FCTA URGES CORPS MEMBERS TO EMBRACE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
By: Darlington Omotoso and Obed Sambe.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has urged corps members deployed to the nation’s capital to embrace entrepreneurship, harness the skills acquired during their orientation and service year, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Honourable Minister of State for the Dr. Mariya Mahmoud gave the charge during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1, Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja on Tuesday, 20th October, 2026.
Dr. Mahmoud who represented by the Permanent Secretary, FCT Common Services Secretariat, Mr. Ajayi Rotimi Babatunde, said, teamwork, discipline, resilience, dedication and patriotism were commendable virtues displayed by the corps members during the orientation exercise, urging them to sustain these values as they proceed to their respective places of primary assignment across the Territory.
She emphasised that corps members should maintain productive and peaceful relationships with residents in both rural and urban communities, noting that their conduct and contributions would determine the impact of their service year.
According to her, previous corps members had contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the FCT, urging the outgoing corps members to emulate their predecessors and make their service year meaningful.
The Minister particularly encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the National Youth Service Corps’ Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme by enrolling in post-camp training to strengthen their entrepreneurial capacities and prepare for life after service.
She described entrepreneurship and skills acquisition as important pathways to wealth creation and a practical response to post-service unemployment, which she said the Federal Government and the FCTA were determined to address.
“You are expected to take advantage of these invaluable opportunities and build on them in order to generate wealth as well as advance the course of development of our nation in all ramifications,” she stated.
Dr. Mahmoud further stressed the importance of nation-building and socio-economic development, expressing confidence that the corps members would deploy their talents and potential towards building a united, prosperous and egalitarian Nigeria.
She urged them to accept their postings in good faith, settle down quickly and contribute to the growth of the country, assuring them that communities across the FCT were accessible through affordable transportation and modern communication facilities.
On security, the Minister reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to protecting lives and property and providing a peaceful environment for national service. She, however, advised corps members to avoid unnecessary journeys, remain security-conscious and take personal safety precautions throughout their service year.
She also commended residents of the FCT for their hospitality and willingness to associate with corps members from different parts of the country.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the NYSC management, under the leadership of its Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, and particularly acknowledged the FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, and other officials involved in preparing the corps members for national service.
In his address, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the orientation course, describing the Scheme as a vital instrument for national unity and integration.
Ateli noted that the NYSC had continued to fulfil its mandate of mobilising graduate youths and instilling in them the values of discipline, patriotism and commitment to work through its various programmes.
He urged the corps members to uphold these values at their places of primary assignment, accept their postings in good faith and avoid conduct capable of bringing the Scheme into disrepute.
The Coordinator also encouraged them to maximise the opportunities offered by the SAED programme by registering for post-camp entrepreneurship training, adding that the skills acquired could help them establish sustainable livelihoods and prepare for life beyond national service.
He appealed to employers of corps members to facilitate their early acceptance and integration into their respective organisations to enable them settle down promptly and discharge their duties effectively.
Ateli expressed appreciation to the FCTA for its continued support and for providing an enabling environment for the NYSC to operate in the Territory.
While acknowledging the completion of the first phase of the reconstruction and renovation of some facilities at the orientation camp, he appealed to the Administration to commence the second phase in good time, citing the need to renovate other facilities that require urgent attention.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing improvements would contribute to the transformation of the FCT Orientation Camp and enhance the welfare and experience of future corps members.
The NYSC FCT Coordinator also commended camp officials and collaborating partners for their contributions to the successful conduct of the orientation exercise.
He wished the corps members a safe and productive service year, urging them to remain resilient, obedient and committed to their responsibilities as ambassadors of national unity.
Abuja Digest reports that the ceremony marked the conclusion of the orientation exercise and the transition of the corps members to their respective places of primary assignment across the Federal Capital Territory.
