Salmwang Flags Off SAED Programme at NYSC Lagos Camp

The NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, has officially flagged off the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II edition of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme at the Lagos Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of SAED at the National Directorate Headquarters, Mrs. Salmwang emphasized the importance of the initiative in equipping corps members with practical skills, business knowledge, and entrepreneurial mindsets to tackle youth unemployment.

She disclosed that the 10-day in-camp training features special sessions from strategic partners such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative and the NNPCL/Kudimata financial literacy programme.

She encouraged corps members to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that those who excel can benefit from post-camp training, mentorship, and access to funding from institutions such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Bank of Industry (BOI).

Also speaking during the orientation, Mr. Oladipupo Babatunde, Principal Counselor at U & I Klinique, inspired participants during a session titled “The Currency Called Value.” He urged corps members to reflect on their personal values and how these influence their decisions, behaviors, and societal contributions. According to him, traits like integrity, responsibility, honesty, and courage serve as the building blocks for national development and personal success.

Adding more excitement to the SAED programme, Unity Bank’s Brand Manager in Lagos, Mrs. Toyin Ajibola, announced that the bank has invested nearly ₦200 million into youth entrepreneurial ventures through its “Corpreneurship” initiative since 2017. She revealed that for the ongoing batch, winners of the Unity Bank Business Plan Competition will receive ₦800,000 for the top prize, ₦500,000 for the first runner-up, with additional cash prizes for other finalists.

Mrs. Ajibola emphasized that only corps members with verifiable business concepts or ongoing ventures will be eligible, and must pitch their ideas to qualify for funding.