FCT Minister of State Urges Corps Members to Shun Cultism

The Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged members of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to abide by camp regulations and distance themselves from cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.

Dr. Mahmoud, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Youth and Sports Development Secretariat, FCTA, Mrs. Nancy Sabastin Nathan, gave the charge during the official opening and swearing-in ceremony held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja.

Addressing the 4,050 newly deployed corps members, she emphasized the importance of discipline, commitment, and active participation in all camp activities, noting that these values would be crucial to their success during and after the service year.

“Let me remind you of the significance of the oath of allegiance you have just sworn. It is a solemn pledge to serve our dear country with dedication and integrity. Your comportment and activities should reflect this commitment by mentoring youths and initiating development-driven programs that align with government efforts at all levels,” she said.

Dr. Mahmoud further encouraged corps members to embrace the regimented structure of the orientation course, highlighting its long-term benefits in shaping their character and work ethic.

Earlier in his address, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, expressed appreciation to the FCT Administration for its continuous support in providing an enabling environment for the scheme’s smooth operations.

Ateli commended the corps members for adapting well to the rigours of camp life and urged them to take advantage of the opportunities presented during the orientation exercise, particularly in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development.

• The swearing-in ceremony, which saw the administration of the oath of allegiance to 4,050 corps members — comprising 1,654 males and 2,396 females — was conducted by Hon. Justice Cyprian Odinaka Agashieze, representing the Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf.