FCT MINISTER CHARGES CORPS MEMBERS TO UPHOLD DISCIPLINE, PATRIOTISM, NATIONAL UNITY

………..As NYSC FCT Coordinator Seeks Renovation of Camp Facilities, Reports Registration of 5,629 Corps Members

By: Darlington Omotoso and Obed Sambe

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has charged members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the FCT to embrace discipline, patriotism and national unity as they commence their service year, stressing that the scheme remains a critical platform for nation-building and youth development.

The Minister gave the charge earlier today, at the official opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja.

Represented by the Acting Mandate Secretary, Youth and Sports Development Secretariat and Chairman of the NYSC FCT Governing Board, Mr. Luka Istifanus, Dr. Mahmoud urged the corps members to actively participate in all camp activities and take advantage of the orientation programme to develop leadership, discipline and life skills that would prepare them for impactful national service.

According to her, the NYSC deployment policy, which posts graduates to states other than their states of origin, remains one of Nigeria’s most effective instruments for promoting national integration, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening peaceful coexistence among citizens from diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

She encouraged the corps members to approach the orientation exercise with seriousness and commitment, noting that the lessons and experiences acquired during the three-week programme would serve as valuable tools throughout their service year and beyond.

The Minister also warned against involvement in social vices, particularly cultism, drug abuse and other forms of misconduct capable of tarnishing the image of the scheme and jeopardising their future.

While assuring the corps members of adequate security arrangements within the camp, she called on them to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times and to promptly report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

Dr. Mahmoud further reminded the newly sworn-in corps members of the significance of the Oath of Allegiance they had taken, describing it as a solemn commitment to serve the nation with loyalty, integrity and dedication.

“As Corps Members, you are expected to demonstrate exemplary character, serve as positive role models to young people and initiate community development programmes that will complement government efforts across the Federal Capital Territory,” she stated.

The Minister commended the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, and the management of the scheme for the successful mobilisation and deployment of corps members nationwide, as well as camp officials whose dedication ensured a smooth commencement of the orientation exercise.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to supporting the NYSC Scheme in recognition of its immense contributions to youth empowerment and socio-economic development.

Declaring the orientation course open, Dr. Mahmoud wished the corps members a productive, enriching and successful orientation programme.

Earlier in his welcome address, the FCT Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Samson Ateli, described the scheme as synonymous with discipline and patriotism, noting that it has remained a veritable tool for national unity and integration among Nigerian youths.

He welcomed the corps members to what he described as a national platform for nurturing leadership, character and purpose towards national development.

Mr. Ateli disclosed that as of Thursday, August 6, 2026, a total of 5,629 corps members had been successfully registered for the orientation course in the FCT. The figure, he said, comprises 2,271 males and 3,358 females.

He explained that some of the corps members deployed to the FCT were dislodged to camps in Benue, Kaduna, Kano and Nasarawa States due to the inadequate accommodation capacity of the FCT Orientation Camp relative to the number of prospective corps members posted to the territory.

The Coordinator expressed delight over the conduct of the corps members, stating that they had comported themselves commendably and adapted successfully to the regimented environment of the orientation camp.

Mr. Ateli also expressed appreciation to the FCTA for its continued support to the scheme and appealed for the commencement of the second phase of the reconstruction and renovation of facilities at the orientation camp.

According to him, several sections of the camp infrastructure require urgent repairs and upgrades to improve the quality of facilities available for corps members and camp officials.

He further encouraged the prospective corps members to take full advantage of the various programmes lined up for them, particularly the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative, which is designed to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

The NYSC FCT Coordinator urged the corps members to maintain discipline throughout the orientation exercise and the service year, warning that the scheme would not tolerate drug abuse, financial crimes and other anti-social behaviours capable of bringing the NYSC into disrepute.

The ceremony featured the administration of the Oath of Allegiance on the corps members by the Honourable Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, who was represented by Hon. Justice Ngozika Nwabulu, and was attended by senior government officials, members of the NYSC Governing Board, security agencies and other distinguished guests.