NYSC and SMEDAN Deepen Collaboration to Empower Corps Members Nationwide
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to enhance the empowerment of corps members across the country. This collaboration is designed to bolster Nigeria's economic development through entrepreneurial initiatives.
Partnership Yields Tangible Economic Benefits
Speaking during a courtesy visit by SMEDAN's Director-General, Dr. Charles Odii, in Abuja, the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, highlighted the significant economic impact of the partnership. He emphasized that NYSC programmes are crafted to foster national unity, integration, and socio-economic advancement.
Nafiu stated, "SMEDAN is a key partner of the NYSC because it has helped in birthing corps businesses that are contributing to Nigeria's gross domestic product, thereby boosting the national economy." He noted that this collaboration has already yielded tangible benefits, supporting thousands of corps members in establishing sustainable businesses.
SAED Programme Remains a Top Priority
The NYSC chief commended SMEDAN's extensive impact across various value chains, including entrepreneurship advocacy, financial literacy, skills acquisition, and access to funding. He added that the scheme will continue to prioritize the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
Efforts are underway to strengthen linkages with relevant financial institutions to improve corps entrepreneurs' access to loans and grants. These initiatives aim to ensure that corps members are better equipped to become self-reliant and job creators after completing their national service.
SMEDAN Proposes Review of MoU and Enhanced Awareness
Earlier in the meeting, SMEDAN Director-General, Dr. Charles Odii, stressed the need to review the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies. This review is intended to further enhance the empowerment of corps members with practical business skills and tools.
Odii disclosed that SMEDAN currently supports over 39 million small businesses across Nigeria. He proposed the creation of a dedicated NYSC Community Development Service group to increase public awareness of the agency's programmes and initiatives.
Early Business Orientation for Corps Members
Describing SMEDAN as the Federal Government's apex institution for small business development, Odii outlined its mandate, which covers job creation, poverty reduction, and industrial growth. He emphasized that NYSC remains a strategic partner in achieving these critical goals.
Odii explained, "Right from the orientation camp, we want corps members to become business development service providers." He also revealed that SMEDAN is prepared to train NYSC officials in skills that could enable them to become business owners after retirement, further extending the partnership's benefits.
This strengthened collaboration between NYSC and SMEDAN underscores a concerted effort to harness the potential of Nigeria's youth for national economic advancement, focusing on entrepreneurship and sustainable business development.
