The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged corps members to recognise the benefits of Nigeria’s cultural diversity and to use it as a foundation for unity, peace and sustainable development, the scheme said on Sunday.
The call was made by the Anambra State Coordinator of NYSC, Pauline Ojisua, 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.
Ojisua said the event was organised by the NYSC as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage and to highlight areas where youths can explore cultural elements that could be turned into economic opportunities through export and other initiatives.
She said the carnival was more than a display of attire and performance. According to Ojisua, it was a “profound testimony to national strength” of the more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Ojisua said, “Our diversity is not a fault line for division, but a robust bridge to unity, peace and sustainable development.” She added that engagement with the music and dances of different cultures could foster understanding and harmony.
The Chairman of the carnival Planning Committee, Ben Obi, said the occasion celebrated unity in diversity, a principle the NYSC seeks to instil in every corps member. He said the platform provided opportunities to appreciate, respect and learn from one another’s cultures and to build friendships across tribal and regional lines.
Obi encouraged corps members to practice tolerance, mutual respect and cultural understanding as foundations for peaceful coexistence, national integration and sustainable development.
The Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in Anambra State, Patrick Aghamba, thanked the NYSC for promoting Nigeria’s heritage and peace.
He acknowledged the efforts of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in supporting youth development.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Ifeatu Emordi, said the programme continues to unite people and brings Nigerians together across ethnic, religious and regional boundaries.
The cultural carnival featured corps members displaying various traditional attire, dances and cuisines from different tribes, fostering appreciation of national integration.
Ten platoons representing distinct Nigerian cultures competed in activities showcasing dance and indigenous costume.
Corps members participating in the event expressed appreciation for the NYSC’s efforts to make the occasion vibrant and culturally engaging.
