By Christian Ogbonna
Kaiama – The 2017 Batch “B” stream 1 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to Bayelsa have applauded the management of the scheme for engaging them in skill acquisition programmes.
A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited the NYSC orientation camp in Kiama Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, reports that the corps members were made to undergo training in various skills.
The Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) introduced in 2012 as part of the scheme, was designed to equip corps members with various skills to help them become self-reliant after the service year.
In separate interviews with NAN, some of the corps members described the programme as a welcome development to nation-building.
One of the corps members, Mr Kelechi John, a graduated of Accountancy, told NAN that he had acquired fashion design skills.
John said that the programme had equipped him with a lot of skills needed in today’s fashion design world.
He added that he had also acquired the marketing skills necessary for a successful enterprise.
He noted that with the little training he had received, he should be able to produce all sorts of attire.
“I was not a designer before now; I learnt everything I know about tailoring at this camp; I hope to contribute my quota in the fight against unemployment in the country.
“My advice to my fellow corps members is to be focused and determined so that Nigeria can become better in terms job opportunities,” he said.
Miss Joy Benedicts, another beneficiary, also commended the programme and urged for NYSC to sustain it as it would go a long way toward addressing the unemployment challenge in the country.
Benedicts said she acquired skill in food processing, explaining that she could now prepare both local and continental dishes.
“Yes, with the knowledge I now have, I have been empowered to establish myself so that I can create jobs for unemployed persons.
Mrs Loto Bolade, the State’s NYSC Coordinator, praised the corps members for the high level of discipline and patriotism they exhibited during the programme.
Bolade said that 1, 356 corps members of the 2017 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 were involved in the training.
“I urge the corps members not to abandon the skills they have acquired; they should take the training seriously even when they go out of the orientation camp.
“I believe they are not going to be job seekers after the service year but employers of labour,” she said.
NAN reports that the SAED programme offered training related to the following industries: agro-allied, construction, film and photography, cosmetology, environment, food processing, and bead-making, among others.
The orientation camp which opened on Nov. 21 is expected to be close on Dec. 11.
