FCT MINISTER OF STATE CHARGES CORPS MEMBERS TO EMBRACE NATIONAL SERVICE, SHUN CULTISM AND DRUG ABUSE.
By: Darlington Omotoso.
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has charged members of the 2026 Batch C, Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to embrace discipline, shun cultism and drug abuse, and demonstrate unwavering commitment to national development throughout their service year.
Mahmoud gave the charge at the official opening and swearing-in ceremony of the orientation course for the corps members deployed to the FCT, held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja. The Minister was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr Ajayi Rotimi Babatunde.
She described the NYSC deployment policy, which posts young Nigerians to states other than their states of origin, as an important instrument for promoting national unity, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds of nation-building.
The Minister urged the corps members to participate actively in all camp activities, embrace the discipline and structured training of the orientation programme, and regard their oath of allegiance as a solemn commitment to serve the country wholeheartedly.
She also emphasised the importance of security consciousness and strict compliance with camp rules and regulations, assuring the corps members that the government had prioritised their safety, with security agencies deployed to the camp.
Mahmoud commended the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, and his management team for the timely mobilisation and deployment of resources for the seamless commencement of the orientation exercise across the FCT and the 36 states of the federation.
She further reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to providing maximum support to the NYSC in recognition of the scheme’s contributions to the development of the territory.
In his introductory address, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mr Samson Ateli, disclosed that a total of 5,966 prospective corps members had successfully registered for the orientation course, comprising 2,432 males and 3,534 females.
Ateli explained that some of the corps members deployed to the FCT had been dislodged to Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi and Benue states because of the limited accommodation capacity of the FCT orientation camp relative to the number of prospective corps members posted to the territory.
He, however, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the prospective corps members, noting that they had successfully adapted to the regimented nature of the orientation programme and demonstrated commendable preparedness for the exercise.
The Coordinator expressed appreciation to the FCTA for its continued support, particularly in providing the enabling environment for the successful conduct of the orientation course and facilitating the smooth operations of the NYSC scheme in the territory.
He, however, appealed for the commencement of the second phase of the renovation of the NYSC FCT Orientation Camp, Kubwa, noting that several facilities required urgent repairs and reconstruction.
According to him, some hostel buildings and administrative offices are in a deteriorating condition and are at the verge of collapse, while the ageing and weakened perimeter fence constitutes a significant security risk to the camp.
Ateli also called for a comprehensive welfare package for corps members during and after their orientation courses, including the construction of additional hostels to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the FCT.
He said improved welfare facilities would provide the necessary encouragement and motivation for corps members as they proceed to their respective places of primary assignment.
Addressing the prospective corps members, the Coordinator urged them to take full advantage of the orientation programme, particularly its leadership development, physical fitness and entrepreneurial training components.
He highlighted the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme as a major platform for equipping Nigerian youths with practical skills for self-reliance, sustainable job creation and meaningful contributions to national development.
Ateli encouraged the corps members to make a deliberate commitment to acquiring at least one vocational or entrepreneurial skill during and after the orientation exercise.
He equally warned against conduct capable of undermining the image and objectives of the NYSC, particularly drug abuse, financial crimes and other social vices, urging the corps members to maintain discipline and orderly conduct throughout their service year.
The Coordinator further emphasised the importance of maintaining basic hygiene and sanitation within the camp, noting that wash basins had been provided at strategic locations to promote healthy practices.
The ceremony featured the administration of the oath of allegiance to the corps members by the representative of the Honourable Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice Olumuyiwa Oyeyipo, on behalf of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf.
The NYSC FCT Coordinator expressed gratitude to the FCTA, the FCT Judiciary, the Youth and Sports Development Secretariat and other stakeholders for their continued partnership and support towards the successful implementation of the scheme in the territory.
Honourable Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice Husseini Bala Yusuf, represented by Honourable Justice Olumuyiwa Oyeyipo, administered the oath of allegiance to the Corps members.
