FCTA CHARGES CORPS MEMBERS ON DISCIPLINE, PATRIOTISM AS 2026 BATCH ‘A’ ORIENTATION BEGINS IN ABUJA.

By: Obed Sambe.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to remain law-abiding, patriotic, and strictly compliant with camp rules and regulations, warning against involvement in social vices such as cultism and drug abuse.

The call was made at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Orientation Course held on Friday, 23rd January 2026, at the NYSC FCT Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Mandate Secretary, Youth and Sports Development Secretariat and Chairman, Governing Board of NYSC FCT, Alhaji Lawan Kolo Geidam, emphasized that the security of corps members remains a top priority of the administration. He noted that several security agencies have been deployed to the camp to safeguard lives and property.

Alhaji Geidam explained that the NYSC deployment policy, which posts young Nigerians to states other than their states of origin, is designed to foster national unity, integration, and nation-building.

“Let me also remind you of the significance of the oath of allegiance you have sworn. It is a solemn pledge to give your all in the service of our dear country, Nigeria,” he stated.

He added that corps members are expected, through their conduct and activities, to serve as mentors to younger Nigerians and to initiate development-oriented programmes that will complement the efforts of government at all levels within the FCT.

The Mandate Secretary commended the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, and his management team for the timely mobilization and deployment of critical resources, which ensured a smooth take-off of the orientation exercise in the FCT.

Alhaji Geidam further assured that the FCTA remains committed to providing maximum support to the NYSC scheme, recognizing it as a key partner in the socio-economic development of the Federal Capital Territory.

In his address, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, described the NYSC as a veritable instrument for promoting national unity and integration among Nigerian graduate youths, particularly through its emphasis on discipline, patriotism, and selfless service.

Mr. Ateli disclosed that as of Thursday, 22nd January 2026, a total of 4,325 corps members had been duly registered for the orientation course, comprising 1,782 males and 2,543 females.

According to him, the figure includes corps members were sent to Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna States due to the limited capacity of the FCT orientation camp relative to the number of prospective corps members deployed to the territory. He also expressed optimism over the commencement of the second phase of the ongoing renovation works at the camp, noting that several facilities require urgent renovation and reconstruction to enhance the welfare of corps members