AMCON Empowers Corps Members For Self-employment

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has initiated an entrepreneurship and empowerment programme for Corps Members. 

Tagged the "Managing Director's Annual NYSC Entrepreneurship Competition", the programme involves business plan contest among Corps Members serving in the organisation.

At the end of the maiden edition of the initiative, three of the fifteen contestants came tops and were presented cheques of Five Hundred Thousand Naira each at a ceremony held at AMCON's office in Abuja.

They are Joanna Jewel Adamu (FC/21A/1265), Umar Aliyu Gosta (FC/21A/1251) and Abdulsamad Saidu Usman (FC/21A/1046) whose proposals centered on online art and fashion business; poultry production; and technological innovation respectively. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Managing Director of AMCON, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan Kuru noted the high rate of graduate unemployment, and the need for stakeholders to work towards steering the mindset of the youths from that of seeking white collar jobs to that of entrepreneurial engagement.

The MD, who lauded the various empowerment programmes of the Federal Government, particularly added his voice to the advocacy for the incorporation of functional entrepreneurship training into the nation's education curriculum. 

He said AMCON initiated the entrepreneurship programme for Corps Members in appreciation of the invaluable contributions of NYSC to national development.

Kuru said the intervention began with the conduct of Entrepreneurship training for the Corps Members with some members of Staff of the organisation volunteering as resource persons. 

The Managing Director explained that the introduction of the business plan contest was aimed at providing funds to enable the winners actualize their business dreams and, in the process, contribute to the economic development of the country. 

He further stated that aside the winners, many of the other competitors came up with excellent business ideas, adding that the latter group will also be supported with some tokens.

The MD expressed determination not only to sustain the programme, but also increase the number of winners in subsequent editions. 

Kuru used the occasion to assure of AMCON's readiness to go into broader partnership with NYSC in the area of entrepreneurship and empowerment. 

In his address, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the Scheme had been assiduous in the implementation of its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme (SAED), adding that many ex-trainees of the programme were now owners of flourishing businesses. 

He said Corps Members had enormous potentials for self-employment, but added that the challenge was always that of access to fund to actualize their business plans. 

The Director-General said this informed the proposal for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund, which would not only make the SAED training more functional, but also serve as sustainable source of funding for the Corps entrepreneurs.

Ibrahim thanked the AMCON Management for joining the leagues of partners supporting NYSC in the empowerment of Corps members, and assured that the Scheme would effectively partner the agency for the continued success of the new initiative.

He assured that the Scheme would strictly monitor the beneficiaries of the programme and provide feedback to AMCON on their business progress.

The Director-General congratulated the winners of the competition and enjoined them to make judicious utilization of the funds given to them.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, one of the winners, Joana Jewel Adamu, thanked AMCON for availing them of the opportunity for empowerment, which she described as life-changing.

She assured that they would justify the confidence reposed in them through judicious utilization of the funds.

Sc Declares Orientation Course Closed, Urges Corps Members To Imbibe Lessons

The NYSC Osun State Co-ordinator, Mrs. Winifred Shokpeka, has charged corps members to sustain the zeal of patriotism by imbibing lessons taught during the orientation course as they proceed in their service year trajectory.

She made this known while delivering the address of the Director General, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim and officially declaring the Orientation Course closed at the NYSC Osun State Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, on Tuesday.

She congratulated and felicitated with the corps members on the successful completion of their orientation course and urged them to accept their postings in good faith so they can hit the ground running in their contribution to national development.

"As my children, I enjoin you to accept your PPA postings in good faith by conforming with workplace culture and respecting traditions of your local community to ensure a stress-free service year, " she added.

While she acknowledged the end of the in-camp SAED training, the foremost corps member in the state urged the corps members not to relent but forge ahead by consolidating on the skills acquired through post-camp trainings offered by the facilitators and instructors.

She added that they are constantly in liaison with collaborating funding agencies such as the CBN, BOA, BOI and others to assist corps members with competitively-flexible funding options that will allow them become employers of labour and proud success stories on self-empowerment worthy of emulation.

Furthermore, she asserted the importance of corps members' security and the efforts being made by management to guarantee it. She admonished the latter to be responsible in their security choices and decisions as they move out of camp. For one, night journeys are a no-no and corps members are advised to stop-over in barracks and other safe places whenever they are on a journey and it clocks 6pm.

In her concluding remarks, Mrs Winifred called on the corps members to eschew local political participation. As ambassadors of the scheme, corps members are expected to shun drug abuse, cyber crime, advance fee fraud and all other forms of crimes rampant amongst youths.

She reiterated the role of the older generation such as employers of labor in molding the upcoming generation and urged them to stand firm in their moral responsibility of rightly mentoring the youth.

Other highlights of the closing ceremony include presentation of letters of commendation to deserving corps members such as elected platoon heads, corps camp directors, as well as locators/founders of lost valuable items.

DG To Corps Members: Nothing Like Two Weeks Leave After Camp

Corps Members have been advised to avoid risky adventures such as unauthorised journeys, night partying and other types of misconduct as they proceed to their place of primary assignments.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, who stated this today in a nationwide virtual address to Corps Members and Camp participants also emphasised that there is nothing like two weeks leave for Corps Members after leaving the Orientation Camp.

He however advised them to utilise the lessons learnt during the three weeks of Orientation Course to contribute their quota to national development and also add value to themselves. 

The DG in particular warned the Corps Members to be security conscious and avoid any act that can put their lives at risk in their respective places of primary assignment and host communities.

"I want to warn you that there is nothing like two weeks leave after Orientation Course. Settle down in your places of primary assignments.

As you leave the camp, you must be security conscious, don't travel at night and don't endanger your safety.

Shun cybercrimes, drugs, cultism and don't let your actions today haunt you tomorrow", he said.

He advised them to continue with the post-camp training of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme with their trainers in order to be self empowered, instead of seeking for the unavailable salary jobs. 

Ibrahim added that the Scheme is advocating with the Federal Government for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund (NYSCTF) that would make start-up capital available to every Corps Member as they exit service, which would enable them establish their businesses in line with the skills they acquired through SAED.

The DG also informed them that the Scheme had partnered relevant institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Access Bank, Unity Bank among others to provide soft loans for Corps Members with good business proposals to establish their vocational businesses.

He advised the Corps Members to study the NYSC Act, NYSC Bye-laws and adhere strictly to the provisions, adding that every infraction would attract appropriate sanction.

The DG urged them to use the Social Media wisely to promote the unity of the country, and not to spread rumour.

Speaking further, he admonished the Corps Members to emulate their predecessors, who during the ourtbreak of COVID-19 pandemic offered selfless services by producing sanitisers, face masks, pedal operated water and sanitiser dispensers, free online extra- mural classes, among others, to cushion the effects of the pandemic and lockdown on members of the public.

He urged them to feel the pulse of their host communities and intiate laudable projects that would ameliorate their suffering, improve their standard of living and also give them a new lease of life.

General lbrahim also warned that presentation of fake medical papers for redeployment attracts sanctions.

He said posting, redeployment and other services rendered by the NYSC attracts no fee, adding that anyone caught offering bribe would be sanctioned appropriately with the taker.

He appealed to the Corps Members to embrace the Federal Government's gesture of free COVID-19 vaccine and be vaccinated in order to protect themselves.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of her colleagues nationwide, the Kebbi State Corps Camp Director, Bankole Shukurat Abiodun KB/21C/0304 appreciated the DG for his purposeful and coordinated leadership style of administration which has made the Scheme more relevant.

She said the NYSC over the years has been inculcating the spirit of teamwork, nation building and self- reliance among the Nigerian youths.

She disclosed that the knowledge and skills acquired during the three- week Orientation Course would be effectively used to become self reliant and job creators.

"The Orientation Course has afforded us the opportunity to learn leadership skills, para-military drills, security tips, martial arts, entrepreneurship skills, all geared towards making us responsible future leaders.

We promise to be law-abiding and good ambassadors of the NYSC and the nation at large, and we shall justify the confidence reposed in us", she said.

ACCEPT YOUR POSTING IN GOOD FAITH, DG TELLS CORPS MEMBERS

As the 2021 Batch 'C' Stream One Orientation Course ends tommorrow, Corps Members have been advised to accept their posting in good faith, settle down in their host communities and contribute their quota to national development.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim gave this advise today at FCT Orientation Camp Kubwa, Abuja, while addressing Corps Members. 

He said they must add value to their host communities by providing projects that would improve the standard of living of the residents.

He warned them against induced posting and rejection, adding that anyone caught would be penalised in line with NYSC bye-laws.

The DG admonished the Corps Members to put in their best in their places of primary assignment, obey constituted authorities and serve as responsible role models to the younger ones. 

Ibrahim also advised them to avoid unauthorised journeys, but obtain approval from the NYSC Management if it is compulsory for them to travel.

He warned that no Corps employer is authorised to grant permission to Corps Members to travel, except NYSC.

He urged the Corps Members to board vehicles only at designated motorparks, adding that the Scheme has liaised with relevant stakeholders like the FRSC, transport unions, among others to provide roadworthy vehicles for them while travelling and also ensure their safety on the highways.

"Don't travel at night. If your journey is going beyond 6pm, break the journey and pass the night in military barracks, NYSC Secretariats, Corps Lodges, among other safe places.

Avoid night parties and don't put yourself in harm's way", he said.

The NYSC boss warned against indulging in social vices such as cyber crime, cultism, drug peddling and abuse, adding that anyone caught would be sanctioned according to the law.

Speaking further, General Ibrahim urged the Corps Members to use the social media wisely to promote the unity and integration of the country and not to promote fake news. 

"The NYSC was established to promote national unity, integration and cohesion.

We must work and live together. Let us turn our challenges to opportunity. Wherever your find yourselves, preach the unity of the country", he said.

Ibrahim lectured the Corps Members on the criteria to qualify for the NYSC President's Honours Award, stating that recipients must have exceled in the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC namely; Orientation Course, Primary Assignment, Community Development Sevice and Winding Up and Passing/Out.

He added that grading for the award starts from the Orientation Camp, which is the first point of call for all Corps Members.

"If you redeploy from one state to another or caught with any infraction, you are not qualified for the award.

You will be accessed in all the four cardinal programmes of the Scheme before you will be presented for the NYSC President's Honours Award", the DG said.

Ibrahim informed the Corps Members that efforts are in top gear with other stakeholders for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund, which would make funds available to them as they exit service to establish their businesses in line with the skills they acquired during service from the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme. 

He added that the Trust Fund, if actualised would be used to build new Orientation camps, expand the existing camps, maintain camp facilities among others.

Ibrahim urged them to continue with the Post-Camp training of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme and strive to become employers of labour instead of seeking for the unavailable salaried jobs.

"Cherish your integrity, identify your skills, work hard, avoid cutting corners, purse your vision with passion and use the platform of NYSC to excel in life", he said. 

He encouraged the Corps Members to embrace the non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 protocols and take the vaccine in order to protect themselves and others.

NYSC DG Advises Corps Members On Good Conduct

Corps Members have been advised to be law-abiding and be of good conduct throughout the service year.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim gave this advice today during his visit to the Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ibrahim, who sensitized the Corps Members on the four Cardinal Programmes of the NYSC, urged them to always obey the NYSC Bye-Laws and the rules and regulations of their places of primary assignments as well as serve as role models that would leave good legacies after service.

"Please take advantage of the Orientation Course to promote unity and teamwork, and ensure that the spirit of NYSC lives in you forever", the DG said.

He advised them to study the felt needs of their host communities and initiate laudable projects that would add value to the lives of the residents.

Ibrahim, however pointed out that Corps Members are not expected to use their personal money to execute projects, but rather reach out to people within the community for mobilization of resources. 

The Director-General further enjoined them to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme of the Scheme that was initiated to empower them for self-employment. 

"Identify your talent, drive your vision with passion and commitment and the sky will be your limit", the Director-General said.

He said NYSC Management had partnered financial institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Heritage Bank and Access Bank among others, towards supporting Corps Members with loans to finance their businesses.

He also said efforts are in top gear for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund, which would, among other benefits, make funds available to Corps Members for actualization of their business dreams. 

The DG appealed to the Corps Members to avoid the wrong usage of the Social Media, adding that they should, instead, deploy it for the promotion of national unity and integration.

He warned them against unauthorized journeys, while also maintaining that only State Coordinators, and not Corps Employers, could grant them permission to travel within the country. 

Ibrahim further warned the Corps Members to avoid boarding commercial vehicles by the roadside, adding that management had partnered the Federal Road Safety Corps and transport unions to ensure they are provided with roadworthy vehicles while travelling.

"If you have permission to travel, make sure you take-off from designated motorparks. Do not travel at night; when it is 6pm, break your journey and continue the following day", he said.

Anambra Guber Poll: NYSC DG Hails Corps Members on Election Duties

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has commended the patriotism of Corps Members engaged in the conduct of the Governorship Election in Anambra State.

The Director-General made the commendation today while monitoring the election in nine Local Government Areas of the State. 

He said the Corps Members had written their names in the anals of history, having contributed towards the entrenchment of credible electoral process. 

Ibrahim enjoined them to remain impartial and perform their duties in line with the established rules.

In all the polling units visited, there were security agents on ground, and the Corps Members informed the Director-General that the conduct of the exercise was peaceful. 

At Unit 003 Ward 007 in Awka South Local Government, an election observer, Nwadishi Faith Ossai, from the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, was full of praises for the Director-General for taking time to go round and see how Corps Members were faring during the exercise. 

She also remarked that the Corps Members' performance was commendable.

Adenike Adeyemi (Mrs)

Director, Press and Public Relations

NYSC: DG Visits Garment Factory, Applauds Manager

 Director-General Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has paid an unscheduled visit to the NYSC Garment Factory at Mgbaku, Anambra State.

Conducting the Director-General round, the Factory Manager Mr Joshua Onifade briefed him about the measures taken by the Management towards optimising its operations, including the provision of thirty-six new industrial sewing machines.  

He said that the factory had refurbished ten old industrial sewing machines, thereby increasing the number of functional ones to forty-six.

He thanked the Director-General for the provision of a 20KVA sound proof generator to power the equipment, adding that through his own initiative, the factory has been connected to the National grid.

The Manager further stated that with the steps taken by the Director-General to re-energize the factory, it now makes daily production of two hundred and twenty-three sets of kits comprising khaki suit, P. E. shorts and plain vests, adding that he was determined to double the output. 

He requested Management to provide screen printing machine to enable the factory resume mass production of crested vests. 

Onifade noted that within the last one year, ten million naira had been remitted to the Federal Government's coffers as a result of the improvements made in the factory. 

The Manager disclosed that about thirty Corps Members are engaged for sewing, adding that in a bid to maximise opportunities for the Corps Members, a Skill Acquisition Centre had been established within the facility.

According to him, the host community also benefits as not less than fifty women are engaged for botton tackling.

In his remarks, the Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the factory. 

Ibrahim particularly commended Onifade for his managerial acumen, and urged him and the rest of the workforce to sustain their level of commitment. 

He said Management would continue to support the growth of the factory in line with his policy on reinvigoration of the NYSC Ventures.

Nysc DG Joins Abdulsalami, Others At Signing Of Peace Accord By Anambra Governor

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim was among dignitaries that witnessed the signing of the Peace Accord by political parties and their candidates ahead of the November 6 Governorship election in Anambra State. 

Also in attendance at the event organised by the National Peace Committee in Awka today were the Chairman of the Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu; General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General TA Lagbaja; representative of the Inspector-General of Police, DIG Joseph Egbunike, other top security officers, traditional rulers and clerics. 

In his address, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee General Abdulsalami Abukakar decried violence, ballot box snatching, vote buying and other irregularities that often marred elections in the country. 

He said the committee, which had been contributing to the improvement of the electoral process since its inception, was concerned about the peace of Anambra State.

Abubakar, therefore, called on all the political parties and their supporters to be committed to ensuring violence-free election and accept the outcome.

In his remarks, the INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu commended the National Peace Committee for its role in ensuring credible and peaceful conduct of elections in the country.

Yakubu noted that the accord brokered by the Committee contributed in no small measure to the peaceful conduct of the Governorship Elections in Edo and Ondo States last year, while also expressing confidence that similar feat would be achieved with that of Anambra State.

He called on all parties that signed the accord to abide by its spirit and letters.

Also speaking, the representative of the Inspector-General of Police, DIG Joseph Egbunike said security agencies had mapped out strategies for peaceful conduct of the election, and assured that they would be firm and professional in their approach. 

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim used the opportunity of his presence in the State to pay courtesy visits to the Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment Onitsha, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and the Director, Department of State Services. 

He thanked the agencies for their support for the Scheme, especially in the area of security and welfare of Corps Members, and called for the sustenance of the cordial working relationship. 

In their separate responses, the Commander 302 Artillery Regiment, Colonel AB Usman and the Commissioner of Police Mr. Echeng E. Echeng assured that their support for the Scheme would be sustained. 

Ibrahim also addressed Corps Members in Awka, the State capital. He enjoined those of them that would be engaged in the conduct of the election to perform their duty with high sense of responsibility. 

He urged them to act as impartial umpires and be guided by the provisions of the electoral laws.