Jul 15, 2026

No More Waiting for Jobs: Governor Eno Calls on Corps Members to Turn Skills into Income

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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UYO, Akwa Ibom State — In a candid and timely message that resonates deeply with millions of young Nigerians navigating one of the country’s toughest economic periods, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has advised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to prioritize entrepreneurship, warning that reliance on white-collar jobs alone is no longer a viable path to financial security amid ongoing national hardships.

The governor delivered the charge on Tuesday while declaring open the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop in Uyo, themed “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare Experience.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, Governor Eno emphasized the need for fresh graduates to leverage the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire practical skills that can create sustainable income streams and turn them into employers of labour.

“Today, being an employer of labour, an entrepreneur pays better than a white-collar job,” the governor stated. “Corps members must strive to become employers of labor rather than job seekers.”

He pointed to Nigeria’s rapidly growing population against limited economic resources as a compelling reason for young people to think creatively beyond conventional employment.

Governor Eno’s remarks come against the backdrop of prolonged economic challenges under the Tinubu administration—including fuel subsidy removal, naira devaluation, soaring inflation, and declining purchasing power.

Many young graduates, despite their qualifications, struggle to secure stable jobs, making self-reliance through business ventures increasingly essential.

The governor commended the NYSC’s SAED initiative for empowering youths to become independent rather than dependent on scarce formal sector opportunities.

He also praised corps members serving in Akwa Ibom for their contributions to state development and assured continued recognition of outstanding performers, citing a recent State Award for Excellence given to a corps member at Comprehensive Secondary School, Okobo.

Eno urged stronger collaboration between employers, stakeholders, and the NYSC to improve welfare and service experiences for corps members nationwide.

This message reflects a growing national conversation: traditional white-collar paths, once seen as the ultimate goal for graduates, are proving insufficient in today’s volatile economy.

With youth unemployment and underemployment remaining critical issues, leaders like Governor Eno are pushing for a cultural shift toward entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-employment as tools for personal and national resilience.

For many corps members — often idealistic young graduates full of potential but facing harsh realities — the advice serves as both a reality check and an empowering roadmap.

By investing in skills through SAED and building businesses, they can create value, generate employment, and secure their futures beyond the one-year service obligation.

Governor Eno’s straightforward approach humanizes the broader economic struggles: it acknowledges the pain many families feel while offering practical hope through action and preparation.

As Nigeria continues to navigate fiscal reforms and structural adjustments, such frank leadership on youth empowerment could inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs ready to build rather than merely survive.

The workshop itself highlights the importance of stakeholder synergy in enhancing the NYSC experience—a vital institution for national unity and youth development since its post-civil war inception.

In an era where economic survival demands adaptability, Governor Umo Eno’s words may well serve as a turning point for many young Nigerians.