By Harriet Tornguvan
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) aimed at enhancing financial literacy, stock trading knowledge, and investment culture among corps members across the country.
Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this during a visit to the Nigerian Exchange Group in Lagos, where he also participated in the Closing Gong Ceremony.
Speaking at the event, General Nafiu described the collaboration as a significant step towards equipping Nigerian youths with the knowledge and skills required to participate effectively in the capital market and make informed financial decisions.
According to a statement issued by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the Director-General said the partnership would provide corps members with opportunities to understand stock trading and other investment options available within the Nigerian capital market ecosystem.
He noted that the initiative was long overdue, considering the NYSC's 53-year history of youth development and national service.
"Today we embrace change, a new relationship that will empower our youths with financial literacy that will open doors of investment opportunities previously out of their reach," Nafiu said.
He added that the partnership represents a commitment to securing the future of young Nigerians by empowering them to participate actively in the nation's capital market.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, welcomed the NYSC delegation and expressed the organisation's readiness to deepen collaboration with the scheme and other stakeholders in the financial sector.
Kwairanga commended the NYSC for its role in promoting national unity and youth development, describing the scheme as a critical institution in nation-building.
He highlighted the vast opportunities available within Nigeria's financial ecosystem and encouraged young people to take advantage of them.
"We seek immense opportunity in exploring collaboration with the NYSC to advance financial literacy among corps members across the country," he said.
According to him, the partnership would not only improve the savings culture among young Nigerians but also encourage broader participation in economic activities that contribute to national growth and development.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, revealed that the exchange currently has more than 323 listed securities, offering a wide range of investment opportunities to prospective investors.
He explained that the Nigerian Exchange is regarded as a frontier market that has continued to enjoy substantial goodwill from investors and market participants.
Chiemeka described General Nafiu's visit as a promising beginning for a mutually beneficial partnership between the NYSC and the Nigerian capital market community.
He further noted that the exchange maintains strategic partnerships with several renowned stock exchanges around the world, a development that enhances its global relevance and attractiveness to investors.
The partnership is expected to provide corps members with practical exposure to financial management, investment opportunities, and wealth creation strategies, thereby strengthening their economic prospects beyond the service year.
