By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Director-General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on managers of the Scheme’s ventures to be receptive to new ideas that will make their operations conform to global best practices.
He made the call while declaring open the 2026 Farm/Ventures Managers’ Workshop, themed “Promoting Viable Partnerships For Profitable NYSC Ventures,” in Abuja.
Nafiu, who was represented by the Director, Corps Mobilisation, Mrs. Rachel Idaewor, said the NYSC ventures were products of initiatives designed to empower Corps Members, Staff and host communities, and enjoined the managers to chart new paths to make them more profitable and sustainable.
“The NYSC is building businesses that will drive economic growth and empowerment of our Corps Members.
“Therefore, the importance of commitment by all members of staff in charge of the Scheme’s ventures cannot be over-emphasized”, he said.
The DG further stressed the need for them to continue to shun acts of sabotage and mismanagement, adding that the workshop was aimed at enhancing their capacity as well as promoting viable partnerships that would boost the profit margin of the ventures.
He commended the farm/ventures managers who performed creditably, and encouraged them to sustain their efforts towards achieving greater success.
In his welcome address, the Acting Director, Ventures Management Department, Mr. Abe Dankaro, said the Department had achieved significant milestones through increased productivity, expanded market reach and impactful partnerships.
He listed some of the achievements to include installation of solar borehole, establishment of modern fish farm at the NYSC Farm, Kwali, FCT, and commencement of beef fattening in the premises of the NYSC Nasarawa State Orientation Camp in Keffi.
He stated that the Management of Ventures Department was in partnership with reputable organisations to enhance Corps Members’ training and boost both farm and factory operations.
