The National Youth Service Corps has urged corps members to recognise and embrace Nigeria’s cultural diversity as a means to promote unity, peace and sustainable development, the scheme said during a cultural carnival in Anambra State.
The NYSC regularly incorporates cultural activities into its orientation and community programmes to encourage interaction among young graduates from different Nigerian regions.
Cultural carnivals serve as platforms for corps members to learn about diverse ethnic traditions, attire and artistic expressions during their service year.
These events reflect Nigeria’s wide range of ethnic groups and are seen as part of the scheme’s educational and integration objectives. The NYSC was established in 1973 to promote national unity and foster understanding among citizens of varied cultural backgrounds.
At the 2026 Batch A Stream I cultural carnival held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, the NYSC Anambra State Coordinator, Pauline Ojisua, addressed corps members and others present.
She explained that the cultural carnival was organised to showcase the country’s cultural heritage and highlight opportunities for youth to explore cultural assets.
Ojisua said the event was more than a display of attire and dance. “Our diversity is not a fault line for division, but a robust bridge to unity, peace and sustainable development,” she said, noting that there are over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.
She added that stepping into the songs and dances of cultures different from one’s own paves the way for greater understanding. “Our differences are our greatest asset,” she said.
Ben Obi, Chairman of the planning committee for the event, said the carnival provided an opportunity to appreciate and learn from one another’s culture and to build lasting friendships across tribal and regional lines.
The event included corps members showcasing traditional attire, dances and cuisines from various tribes. It featured ten platoons representing different Nigerian cultures.
Officials from the Anambra State Government’s Ministry of Youth Development attended and commended the NYSC for its role in promoting heritage and peace.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Aghamba, thanked the NYSC for its efforts, and Ifeatu Emordi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, applauded the programme’s contribution to unity.
The NYSC’s emphasis on cultural diversity at events like the carnival highlights the scheme’s ongoing role in fostering national integration among young graduates serving across Nigeria.
Such initiatives can help corps members build understanding across ethnic lines, which remains a stated objective of the service year.
By encouraging appreciation of different cultural expressions, the NYSC contributes to reinforcing mutual respect and peaceful coexistence within communities where corps members are deployed.
