NYSC Members Welcome TAO’s Initiative with Enthusiasm

News in Brief

- NYSCxTAO project activation campaign kickstarts in Akwa Ibom and Abuja to introduce corps members to opportunities within its digital ecosystem and encourage participation in agriculture and related services.

- The campaign drew strong interest from corps members, many of whom engaged enthusiastically with the platform during orientation camp activities.

- TAO says it will use lessons from the pilot exercises to expand the initiative to more camps across the country

Thousands of Nigerian youths participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation programme have expressed strong enthusiasm for the NYSCxTAO collaborative initiative to reimagine the scheme as a thriving economic ecosystem.

Following the successful NYSC and TAO Strategy & Planning Workshop held in Abuja on June 5 and 6, 2026, The Agriculture Option (TAO) immediately began implementing one of the key stakeholders' recommendations: engaging and onboarding corps members directly through orientation camps across the country.

Taking the Initiative to the Youths

To kick off the project, TAO launched its activation and onboarding campaign at the Akwa Ibom NYSC Orientation Camp in Ikot Itie Udung before moving to the Abuja camp in Kubwa.

The campaign combined stakeholder engagement, roadshows, presentations, games, and interactive sessions to introduce corps members to the opportunities available within the TAO ecosystem.

Young graduates responded enthusiastically, with many expressing interest in participating in the initiative. Large numbers of youths downloaded the TAO mobile application and enrolled in various features and programmes offered through the platform.

Ahead of the Abuja activation, TAO representatives met with the State Coordinator, Camp Director, and SAED officials to develop an engaging programme tailored to corps members.

Akwa Ibom Corps Members Lead the Way

Activities at the Akwa Ibom orientation camp took on a festive atmosphere as TAO officially introduced its vision of a reimagined NYSC ecosystem to corps members.

Approximately 1,300 corps members attended the activation, where they learned about the initiative's opportunities and benefits. TAO representatives guided participants through the app download and registration process while explaining how they could become part of the growing digital ecosystem.

Although internet connectivity challenges prevented some corps members from downloading the application immediately, many registered their details and indicated interest in future engagements.

The NYSC State Coordinator for Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Akuagbaogu Ngozi Rosemary, revealed that after an initial awareness session led by the camp's SAED coordinator, corps members stayed up late into the night to install the application.

During the event, TAO's Head of Product, Mr Adedeji Edun, demonstrated the platform's features and highlighted how it addresses challenges that limit youth productivity and economic advancement, particularly in the agricultural sector.

He explained that corps members interested in participating in TAO projects could register using their email addresses and receive access to an AI-powered application portal.

Beyond agriculture-focused opportunities, the company also showcased pathways in content creation, reporting, data analysis, creative services, and technology-related engagements.

The activation generated a strong response, with more than half of the camp population expressing interest on the first day. Registrations continued to increase in the days that followed.

Encouraged by the success of the Akwa Ibom exercise, TAO proceeded to the Abuja NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa.

Abuja Activation Experience

In Abuja, the TAO team met with the Kubwa Camp Director, Mrs Abosede Fashina, through the facilitation of the Director of Ventures Management, Mr Abe Dankaro Ashumate.

Fashina welcomed the initiative and commended its focus on empowering corps members to become active contributors to Nigeria's economy.

Following discussions on the activation plan, she directed camp officials to provide strategic locations for the TAO booth and QR code installations to ensure easy access for interested participants.

During the activation, TAO's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr Adefemi Adeniyi, presented the company's youth-focused strategy. Corps members responded enthusiastically when challenged to imagine earning up to ₦5 million annually through opportunities within the ecosystem.

More than 150 corps members visited the TAO booth, participating in activities such as spin-the-wheel games, dance competitions, and other interactive engagements. Over 100 participants downloaded the application immediately and joined the Abuja community.

At least two groups also approached the company's representatives with their business proposals and ideas. There was a brief discussion on stregthening their business models and arguments for potential investments.

"It was refreshing seeing young people embrace agricultural ventures with such enthusiasm," said Deborah Dairo, TAO's Director of Media. "I believe the next generation of youths who pass through the TAO ecosystem will lead ventures that transform Nigeria's food system."

Dairo added that the company has already identified key lessons from the pilot activations in Akwa Ibom and Abuja and will apply those insights as the initiative expands to orientation camps nationwide.