FCT MINISTER OF STATE CHARGES CORPS MEMBERS TO DRIVE NATION-BUILDING, EMBRACE POSTINGS IN GOOD FAITH
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 2, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to deploy their talents, skills and potentials towards nation-building, unity and socio-economic development, while accepting their postings in good faith.
The Minister gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2, Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja. She was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, FCT Administration, Mr. Rotimi Babatunde Ajayi.
Addressing the corps members, Dr. Mahmoud commended them for demonstrating teamwork, discipline, resilience, dedication and patriotism throughout the orientation exercise, describing the qualities as essential ingredients for national development.
She urged the corps members to take advantage of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme to acquire practical skills that would enhance self-reliance and reduce post-service unemployment.
“I enjoin you to take up post-camp trainings in your chosen skill sets during the SAED Programme. It is one sure way of reducing post-service unemployment. You are expected to take advantage of these invaluable opportunities to generate wealth and advance the development of our nation,” she said.
The Minister further advised the corps members to maintain peaceful and developmental relationships with their host communities, noting that previous batches had made significant contributions to the socio-economic growth of the FCT through dedicated service.
On security, Dr. Mahmoud reassured the corps members of the FCT Administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging them to avoid unnecessary journeys and remain security conscious throughout their service year.
She also encouraged them to settle quickly in their places of primary assignment, stressing that all parts of the FCT are accessible through affordable transportation and communication networks.
“As leaders of today and tomorrow, you should galvanise your talents and potentials towards enthroning a more united, prosperous and egalitarian nation that will remain a legacy for future generations,” she stated.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the NYSC management led by the Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, and commended the FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, alongside camp officials and stakeholders for successfully organising the orientation programme and grooming the youths for national service.
Earlier in his address, the FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the orientation course, describing their conduct during the three-week exercise as exemplary.
He said the orientation programme was carefully designed to instil discipline, patriotism, resilience and leadership values in the participants, expressing confidence that the corps members had been adequately prepared to become positive change agents across the Federal Capital Territory.
Mr. Ateli urged them to accept their postings in good faith, shun negative influences and make effective use of the SAED initiative to acquire entrepreneurial skills that would enhance their future prospects.
The coordinator also appreciated the continued support of the FCT Administration, particularly the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for providing an enabling environment for NYSC activities in the territory.
The ceremony marked the official end of the orientation exercise and the deployment of corps members to their various places of primary assignment across the FCT for the commencement of their one-year national service.
