The Editor
The National Youth Service Corps has urged youths in various communities to use Nigeria’s cultural diversity, harness them and explore them as a strong bridge to unity, peace and sustainable development.
The Anambra State Coordinator of the NYSC, Pauline Ojisua, made the call during the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Inter-Platoon Cultural Carnival, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu in Awka South Local Government Area, on Saturday.
Ojisua explained that the cultural carnival was organised by the scheme as an avenue to showcase the country’s cultural heritage and highlight areas youths can explore and turn into wealth by exporting them.
According to her, Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups, each uniquely endowed with languages, traditions, music, cuisines, fashion, and values.
She said, “Our diversity is not a barrier, rather, it is a bridge that binds us together in unity, peace, and national development.
“This cultural carnival reminds us that despite our differences, we remain one people with one destiny under one nation.
“I sincerely commend the Corps Members across the 10 platoons for the enthusiasm, creativity, discipline, and teamwork they have demonstrated in preparation for this event.
“Your colourful displays reflect the true spirit of the National Youth Service Corps — promoting unity, selfless service, patriotism, and mutual respect among Nigerians.”
She expressed gratitude on behalf of the NYSC management, to the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his unwavering support towards the scheme in the state.
She also appreciated the presence and fatherly support of the traditional rulers and other guests present at event.
“As we enjoy every dance, song, cuisine, fashion display, and cultural performance presented by the platoons representing 10 diverse cultures, let us remember that Nigeria’s diversity remains her greatest strength and her greatest hope for a united future.
“In the words of the great Jamaican political leader and Pan-Africanist, Marcus Garvey, ‘A people without the knowledge of their history, culture, and values are like a tree without roots’. May we continue to build a nation where every culture is respected, every voice is valued, and every citizen truly belongs,” she added.
In his address, the Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Ben Obi, thanked the God Almighty for His grace and protection which have sustained corps members through the weeks of camp activities.
Obi noted that the NYSC scheme was built on the idea of national integration, adding that the carnival is a proof that national integration works.
“We celebrate unity in diversity with over 2,000 corps members from different states, tribes, languages and backgrounds under one flag, one anthem, and one purpose that is, service to our fatherland.
“On this day, we set aside the routine of camp life to celebrate the diversity and vibrant cultural heritage that define our great nation, Nigeria.
“Look around you, you will see Yoruba dancing with Igbo and Efik. Hausa vibing with Tiv, Benin and Urhobo etc, all on one parade ground, as one family. This is Nigeria at its best,” Obi added.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, HRH Igwe Ben Emeka (Okebo II), described the NYSC, as one of the major tools that has sustained Nigeria’s unity and co-existence.
According to him, the scheme through it orientation programmes, particularly, the cultural carnival, has made Nigerians to understand each other culture and traditions.
“It’s a welcome development. I am highly impressed. It’s very significant to Nigeria unity. It promote unity among Nigeria youths. What I witnessed today in this orientation camp, shows that the Nigeria National Symbol of “Peace, Unity and Progress is still intact.
“We the traditional rulers in Anambra State and the entire South East region will continue to support NYSC in all they do whenever we are needed. We urged the corps members to maintain the inter-relationship they have established in Anambra State for the future sake,” the monarch added.
