- NYSC Director-General Brig. Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu has encouraged corps members to embrace entrepreneurship and build multiple income streams, saying they should not look down on businesses such as selling akara.
- He also promised improvements to corps members’ welfare, pledged to discuss state allowances with the Kogi Government and directed that corps members should no longer be posted to private organisations that fail to provide accommodation or stipends.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has advised corps members to embrace entrepreneurship and develop multiple streams of income instead of relying solely on their monthly allowance. He urged them not to underestimate small businesses such as the popular akara trade, saying humble ventures can grow into life-changing enterprises.
Speaking during a working visit to the NYSC Kogi State Secretariat, Nafiu encouraged corps members to identify problems in society and create solutions that can generate sustainable income. He stressed that there is dignity in labour and urged them to take advantage of Nigeria’s large population by exploring legitimate business opportunities.
“I urge you to identify market needs, develop solutions, and create multiple streams of income instead of relying solely on monthly allowances,” he said.
Using the widely discussed akara business as an example, the NYSC DG said corps members should never look down on small-scale businesses, adding that many successful entrepreneurs started from humble beginnings. He also advised them to remain innovative, focused and prudent in managing their monthly allowance.
Nafiu further disclosed that he would engage the Kogi State Government over the issue of state allowances. He also directed the Kogi State Coordinator to stop posting corps members to private establishments that neither provide accommodation nor pay stipends.
“Corps members are to be mentored and equipped with relevant skills at their places of primary assignment rather than being subjected to exploitation,” he stated.
The NYSC boss also announced plans to improve corps members’ welfare, including increased transportation support to orientation camps, better feeding arrangements and improved NYSC kits from next year. He commended members of staff for their dedication and assured them that management would continue to prioritise their welfare.
