ACCEPT YOUR POSTINGS IN GOOD FAITH, FCT MINISTER URGES CORPS MEMBERS

…Ateli seeks hostel expansion, improved welfare for corps members.

By: Darlington Omotoso &Obed Sambe.

The Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has charged members of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to accept their postings in good faith and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Minister gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream 2 Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Represented at the event by the Director of the Sports Development Department, Mr. Itsifanus Luka, the Minister commended the corps members for exhibiting discipline, resilience, teamwork, patriotism and dedication throughout the orientation exercise.

She noted that the corps members had undergone intellectual, physical and entrepreneurial training through the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which she described as a strategic tool for reducing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among Nigerian youths.

According to her, corps members should leverage the opportunities provided by the scheme to improve their lives and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the nation.“As you go into the Federal Capital Territory communities for your primary assignment, your association with the rural and urban citizens should be developmental and peaceful in nature,” she said.

The Minister also assured the corps members of the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to the security of lives and property, while urging them to avoid unnecessary journeys and remain security conscious during the service year. She emphasized that all parts of the FCT were accessible through affordable transportation and communication systems, urging the corps members to deploy their talents and potentials towards building a united, prosperous and egalitarian Nigeria.

The Minister further appreciated the leadership of the NYSC, particularly the Director General, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, and the FCT Coordinator, Samson Ateli, for their efforts in grooming the corps members into responsible citizens.

Earlier in his address, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, said the orientation course was designed to empower young graduates, nurture leadership qualities and instill a sense of purpose in them. He expressed confidence that the corps members, having been properly oriented and indoctrinated, were ready to become positive change agents during their service year in the FCT.

The Coordinator also appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration to commence the second phase of the renovation and reconstruction of facilities at the orientation camp.

According to him, additional hostel accommodation and improved welfare packages for corps members had become necessary due to the increasing number of corps members deployed to the FCT.

Mr. Ateli further urged the corps members to be good ambassadors of the NYSC by shunning acts capable of tarnishing the image of the Scheme, accepting their postings, and actively participating in Community Development Service projects and post-camp SAED training programmes.

He also appreciated camp officials, collaborating partners and stakeholders for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the orientation exercise. The ceremony formally marked the end of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course in the Federal Capital Territory.