Abuja: The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has declared that youth empowerment is a central pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She made this announcement on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mahmoud emphasized the current administration’s focus on youth, acknowledging them as the driving force of Nigeria’s future. She highlighted the government’s initiatives in skills development, entrepreneurship support, digital innovation, and job creation aimed at equipping Nigerian youths to thrive in a competitive global economy. The minister underscored the goal of empowering young people as job creators rather than just job seekers, with the broader aims of reducing unemployment, fostering innovation, and strengthening socio-economic development.
The minister assured that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Nyesom Wike, is fully committed to supporting the NYSC’s objectives and providing an enabling environment for corps members to thrive. She also commended the NYSC management for their dedication in delivering a successful orientation course and stressed that the scheme’s commitment to youth development and national integration is vital for strengthening national unity.
Mahmoud urged corps members to uphold the values of discipline, unity, patriotism, and service throughout their service year. She encouraged them to make positive contributions to their host communities, reminding them that the NYSC is not just a call to duty but also an opportunity to promote peace, development, and national unity. The minister further advised corps members to remain security-conscious, respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities, and conduct themselves in ways that would bring honour to both the NYSC and Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr Samson Ateli, described the NYSC as a valuable national asset. He emphasized the scheme’s vital role in promoting peaceful coexistence and national development through the mobilisation and deployment of corps members across various sectors. Ateli urged corps members to accept their postings in good faith and cautioned against seeking or inducing rejections. He encouraged them to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and register for the post-camp SAED training.