August 19, 2025 – FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed that youth empowerment stands as a central pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She made this statement on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course held at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.
Mahmoud explained that the present administration placed young people at the forefront of national growth, recognising their role as the driving force of Nigeria’s future. She noted that the government was focused on equipping youths with the right tools to succeed in the current digital and competitive global economy.
“Through skills development, entrepreneurship support, digital innovation, and job creation initiatives, the government aims to equip Nigerian youths to thrive in a competitive global economy. The goal is to empower young people as job creators rather than just job seekers, thereby reducing unemployment, fostering innovation, and strengthening socio-economic development,” she said.
The minister added that the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the leadership of Nyesom Wike, would continue to provide strong support for the objectives of the NYSC.
She highlighted the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that ensures corps members can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Mahmoud praised the NYSC management for delivering a successful orientation course, stressing that the scheme’s vision for youth development and national integration was critical for strengthening unity. She called on corps members to embrace values of discipline, patriotism, unity, and service as they begin their service year.
She urged participants to contribute positively to their host communities, reminding them that the NYSC represented more than an assignment. “The NYSC is not just a call to duty but also an opportunity to promote peace, development, and national unity,” she said.
In her advice to corps members, Mahmoud encouraged them to remain security-conscious, respect the cultures of their host communities, and conduct themselves in a manner that brings honour to the scheme and the nation.
Also addressing the gathering, the FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr Samson Ateli, described the NYSC as a valuable national asset. He said the programme played a vital role in fostering peaceful coexistence and national development through the mobilisation and deployment of corps members across different sectors.
Ateli further urged corps members to accept their postings in good faith and avoid seeking rejections. “I also encourage you to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and register for the post-camp SAED training,” he added.