Five members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been awarded business grants totaling over N3.2 million to support their entrepreneurial ventures. This initiative aims to encourage self-reliance and tackle the growing issue of unemployment among young graduates in Nigeria.
The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, made the announcement in a statement released by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, on Sunday.
Ahmed noted that his administration remains committed to collaborating with partners willing to empower corps members and foster self-employment opportunities.
He reiterated his commitment to reducing unemployment as outlined in his five-point policy thrust. According to him, “no effort will be spared in addressing the challenge of graduate unemployment.”
The beneficiaries of the grant were listed as:
- Enwemeka Blessing FC/24A/5897
- Abdumalik Ibrahim FC/24A/6157
- Akande Olaitan Sunday FC/24B/3856
- Blessing Ijeoma Omachi FC/24B/5031
- Emmanuel Ali FC/24B/0603
The first three recipients were awarded N750,000 each, while the latter two received N350,000 each. Their business proposals included ventures in fashion, food and confectioneries, and horticulture.
The grants were provided by Love Uloko, Founder of Activate Success International Foundation, during a ceremony held at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
In her address, Uloko explained that the beneficiaries were selected through a competitive and transparent process. She praised their creativity, resilience, and innovative ideas, which she said demonstrated great potential for success.
“As of today, we have supported 53 Corps Members through this initiative. We are investing in dreams, nurturing potential, and sowing seeds of success that will flourish for years to come,” Uloko stated.
She further explained that the foundation has partnered with the NYSC for over seven years to provide transformative opportunities for Corps Members, helping them discover their talents and build purposeful careers.
Uloko also expressed gratitude to the NYSC Director General and his management team for their dedication to empowering Nigerian youths. She noted that the partnership continues to inspire innovation and create a generation of self-reliant leaders ready to make meaningful contributions to society.
