NYSC and SMEDAN Forge Stronger Alliance to Boost Youth Entrepreneurship
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to deepen its strategic partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to empower Corps members with essential business skills and resources. This renewed commitment aims to enhance the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which has already trained thousands of young Nigerians to launch sustainable enterprises across the country.
High-Level Meeting in Abuja Reinforces Collaboration
During a recent visit in Abuja, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu welcomed SMEDAN Director-General Dr Charles Odii, highlighting the critical role of SMEDAN as a key stakeholder in youth development. Nafiu emphasized that the partnership aligns with NYSC's mission to foster national unity and socio-economic growth through innovative policies and programmes.
Nafiu stated: "SMEDAN is a vital partner for NYSC, as it has been instrumental in nurturing Corps businesses that contribute significantly to Nigeria's gross domestic product and overall economic vitality."
Expanding Impact Through Enhanced Programmes
The NYSC DG praised SMEDAN for its extensive work in entrepreneurship advocacy, financial literacy training, skills acquisition, and facilitating access to funding. He confirmed that NYSC will continue to prioritize the SAED programme and strengthen connections with financial institutions to ensure Corps entrepreneurs have improved access to loans and grants.
In response, Dr Odii stressed the importance of reviewing the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies to further empower Corps members with business tools and expertise. He revealed that SMEDAN currently supports over 39 million small businesses in Nigeria and proposed establishing a dedicated NYSC Community Development Service group to raise public awareness of SMEDAN's initiatives.
Strategic Goals for National Development
Dr Odii described SMEDAN as the Federal Government's primary institution for small business development, with mandates focused on job creation, poverty reduction, and industrial growth. He emphasized that NYSC remains a strategic ally in achieving these national objectives.
Dr Odii explained: "From the Orientation Camp onwards, we aim to transform Corps members into business development service providers. Additionally, SMEDAN is prepared to train NYSC officials on skills that can enable them to become business owners after retirement."
This strengthened partnership underscores a shared vision to equip Nigerian youth with the entrepreneurial capabilities needed to drive economic progress and sustainable development.
