Don't Wait For Government Jobs, Save 20% of Your Allowance, Start Small Businesses, NYSC DG Advices Corps Members
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged Corps members to embrace financial discipline, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship by cultivating a savings culture and investing in themselves rather than waiting for government employment.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the DG speaking during his official visit to the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream ‘Two’ Corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iseyin, Oyo State, he emphasized that the key to creating wealth lies in prudence, consistent savings, and strategic investment in personal growth.
According to him, “Create your own wealth, create your own start-up? How do you do that? Save out of your allawee. As soon as you open your bank account, open a savings account also.
He explained that saving a portion of their ₦77,000 monthly allowance could serve as a starting point for building capital to establish small businesses that may grow into sustainable enterprises.
He stressed that “when you cut your clothes according to your size and choose your style according to the available fabric, 77K can maintain all of you. Save 20% of your 77K , that gives you ₦15,400 every month.”
Nafiu further stressed that the NYSC provides all graduates with an equal opportunity to succeed irrespective of their family background, noting that financial success is determined by individual choices and discipline.
He encouraged Corps members to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, citing examples of former Corps members who turned small ventures started during service into thriving businesses.
“Don’t wait for government. Employ yourself and help government out by employing others. The people that have been coming to your SAED training thought government would help them, but they started a side hustle, and the side hustle has turned into their main hustle,” he said.
The NYSC DG reminded Corps members that the scheme was founded to promote national unity, civic responsibility, and leadership development among young Nigerians.
He urged them to use their service year as a platform for personal and professional advancement while contributing positively to their host communities.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow. With your population, intellect, skills, and voice, you can shape the future of this country and make it greater than it was handed over to you,” Nafiu stated.
He also warned Corps members against negative social media commentary about their host state and advised them to remain respectful, responsible, and law-abiding throughout their service.
On the camp’s operations, the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Peters Kayode, briefed the DG on the smooth conduct of the ongoing orientation course, which involves 2,363 Corps members.
He praised the Corps members for their discipline and enthusiasm, commending the Oyo State Government for its steady support and infrastructure improvements.
Kayode disclosed that the state government had initiated measures to enhance camp facilities, including plans to floor the multipurpose hall and provide additional bunk beds and plastic chairs.
“This camp continues to enjoy the support of the Oyo State Government and our various stakeholders, which makes things much easier for the operation of the scheme,” he added.
He, however, assured the DG of the continued commitment of the camp officials and Corps members to uphold the values and objectives of the NYSC scheme.
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