The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on employers across Nigeria to create enabling environments that allow Corps Members to express their skills and contribute meaningfully to national development fully.
He made this appeal during the launch of the National Information Technology Development Agency Innovation Space, tagged “idea2impact,” held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
General Nafiu emphasized that Corps Members are not just participants in a national programme but solution providers who require mentorship, guidance, and effective leadership to unlock their full potential. He urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as private organizations, to leverage the diverse talents and experiences of Corps Members to drive innovation and societal growth.
He commended NITDA for creating a platform that allows young Nigerians to showcase their creativity, describing the “idea2impact” initiative as a practical pathway for innovation and opportunity.
“The youths we have at NYSC are solution providers. I challenge organizations to tap into their wealth of experience and skills to create solutions for society,” he said, adding that the scheme remains relevant and continues to evolve through digital innovations, including the digitization of identity cards.
In his remarks, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reiterated the agency’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital economy.
He stressed the importance of strategic career planning and adaptability, urging Corps Members to position themselves for opportunities in the labour market. Drawing from his own experience as a former Corps Member, Inuwa noted that the service year can be a defining period if properly utilized.
According to him, NITDA has consistently provided opportunities for Corps Members to develop innovative solutions, some of which are already being deployed within the agency. He added that outstanding Corps Members may be retained based on merit.
“You need to promote yourself. Hard work alone is not enough—you must be assertive to achieve your goals,” he said.
The event highlighted growing collaboration between government institutions and youth-focused programmes aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development.
