The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formalised on Tuesday at SMEDAN’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the ceremony, YD Ahmed, NYSC DG, said the partnership would provide corps members with greater access to funding for business ventures.

“NYSC mobilises over 400,000 corps members annually and equips them with bankable business ideas and vocational skills. Providing them with start-up capital is a sure way of improving Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product,” he said.

Charles Odii, SMEDAN DG, praised Ahmed’s commitment to corps members’ empowerment and pledged full support for the federal government’s job creation agenda.

He stated that the MoU aims to produce 50,000 entrepreneurs annually.

“Corps members are graduates. If they are well trained, they will train and empower other youths,” Odii said.

The agreement, he said, is expected to strengthen financial support for corps members looking to start businesses after their service year.