By Nkechi Eze
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has charged managers of the Scheme’s farms and business ventures to embrace innovation and adopt global best practices to enhance profitability, sustainability, and economic impact.
The call was made at the opening of the 2026 NYSC Farm/Ventures Managers’ Workshop, themed “Promoting Viable Partnerships For Profitable NYSC Ventures,” held in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the Director-General, who was represented by the Director, Corps Mobilisation, Mrs. Rachel Idaewor, said the Scheme’s ventures were established as strategic empowerment platforms for Corps Members, staff, and host communities.
He stressed that managers must remain forward-looking and committed to repositioning the ventures as viable business enterprises capable of contributing meaningfully to national economic growth.
“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,” Nafiu said.
The NYSC boss warned against acts of sabotage, negligence, and mismanagement, noting that the workshop was designed to strengthen the managerial capacity of participants and encourage the development of productive partnerships that would enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
He also commended farm and ventures managers who had distinguished themselves through outstanding performance, urging them to sustain their dedication and continue striving for excellence in their respective assignments.
In his welcome address, the Acting Director of the Ventures Management Department, Mr. Abe Dankaro, highlighted significant milestones achieved by the department through improved productivity, expanded market access, and strategic collaborations.
Among the key achievements, he listed the installation of a solar-powered borehole and the establishment of a modern fish farm at the NYSC Farm in Kwali, Federal Capital Territory, as well as the commencement of a beef fattening programme at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Dankaro further disclosed that the department has entered into partnerships with reputable organisations aimed at strengthening skills acquisition and practical training for Corps Members, while also boosting farm and factory operations under the Scheme.
The workshop is expected to equip managers with the necessary knowledge and tools to improve operational standards, deepen partnerships, and transform NYSC ventures into more profitable and sustainable enterprises aligned with national development goals.
