Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
The NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani has tasked corps members to brace all odds and showcase their creativity in order for the world to know and appreciate their real worth.
The State Coordinator made this known during the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Competition at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko.
Mrs. Ani who was evidently overjoyed declared that NYSC as a responsible and responsive youth development organisation will continue to invest in the empowerment programmes to make the youths the toast of the society.
“I cannot hide my joy this day because NYSC has taken skills acquisition to an enviable level and I am proud to be associated with this development which we started exactly nine years ago with the establishment of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Department at the Directorate Headquarters, Abuja”.
“At inception, several people expressed their reservation with this novel initiative by the management but today you will all agree with me that the huge investment made by NYSC is not a waste”.
She encouraged the generality of the corps members to reciprocate the good gestures of the noble Scheme and invest their time, money and energy to make the service year a turning point for economic emancipation.
“My dear forward looking corps members, I want to let you know that opportunity comes but once in one’s lifetime and I want you to see the period of service as the breakthrough period for you to change your story and have a place at the top among those who refused to quit even when the challenges stare them in the face”.
The NYSC boss who is committed to the success of SAED going by her declaration when she assumed duties hinted that NYSC will soon go into partnership with corporate organisations who shared the dream of the operators of the noble Scheme.
While drawing the curtains on the activities of SAED for 2021 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) orientation course, the State Coordinator encouraged the corps members to take the post camp training more seriously so that they can stand tall and beat their chest anywhere they found themselves in the nearest future.
“I want to encourage you to put more efforts and zeal towards the post camp training as this will take you to the perfection you desired which will invariably make your dream come true. Effort is good but result is better and I want you to stop at nothing to achieve what will make you a celebrity in your chosen skills and vocations”.
The State Coordinator thanked the Trainers and Facilitators for the huge investment made into the lives of the members of the service corps and prayed that God will reward them handsomely for mentoring the youths.
Earlier, the Assistant Director/Head, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, Mrs. Itohan Ehimwenma advised the corps members to justify the investment of the NYSC and embrace the post camp training in order to master what they have started in the camp.
Mrs. Ehimwenma charged the corps members not to follow the crowd but to allow the dictates of their heart to lead them to the greener pastures.
She thanked all the sponsors who made the event a colourful one and encouraged them not to waver in the support to the NYSC Scheme.
In his goodwill message, the Camp Director, Mr. Olawuyi Lasisi appreciated the entire camp community for the moral support extended to the corps members during the competition.
Mr. Lasisi admonished the corps members not to rest on their oars but to remember the children of whom they are and be good ambassadors as they prepare to commence the second cardinal programme of the Scheme.
In the competition proper, number 2 platoon emerged winners in Ankara Craft while number 3 and 10 platoons came 2nd and 3rd respectively. In Fashion and Design, number 9 platoon came first, followed by number 8 and 10 platoons who took 2nd and 3rd positions while in Food Processing, number 1 platoon lived up to their name and clinched first position. The second position was cornered by number 2 platoon while number 5 platoon emerged third.
