Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has urged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to embrace the `Nigeria Zero Hunger Initiative’ of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Umahi made the call on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2017 Batch B corps members deployed to the state, saying that it would that it will enhance their economic capabilities.
He said that the initiative provides the platform for educated youths such as corps members to become economic drivers through engagement in agricultural activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ‘Zero Hunger initiative’ to clearly articulates what the country needs to do to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs)
“You are, therefore, expected to become farmers who are willing to promote the `zero hunger initiative’ in addition to your primary assignments during the service year.
“This will ensure food security for all Nigerians and attract economic prosperity for the overall good of the masses.
“You are also expected to use the experiences and knowledge of the above mentioned programmes to positively turn around the country’s struggling economy and make it Africa’s business and investment destination.”
The governor commended the NYSC management for its efforts toward improving the scheme’s operations over the years in order to make corps members self-employed at the end of their service year.
“This is achieved through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and I commend the NYSC partnerships with various bodies to empower the youths.
“These partnerships with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Heritage Bank have helped to develop the corps members’ capacities to become entrepreneurs through the Youth Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YIEDP).
Earlier, Mrs Regina Iluebbey, the Ebonyi NYSC Coordinator, said that a total of 2,232 corps members comprising 1,071 males and 1,161 females were deployed to the state.
She urged the corps members to take seriously the intensive training, including tutorials on Igbo language and security tips from seasoned professionals.
She thanked the governor for his positive disposition to the scheme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the swearing-in ceremony was performed by Justice Destina Oko, a representative of the state Chief Judge.(NAN)
