By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Youth Help Desk of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has received the 2026 Civil Service Excellence Award in recognition of its outstanding performance and impact in delivering responsive, accountable and citizen-focused services to Nigerian youths.
The award was presented on August 15, 2026, by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and was received on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, and the ministry by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro.
The OHCSF recognized the Youth Help Desk for its exemplary performance in responsive, customer-focused and innovative service delivery, describing it as a benchmark for excellent performance and a legacy of transformative impact.
The Youth Help Desk, a flagship initiative of the Minister of Youth Development, was established in 2024 in line with SERVICOM standards to bridge the gap between government and Nigerian youths.
The platform provides young Nigerians with an accessible channel to obtain information, seek assistance, lodge complaints and receive timely redress.
Since its establishment, the Help Desk has handled more than 5,000 citizen requests and resolved over 4,100 cases, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to responsive and citizen-centred governance.
Speaking after receiving the award, Keshinro expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the ministry’s workforce.
She said the award demonstrated how effective policy implementation could translate into tangible impact when government initiatives were designed to directly address citizens’ needs and concerns.
“I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of the Honourable Minister and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. It is a significant recognition of the dedication and commitment of our officers and the impact of the Youth Help Desk in providing responsive and citizen-centred services,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary said the recognition would further motivate the ministry to strengthen the Help Desk and sustain innovative approaches to service delivery.
“This award is not only an honour but also a responsibility to do more. We will continue to improve our systems, listen to our citizens and ensure that Nigerian youths receive efficient, accessible and responsive government services,” she added.
The award, according to the ministry, further underscores its commitment to strengthening mechanisms that enable young Nigerians to engage with government and access timely and effective public services.
