Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged National Youth Service Corps members posted to the state to shift their focus from the pursuit of scarce white-collar jobs to entrepreneurship, declaring that being an employer of labour offers greater financial rewards than traditional salaried employment. The governor made the call on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, while declaring open the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers' Workshop in Uyo, themed "Fine-Tuning Stakeholders' Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members' Welfare Experience." Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, Eno emphasised that acquiring entrepreneurial skills would better position young graduates to become employers of labour and achieve financial independence in an economy where formal jobs are increasingly difficult to secure.
The governor's remarks struck a chord with the corps members and stakeholders present, as he underscored the economic realities facing Nigeria's growing population. "Today, being an employer of labour, an entrepreneur pays better than a white collar job. Corps members must thrive to become employers of labour rather than job seekers," Eno declared. He further explained that Nigeria's expanding population, coupled with limited resources, makes self-employment not just an option but a necessity for young graduates. "We are in a society where the population keeps increasing while we have limited resources, so I strongly commend the SAED scheme of the NYSC which is aimed at making our young people become employers and independent rather than job seekers," he said. The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, which the governor praised, was introduced by the NYSC to equip corps members with vocational and business skills, encouraging self-employment amid rising unemployment and the shrinking availability of white-collar jobs.
Eno also took time to commend corps members serving in Akwa Ibom State for their dedication and contributions to the state's development, urging employers and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration to improve their service experience. "Let me specifically commend the corps members posted to Akwa Ibom State for their commitment, loyalty and dedication to service. Yesterday, a Corps Member who served at the Comprehensive Secondary School, Okobo, received the State Award for Excellence. Let this serve as encouragement to all corps members serving in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria," he said. The governor's recognition of outstanding corps members was seen as a morale booster for the young graduates who are navigating the challenges of national service while preparing for life after the scheme.
The workshop, which attracted a broad cross-section of stakeholders, also featured a keynote address by the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, who was represented by the Director of NYSC South-South Area Office II, Mr Godfrey Nwaje. Nafiu described corps employers as critical partners in the success of the scheme and urged them to provide corps members with supportive work environments, quality mentorship, and adequate welfare packages. He reminded employers of their statutory responsibilities, which include providing accommodation or accommodation allowance, transport support, healthcare, security, and opportunities for corps members to participate in Community Development Service and other official NYSC activities. "We must continue to foster workplaces that are respectful, supportive and free from all forms of discrimination, exploitation, harassment and abuse," Nafiu said, expressing optimism that the workshop would generate practical recommendations to strengthen partnerships and enhance the welfare of corps members across the country.
Earlier, the Akwa Ibom State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Ngozi Akuagbaogu, explained that the annual workshop was designed to strengthen collaboration between the scheme, corps employers, and other stakeholders while addressing emerging issues affecting corps administration. She added that the forum would provide an opportunity to assess existing efforts, identify challenges, and develop strategies to improve the welfare, productivity, and overall service experience of corps members. The SAED programme, which the governor strongly endorsed, has been a cornerstone of the NYSC's efforts to combat youth unemployment by equipping corps members with practical skills in areas such as agriculture, fashion design, information technology, and other vocations that enable them to become self-reliant after service.
Governor Eno's call for corps members to embrace entrepreneurship over white-collar jobs is consistent with his administration's broader economic agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment and job creation. The governor, who is himself a successful entrepreneur and one of the largest employers of labour in Akwa Ibom State, has often shared his personal journey from humble beginnings to business success as a testament to the power of enterprise. His administration has launched several initiatives aimed at nurturing new business leaders, including the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme, which has supported hundreds of young entrepreneurs across the state. The governor's message to corps members reflects a growing recognition that Nigeria's future prosperity depends on a generation of young people who are willing to create jobs rather than compete for increasingly scarce ones.
The NYSC Corps Employers' Workshop, now in its 2026 edition, has become an important platform for dialogue between the scheme, employers, and government officials on ways to improve the welfare and productivity of corps members. This year's theme, "Fine-Tuning Stakeholders' Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members' Welfare Experience," reflects a shared commitment to addressing the challenges that corps members face during their service year and ensuring that they are adequately supported to contribute meaningfully to national development. As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism that the recommendations generated would lead to tangible improvements in the welfare and service experience of corps members across Nigeria, while Governor Eno's powerful message on entrepreneurship is expected to resonate with corps members long after they complete their service.
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