The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed the value of cultural diversity in fostering national unity and integration.
Niger State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, stated this during the 2025 Batch B Stream II cultural carnival held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Paikoro Local Government Area.
She explained that the cultural carnival, introduced into the orientation course in 2022, was designed to rekindle cultural awareness among Nigerian youths.
According to her, the event provides a platform for cultural exchange and integration, especially for those who have not had the opportunity to experience other traditions.
“Our ethnic and cultural differences are not walls of division but bridges and beautiful connections that bind us as one people.
In every step of our dance, every fabric of our culture, every flavour of our food and every story we tell, we see the strength of a Nigeria that thrives because of our diversity,” she said.
Shuaibu-Ibrahim praised the corps members for their enthusiasm, creativity and effort in representing various cultures. She urged them to serve as preservers of heritage while acting as good ambassadors of unity.
The coordinator also commended Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State for his continuous support for the scheme and called on other stakeholders to sustain their backing for national development and integration.
In his remarks, Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Bahago, represented by Alhaji Salihu Garba, Mai-Samari Minna, applauded the NYSC for integrating cultural activities into the orientation programme.
He observed that the event highlighted Nigeria’s unity through diversity, “The most impressive aspect of the carnival was seeing Hausa boys beautifully displaying Igbo culture, and Igbo boys showcasing Yoruba culture, it is a very good thing,” he said.
The carnival featured cultural performances by twelve platoon groups, each highlighting Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
(NAN)