Don’t chase white-collar jobs, Akwa Ibom governor tells corps members

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has advised National Youth Service Corps members posted to the state to pursue entrepreneurship rather than seeking limited white-collar employment after their service year. Governor Eno stressed that developing entrepreneurial skills is crucial for young graduates to become employers of labor and attain financial independence.

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Today, being an employer of labour, an entrepreneur pays better than a white collar job. Corps members must thrive to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

Speaking at the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop in Uyo, themed “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare Experience,” Eno, represented by Commissioner for Youth Development Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, encouraged corps members to leverage the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program. He noted that Nigeria's increasing population and constrained resources make self-employment increasingly vital.

"Today, being an employer of labour, an entrepreneur pays better than a white collar job. Corps members must thrive to become employers of labour rather than job seekers," Eno stated. He commended the SAED scheme for aiming to transform young Nigerians into employers and independent individuals.

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We are in a society where the population keeps increasing while we have limited resources, so I strongly commend the SAED scheme of the NYSC which is aimed at making our young people become employers and independent rather than job seekers.

The governor also lauded the dedication and contributions of corps members serving in Akwa Ibom, urging employers and stakeholders to enhance collaboration for improved service experiences. "Let me specifically commend the corps members posted to Akwa Ibom State for their commitment, loyalty and dedication to service," he said, mentioning a corps member who received a State Award for Excellence.

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Let me specifically commend the corps members posted to Akwa Ibom State for their commitment, loyalty and dedication to service.

Representing the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the Director of NYSC South-South Area Office II, Mr. Godfrey Nwaje, described corps employers as essential partners. He urged employers to provide supportive work environments, mentorship, and adequate welfare, reminding them of responsibilities like accommodation, transport, healthcare, and security support. Nafiu also emphasized the need for respectful, non-discriminatory workplaces free from exploitation and harassment.

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We must continue to foster workplaces that are respectful, supportive and free from all forms of discrimination, exploitation, harassment and abuse.