The National Youth Service Corps has urged youths in various communities to recognise the benefits of 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 I cultural carnival held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Mbaukwu/Umuawulu, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, 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.
She noted that the event is far more than a display of style, but a profound testimony to national strength, with over 250 ethnic groups.
She said, “Our diversity is not a fault line for division, but a robust bridge to unity, peace and sustainable development. By stepping into the songs and dances of cultures different from your own, paving the way for understanding is the first step towards lasting harmony.
“Our differences are our greatest asset. Let us continue to build a nation where every culture is valued, and every citizen is truly given a sense of belonging.
“The event serves as a platform for corps members to reconnect with their roots and strengthen the spirit of national unity while serving in the state.
“Through culture, many Nigerian youths could be gainfully employed. We urge youth organisations in various communities to look at the benefits of Nigerian culture, harness them and use them to develop themselves and society at large.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the event, Ben Obi, said the NYSC carnival is a celebration of unity in diversity, which is the core principle the scheme seeks to instil in every corps member.
According to Obi, the platform provides an opportunity to appreciate, respect and learn from one another’s culture, build lasting friendships across tribal and regional lines, and reaffirm a shared identity as Nigerians.
“We urge corps members to be tolerant, have mutual respect and promote cultural understanding for peaceful coexistence, national integration and sustainable development.
“We commend the Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, for remaining steadfast in its commitment to empowering young people to become responsible leaders, innovators and agents of positive change,” he added.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, who also doubles as Chairman of the Governing Board of the state NYSC, Patrick Aghamba, thanked the NYSC team for its efforts in preserving Nigeria’s heritage and promoting peace.
Aghamba acknowledged the efforts of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in ensuring youth development.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Ifeatu Emordi, applauded the NYSC management for sustaining the programme, which he said has continued to unite the people as one Nigeria.
Emordi, who represented the governor, said the programme remains a platform that brings Nigerians together across ethnic, religious and regional boundaries, noting that the NYSC is a symbol of national unity.
Highlights of the event included corps members showcasing various traditional attire, dances and cuisines from different tribes, fostering national integration. The carnival featured 10 platoons representing different Nigerian cultures, with competitions highlighting dance and indigenous attire.
The corps members, in their responses, appreciated the scheme for its efforts in making the occasion colourful.
Similarly, in November 2023, the former Coordinator of NYSC in Anambra State, Blessing Iruma, urged youths in various communities to look at the benefits of Nigerian cultural diversity, harvest them and use them to develop themselves and the society at large.
Iruma made the call during the 2023 Batch C Stream 1 Corps Members cultural carnival, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Iruma explained that the cultural carnival was organised by the NYSC as an avenue to showcase the country’s cultural heritage to highlight the aspects where youths can explore and turn into wealth by exporting them.
