MINISTER OF STATE URGES CORPS MEMBERS TO PROMOTE UNITY, DISCIPLINE AS ORIENTATION COURSE OPENS
…NYSC FCT Coordinator Seeks Urgent Camp Reconstruction, Enhanced Welfare Support.
By: Darlington Omotoso and Obed Sambe.
The Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called on newly deployed corps members to the FCT to uphold national unity, discipline, and responsible conduct as they begin their mandatory service year in the nation’s capital.
She made the call during the swearing-in ceremony marking the official opening of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa.
The Minister, represented by the Ag. Mandate Secretary, FCT Youth and Sports Development Secretariat and Chairman NYSC FCT Governing Board Mr. Istifanus Luka, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their academic programmes and their mobilization for national service, stressing that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployment policy remains a critical instrument for fostering unity and national integration. She noted that posting graduates outside their states of origin helps build mutual understanding and promotes peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Dr. Mahmoud urged the corps members to actively participate in all camp activities and adhere strictly to camp rules and regulations. She described the orientation programme as a platform for instilling discipline, leadership skills, and a spirit of patriotism. She also reminded them of the oath of allegiance, urging them to serve Nigeria with dedication and integrity.
While warning against social vices such as cultism and drug abuse, the Minister assured that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure their safety, adding that corps members must remain law-abiding and vigilant throughout their service year.
She commended the Director-General of NYSC and camp officials for their commitment to the smooth conduct of the orientation exercise nationwide and reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s continued support for the scheme. Declaring the orientation course officially open, the Minister wished the corps members a fruitful and hitch-free service year.
A major highlight of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Chief Judge of the FCT, represented by Hon. Justice Angela Otaluka. A total of 5,611 corps members were sworn in, comprising 3,282 males and 2,329 females deployed to the FCT. It was also disclosed that some corps members were posted to neighbouring states of Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi due to limited camp capacity in Abuja.
Speaking earlier, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, appealed for urgent government intervention in the reconstruction and expansion of camp facilities.
He noted that the increasing number of corps members necessitates the immediate commencement of the second phase of renovation of the orientation camp, as well as the construction of additional hostels. He also called for improved welfare packages to support corps members during and after the orientation course.
Ateli emphasized that enhanced infrastructure and sustained support would boost morale and enable corps members to contribute more effectively to national development during their service year.
