Youth corps members to receive training In agriculture, digital skills, as NGO signs MoU with NYSC
Youth corps members to receive training In agriculture, digital skills, as NGO signs MoU with NYSC
Njideka Ozoalor, Abuja_
Members of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), are to benefit from free training in sustainable agriculture, digital technology, and vocational skills under a new partnership between the scheme and a youth-focused NGO, known as the Farmers Home Foundation.
The collaboration was formalised last weekend at the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU), between the agency and the Foundation.
The agreement is expected to kick off a nationwide capacity-building programme for corps members during their service year.
Speaking to journalists after the signing, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Farmers Home Foundation, Dr. Chioma Ofornagolu, said the initiative was designed to make young graduates self-reliant and productive.
She noted that youths constitute about 75% of Nigeria’s population and require practical skills to thrive in today’s economy.
“Most of our graduates leave school without the skills to create jobs or employ others. This programme is about changing that narrative by equipping corps members with tools for agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship,” Ofornagolu said.
Under the partnership, corps members will be trained in climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices, artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and other technical and vocational skills.
The NGO said the training will also cover mental health and wellbeing to help youths cope with post-service realities.
Ofornagolu disclosed that Farmers Home Foundation has a working relationship with Google and plans to leverage it to deliver modern digital skills to corps members. She added that the programme will be rolled out annually to reach more beneficiaries across the country.
“The MoU with NYSC HQ opens the door for other organisations to key into this one-stop model for corps members. It is a win-win for the youths and for society,” she stated.
The CEO said the idea was borne out of concern for the number of graduates roaming the streets in search of jobs. To address this, she authored a book titled _“Alawi Don Finish”_ — a practical guide urging youths to acquire marketable skills instead of waiting for white-collar jobs.
According to her, a team of trainers will soon begin visiting NYSC orientation camps in the 36 states and the FCT. After the training, qualified corps members will be provided with start-up capital to launch their own businesses under the mentorship and supervision of the Foundation.
Also speaking at the event, a member of the Foundation, Pastor Favour Onoja, described the initiative as timely and transformational.
He prayed that the programme succeeds in changing the mindset of young Nigerians and urged corps members to embrace the opportunity.
“The goal is to move our youths from job seekers to job creators. If they use their phones and talents productively, Nigeria will benefit immensely,” Onoja said.
NYSC officials who witnessed the MoU signing expressed optimism that the partnership will add value to the scheme’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, (SAED), programme.
