Venture managers throughout the National Youth Service Corps have been encouraged to adopt innovative approaches and align their practices with international standards, as the scheme aims to create more profitable and sustainable businesses.
The charge was delivered during the opening of the 2026 Farm and Ventures Managers' Workshop in Abuja, themed "Promoting Viable Partnerships For Profitable NYSC Ventures," where the Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, set the tone for the gathering through his representative, Director of Corps Mobilisation, Mrs Rachel Idaewor.
Brigadier General Nafiu emphasised the role of NYSC ventures in driving economic growth and empowering corps members, staff, and host communities. He called on managers to explore fresh approaches to running these businesses rather than relying on outdated methods.
"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 overemphasised," the Director General stated.
He stressed the need for managers to resist sabotage and mismanagement, noting that the workshop was designed to strengthen their capacity and foster partnerships to improve the profit margins of NYSC ventures.
Managers who delivered strong results during the period received commendation from the Director General, who urged them to maintain their momentum and aim for greater achievements.
Delivering the welcome address, the Acting Director of the Ventures Management Department, Mr Abe Dankaro, highlighted recent progress recorded by the department, pointing to increased productivity, expanded market reach, and stronger partnerships as evidence of the department's growing impact.
Among the milestones Mr Dankaro outlined were the installation of a solar borehole, the establishment of a modern fish farm at the NYSC Farm in Kwali, FCT, and the commencement of beef fattening at the NYSC Nasarawa State Orientation Camp in Keffi.
He further disclosed that the Ventures Management Department has formed partnerships with reputable organisations to strengthen corps members' training and improve farm and factory operations across the scheme.
The workshop reflects NYSC's broader commitment to building commercially viable ventures that create real economic opportunities for corps members and the communities where they serve.
