Vistara Solutions, in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps, has concluded its youth empowerment campaign at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Agege, Lagos.
The initiative, which took place with Batch B Stream 1 corps members, featured debates, creative contests, and mentorship sessions designed to prepare young Nigerians for life and career opportunities beyond their service year.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Digital Marketing Manager of Vistara Solutions, Mr Afolabi Kazeem, one of the most notable highlights of the programme was the inter-platoon debate on the topic: “Degree vs Skills: Has formal education lost its value in today’s tech-focused job market?”
The debate generated strong arguments from corps members, with participants addressing the role of higher education in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and technology-driven industries.
The contest was eventually won by an Economics graduate from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Stanley Okoronta. He argued that traditional academic methods in Nigeria had not kept pace with global advancements.
“The archaic methods of the teaching models in Nigeria cannot hold a candle to the rapid development of AI, which is moving at the speed of light,” Okoronta said. Cash prizes were given to the top three performers in recognition of their effort and creativity during the session.
The campaign also featured a Social Media Content Creation Competition, which saw corps members showcase their digital marketing and creative communication abilities. The winner was Josephine Adetula, a Mass Communication graduate from Adekunle Ajasin University, who received a N100,000 prize for her entry.
She expressed appreciation for the platform and acknowledged the role of her colleagues in the Orientation Broadcasting Service. “I am extremely grateful to Vistara for this opportunity. Participating in this competition has allowed me to develop my profile and portfolio in social media content creation.
Content creation is something I have always loved to do, and I can say this is my first time winning this big from it. And to those who contested with me, thank you for making the ride worthwhile,” she said.
Speaking on the value of the initiative, the NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, commended the organisers for creating a platform that encouraged corps members to learn relevant skills.
“I encourage corps members to develop soft and relevant skills that make them self-sufficient and independent. Initiatives like this competition provide opportunities for growth, creativity, and professional development, and we welcome all organizations that empower our youth in such meaningful ways,” she stated.
Mr Kazeem added that the campaign sought to broaden corps members’ perspectives. “This campaign is just one of many ways we hope to empower Nigerian youth, especially corps members, by helping them think #BeyondTheKhaki.
By combining mentorship, practical guidance, and opportunities to showcase talent, we are helping these young people explore pathways to success both locally and internationally,” he explained.
In addition to competitions, Vistara Solutions offered free consultations on study abroad opportunities, scholarships, visa sponsorship processes, and mentorship for corps members seeking global exposure.
Highlighting the company’s long-term commitment, the firm’s Business Support and Client Engagement Executive, Mr Samuel Adegbola, said, “This is just a piece of what Vistara Solutions is about, we want to create opportunities for the youth. And this is just the beginning.”