Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
UYO, Nigeria – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to look beyond the pursuit of white-collar employment and instead embrace entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance as pathways to sustainable success.
The governor gave the advice while addressing the 2026 Batch B Stream I corps members during the closing ceremony at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Eno said the realities of Nigeria’s labour market demand a shift in mindset, noting that government jobs and other conventional employment opportunities are no longer sufficient to absorb the growing number of graduates entering the workforce each year.
According to him, the future belongs to young people who are willing to identify opportunities, acquire practical skills, and create value through entrepreneurship rather than waiting indefinitely for salaried employment.
Entrepreneurship as a Path to Prosperity
Speaking to the corps members, the governor encouraged them to take advantage of the entrepreneurial and vocational skills acquired during their orientation programme through the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative.
He explained that entrepreneurship provides graduates with the opportunity to become employers of labour, contribute to economic development, and build financial independence.
“The days when graduates relied solely on government or corporate jobs are changing. Today’s economy rewards innovation, creativity, and enterprise,” the governor said.
He advised the corps members to view their service year as an opportunity to identify community needs and develop practical solutions that could eventually become viable businesses.
Governor Eno stressed that successful entrepreneurs often begin with modest resources but grow through resilience, discipline, and continuous learning.
Government’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development through programmes designed to support entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, agriculture, technology, and small business growth.
He said the Akwa Ibom State Government remains focused on creating an enabling environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive through access to training, mentorship, and business support initiatives.
According to him, empowering young people with productive skills remains one of the most effective ways of reducing unemployment, poverty, and social challenges.
Governor Eno noted that investing in youth entrepreneurship is not only beneficial for individuals but also essential for the state’s long-term economic growth.
He assured the corps members that his administration would continue implementing policies that encourage innovation and enterprise among young people.
NYSC Skills Acquisition Programme
The governor commended the NYSC management for integrating vocational training into the orientation programme through the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development initiative.
The programme exposes corps members to practical skills in various sectors, including agriculture, fashion, ICT, renewable energy, food processing, photography, cosmetology, and other trades capable of generating income.
He encouraged participants not to regard the training as a mere orientation exercise but as a foundation for building successful careers after completing national service.
According to him, practical skills have become increasingly important in today’s competitive economy, where employers and clients value competence, innovation, and adaptability.
Corps Members Urged to Be Agents of Development
Governor Eno also called on the corps members to contribute meaningfully to their host communities during their service year.
He urged them to demonstrate integrity, discipline, patriotism, and professionalism while carrying out their assignments across schools, health centres, government institutions, and rural communities.
The governor said the NYSC scheme remains an important national platform for promoting unity, cultural integration, and community development.
He encouraged the corps members to respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities while maintaining the highest standards of conduct expected of Nigerian graduates.
Addressing Graduate Unemployment
Nigeria continues to face significant youth unemployment and underemployment, prompting governments, educational institutions, and development partners to promote entrepreneurship as a practical alternative to conventional employment.
Experts have consistently argued that while government and private-sector jobs remain important, they cannot adequately absorb the millions of graduates produced annually by tertiary institutions across the country.
This has led to increased investment in entrepreneurship education, digital innovation, agriculture, vocational training, and technology-driven businesses aimed at expanding employment opportunities.
The Federal Government, through agencies such as the NYSC, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bank of Industry (BOI), and other institutions, has introduced programmes intended to support startups and small businesses.
However, stakeholders continue to advocate improved access to financing, mentorship, market opportunities, and infrastructure to enable young entrepreneurs to succeed.
Entrepreneurship Driving Economic Growth
Economic analysts note that entrepreneurship has become a major driver of economic transformation globally.
Small and medium-sized enterprises contribute significantly to job creation, innovation, industrial development, and poverty reduction.
In Nigeria, sectors such as agriculture, information technology, renewable energy, digital services, manufacturing, and the creative industry continue to offer growing opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Governor Eno’s message aligns with broader national efforts encouraging graduates to develop entrepreneurial mindsets capable of generating employment rather than depending exclusively on existing vacancies.
A Call for Resilience
The governor reminded the corps members that building successful businesses requires patience, consistency, and determination.
He encouraged them not to be discouraged by initial setbacks, explaining that many successful entrepreneurs experienced failures before achieving sustainable growth.
He further advised them to continue learning, embrace innovation, build professional networks, and maintain ethical business practices.
According to him, integrity remains one of the most valuable assets for any entrepreneur seeking long-term success.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 Batch B Stream I corps members prepare to begin their primary assignments across Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno expressed confidence that they possess the knowledge, energy, and creativity needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He urged them to leave the orientation camp with renewed confidence, ready to become problem-solvers, innovators, and responsible citizens capable of transforming both their communities and the nation.
The governor reiterated that entrepreneurship is no longer an option reserved for a few but an increasingly important pathway for graduates seeking financial independence and meaningful careers in a rapidly changing economy.
With Nigeria’s youthful population continuing to expand, his message underscores the growing importance of innovation, enterprise, and skills development in addressing unemployment and driving sustainable economic growth.
Sources: Akwa Ibom State Government, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
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