The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has awarded over N3.2 million in business grants to Corps members in a bid to encourage entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment among Nigerian graduates.
The grants were presented as part of an ongoing effort to empower Corps members towards self-employment.
Brigadier General YD Ahmed, the NYSC Director General, made the announcement in a statement issued on Sunday, January 26, by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu.
In his statement, Ahmed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to provide empowerment opportunities for Corps members.
“As part of my five-point policy thrust, my administration will continue to work relentlessly towards reducing the number of unemployed graduate youths in Nigeria,” Ahmed said, adding that efforts would remain focused on enhancing the prospects of Corps members through self-employment initiatives.
The grants were awarded to five Corps members, whose business ideas spanned sectors such as fashion, food and confectioneries, and horticulture.
The recipients are: Enwemeka Blessing, Abdumalik Ibrahim, Akande Olaitan Sunday, Blessing Ijeoma Omachi, and Emmanuel Ali.
The first three recipients each received N750,000, while the latter two were awarded N350,000 each.
The grants were presented by Love Uloko, the founder of Activate Success International Foundation, at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Uloko highlighted that the beneficiaries were selected based on a rigorous, merit-based process, with each demonstrating creativity, resilience, and strong potential for success.
“We have supported 53 Corps members through this initiative, investing in their dreams, nurturing their potential, and sowing seeds of success that will grow for years to come,” Uloko stated.
For over seven years, Activate Success International Foundation has partnered with the NYSC to provide transformative opportunities for Corps members, helping them discover their talents, pursue their passions, and build purposeful lives.
Uloko also expressed appreciation for the NYSC Director General and his management team for their unwavering support in empowering Nigerian youth.
By fostering entrepreneurship through this programme, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect of growth and innovation, building a generation of self-reliant leaders who can contribute meaningfully to society.
