The NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Agbor Ndoma Obim, has called on Corps Members to build sustainable wealth by developing multiple streams of income.
Speaking at the SAED Closing Ceremony for the 2025 Batch A Stream II Orientation Course, Agbor noted that “salary will never be enough,” urging Corps Members to turn their acquired skills into real businesses.
He formally declared the in-camp training closed and the post-camp training open, encouraging participants to take advantage of the support system available to them through the NYSC SAED initiative. “You are the future of this country. Let this training serve as a stepping stone towards independence, impact, and innovation,” he said.
The State Coordinator also commended the resource persons and skill trainers for their selfless dedication, noting that their efforts in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset of Corps Members would have ripple effects across communities in Nigeria. He charged them to continue mentoring Corps Members even after the Orientation Course.
The highlight was the Wema Bank Corpreneurship Business Pitch Competition, where Corps Member Alali Miyaene Sophia, with code OS/25A/2155 emerged as the overall winner and received a grant of ₦800,000 to scale her palm oil production enterprise. The challenge was designed to fund corps-led business ideas with strong potential for growth, impact, and sustainability.
In her welcome remarks, the Head of SAED on Camp, Mrs. Adebayo Kemi, expressed appreciation to trainers, partners, and stakeholders for their support. She encouraged Corps Members to take the post-camp training seriously, adding that certificates of completion would be issued to successful participants alongside their NYSC discharge certificates.
She emphasised that the SAED programme is not just a skills workshop but a critical component of youth empowerment in Nigeria. “The knowledge you have gained here is a seed, what you do with it after Camp will determine the harvest you reap,” she told Corps Members.
In closing, Adebayo reminded Corps Members that post-camp engagement is key. “This is not the end it is the beginning. Keep building, keep learning, and keep growing,” she said.
Also featured at the ceremony was a playlet re-enactment titled “SAED Ain’t Boring”, presented by SAED ambassadors. The drama echoed the theme of transformation and entrepreneurial awakening, underscoring the idea that “Opportunity comes but once. SAED is gold.”
Testimonials from various skill classes presented success stories from the in-camp training. From Beekeeping, Phone Repairs, and Makeup and Gele, to Hairdressing, Catering, and ICT, each representative demonstrated the depth of learning and innovation exhibited by their teams. Igwe Daniel Ikechukwu of Beekeeping shared how they constructed protective suits and harvested honey, while Juliana from Auto Gele wowed attendees with trending styles like “Native Hand Fan” and “Owanbe.”
Another major highlight of the ceremony was the Inter-Platoon Skills Acquisition Competition, judged by a panel led by Mrs. Ohumu Sade as Chief Judge, with Mr. Adebiyi Sunday, Mrs. Dairo Taiwo, and ASF Omisore Abdulrauf serving as co-judges. In the Tailoring category, Olasupo Barakat clinched first place with 87 points, followed closely by Folakemi and Abioye Feranmi. Ogunleye Temiloluwa emerged as the winner in Leatherwork, while Ayooluwa Benedicta secured the top spot in Bead Making. In the Culinary and Catering Services category, Ngbogi Kenneth came out on top.
During the Wema Bank business pitch session, Corps Members presented well-structured business ideas. One notable pitch involved turning pineapple peels into liquid soap and training over 60 beneficiaries while building a customer base of over 1,000. Another pitch from tailoring entrepreneur Jimonu Rasidat Idowu also received commendation.
Following a careful evaluation by a panel of judges comprising a team from Wema Bank led by Mr. Babatunde Oshodi as Chief Judge, alongside two NYSC staff members, Mr. Fagbemi Gbenga and Mrs. Olowo Abosede, four outstanding entrepreneurs emerged as winners. Alali Miyaene Sophia clinched the top prize of ₦800,000. Adeyonu Demilade (OS/25A/2925) secured second place with ₦700,000, while Adeleke Mosinmiloluwa Mary (OS/25A/2684) was awarded ₦600,000 for third place. Kuti Oluwafunmilayo (LA/25A/13030) earned ₦200,000, finishing in fourth place. The grants reflect Wema Bank’s strong commitment to promoting youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship across Nigeria.
As Corps Members and guests toured the exhibition stands, vibrant displays of tailored outfits, culinary samples, handmade leather goods, and digital services highlighting the real-world relevance of the SAED programme.
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