The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is deliberately placing young Nigerians at the heart of its Renewed Hope Agenda, describing them as the nation’s greatest drivers of growth and unity.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kubwa, Abuja, Mahmoud said the administration is committed to turning Nigerian youths into job creators rather than job seekers.
She explained that new initiatives in skills training, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and job creation are being rolled out to ensure young people thrive in a competitive global economy.
“The future of Nigeria rests on your shoulders,” she told the corps members, urging them to seize opportunities and embody discipline, patriotism, and service.
The Minister assured that the FCT Administration under Barrister Nyesom Wike will continue to back the NYSC with policies and programmes that allow corps members to excel.
She commended the scheme for its enduring role in national integration, calling it “invaluable in strengthening our collective bond as a people.”
Mahmoud also reminded corps members to respect local cultures, remain security-conscious, and conduct themselves in ways that bring honour to the NYSC and Nigeria.
FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, in his remarks, described the scheme as a national asset that continues to promote peaceful co-existence and accelerate development through the deployment of corps members nationwide.
He urged the new graduates to accept their postings in good faith and take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to prepare for life beyond the service year.