The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya  Mahmoud, has pledged the administration’s maximum support to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

She made the commitment on Friday in Abuja, at the swearing-in-ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream One Orientation Course.

Mahmoud, who was represented by Mr Abdullahi Ango, Mandate Secretary, Youth Development Secretariat, said that the FCT’s support to NYSC was in recognition of the scheme’s role as an active partner in the development of the capital territory.

According to Mahmoud, the deployment policy of the NYSC which ensures that young Nigerians are posted to states other than their own is a good initiative expected to engender unity and promote nation building.

This, she said, would offer them the opportunity for a broader understanding of the country, entrenching the culture of working together in peace and harmony.

Mahmoud, however, urged the corps members to apply themselves diligently to all camp activities and submit to the regimented nature and discipline on camp.

“They will certainly be beneficial to you and help you to be outstanding during the service year,” she added.

The minister advised them to be security conscious at all times, assuring them that their security was a top priority of the government as several security agencies have been deployed to the camp to ensure the security of lives and property.

The FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka, said that as at the close of registration, 2,887 corps members have been duly registered for the orientation course.

She said that they comprised of 1,144 males and 1,743 females.

According to her, the scheme has successfully maintained its pivotal role in inducing national unity, and integration and has continued to build socio-cultural bridges across different ethno-cultural regions of the country.

“In view of these, I most warmly welcome these patriotic prospective corps members who have answered the clarion call of selfless service to our great nation Nigeria.

“I am pleased to report that these prospective corps members have successfully adapted to the regimented nature of the orientation course and have comported themselves in manners worthy of commendation showing that they are ready to imbibe all the training prepared for the course.”

Report says that the oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Husseini Yusuf, who was represented by Justice Odinaka Agashieze. (NAN)