FCT MINISTER OF STATE CHARGES CORPS MEMBERS TO BE AGENTS OF UNITY, DEVELOPMENT

… AS NYSC OPENS 2026 BATCH ‘C’ STREAM 1 ORIENTATION COURSE.

By: Darlington Omotoso.

The Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has charged members of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to embrace their national assignment with integrity, innovation and a strong commitment to nation-building.

The Minister gave the charge during the official opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja, where she urged the Corps Members to see their service year as a unique opportunity to foster national unity, promote peaceful coexistence and contribute meaningfully to community development.

Mahmoud, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, FCTA, Mr. Ajayi Rotimi Babatunde, congratulated the Corps Members on completing their academic programmes and mobilising for national service.

She described the NYSC deployment policy, which posts graduates to states other than their states of origin, as a strategic tool for strengthening national integration and broadening the understanding of Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.

“The deployment policy of the NYSC is expected to engender unity and promote nation-building. It offers young Nigerians the opportunity for a broader understanding of the country while entrenching the culture of working together in peace and harmony,” she said.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of security, discipline and responsible conduct during and after the orientation exercise, urging the Corps Members to reject cultism, drug abuse and other social vices that could undermine their future and the objectives of the Scheme.

“Your wellbeing matters. Observe camp rules, reject cultism and drug abuse, and look out for one another. Stay alert and promptly report any security concern to the appropriate officials,” she advised.

According to her, the oath of allegiance administered to the Corps Members should be reflected in their service to humanity through impactful community projects, mentorship initiatives and the application of their knowledge and digital skills to address societal challenges.

“A pupil you help to read, a young person you mentor, or a community project you support can make your service meaningful. Bring your knowledge and digital skills to the needs around you and help turn useful ideas into practical improvements that complement government efforts across the FCT,” she stated.

Dr. Mahmoud commended the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General O. O. Nafiu, the management of the Scheme and camp officials across the country for successfully mobilising personnel and resources for the orientation programme.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to supporting the NYSC as a strategic partner in youth development and community advancement.

“The FCTA remains committed to supporting the NYSC as a valued partner in the development of the Territory. Your contribution matters. Approach this year with initiative and integrity and use it to build skills and relationships that will serve you well beyond the programme,” she told the Corps Members before formally declaring the orientation course open.

Earlier in his welcome address, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, disclosed that a total of 5,970 Corps Members, comprising 2,666 males and 3,304 females, had been successfully registered for the orientation exercise as of October 1, 2026.

He noted that the figure included Corps Members displaced from Benue, Kaduna, Kano and Nasarawa States due to capacity constraints at the FCT Orientation Camp, adding that the participants had conducted themselves commendably and adapted well to the regimented camp environment.

Mr. Ateli expressed appreciation to the FCTA for its sustained support to the NYSC in the Territory but appealed for urgent intervention in the rehabilitation and expansion of facilities at the Kubwa Orientation Camp.

According to him, several critical sections of the camp require immediate attention, stressing the need for the commencement of the second phase of reconstruction and renovation works to enhance the welfare and training experience of Corps Members.

“May I appeal for the commencement of the second phase of the reconstruction and renovation of camp facilities, as several areas are in dire need of repair in the Orientation Camp,” he said.

The Coordinator further described the orientation programme as a vital platform for instilling discipline, critical thinking, entrepreneurship and self-reliance through the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative.

He urged the Corps Members to maintain exemplary conduct throughout the service year, warning against drug abuse, financial crimes and other anti-social behaviours capable of tarnishing the image of the Scheme.

The ceremony, which coincided with activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, attracted top government officials, members of the judiciary, NYSC management, security agencies and other distinguished guests who joined the Corps Members in commencing a year of national service dedicated to unity, development and responsible citizenship.

The Honourable Chief Judge of the FCT, Honourable Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, represented by Honourable Justice Olumuyiwa Oyeyipo administered the Oath of allegiance on the Corps members after which dignitaries and Corps members cut the cake to commemorate the sixty-sixth independence anniversary of Nigeria.