Youth Help Desk Wins 2026 Civil Service Excellence Award for Outstanding Service Delivery
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, August 19, 2026 — The Youth Help Desk of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has won the 2026 Civil Service Excellence Award for outstanding performance and impact in responsive, customer-focused and innovative service delivery.
The award, presented on August 15, 2026, by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), was received on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, and the Ministry by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro.
The OHCSF recognised the Youth Help Desk for its exemplary commitment to accountability, responsiveness and citizen-centred service delivery, describing the initiative as one that has set a benchmark for excellent performance and transformative impact.
Established in 2024 in line with SERVICOM standards, the Youth Help Desk is a flagship initiative of the Minister of Youth Development designed 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 responses and redress.
Since its establishment, the Help Desk has handled more than 5,000 citizen requests, resolving over 4,100 cases and demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to responsive and citizen-focused governance.
Receiving the award, Keshinro expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a testament to the dedication, professionalism and commitment of the Ministry’s workforce.
She said the award also demonstrated that effective policy implementation could translate into tangible benefits when government initiatives were designed around the needs and concerns of citizens.
“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.”
The Permanent Secretary said the recognition would encourage the Ministry to further strengthen the Help Desk and adopt more 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 said.
According to the statement signed by the
Director, Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, the Ministry said the award reinforces its determination to place young Nigerians at the centre of its programmes and ensure that government services are accessible, accountable and responsive to their needs.
