active participation and the quality of works displayed during the exhibition and competition, Simput expressed pride in their achievements
He encouraged them to leverage on the skills acquired during the programme to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
The event featured an exhibition and a SAED competition, where corps members showcased their creativity and innovations across various fields, including ICT, solar generation, agro-allied, fashion design, photography, make-up and various crafts.
