By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2026 Batch B, Stream 2, has staged a cultural carnival at its Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra.
The carnival, held on Aug. 22, celebrated Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity through traditional dances, performances, costumes and symbolic representations of various ethnic groups. It also promoted unity in diversity through inter-platoon cultural displays.
At the event, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Patrick Agha mba, described the carnival as an effective platform for promoting national unity.
Agha mba urged youths to take ownership of their diverse cultures and traditions through active participation, adding that his administration had prioritised youth development and empowerment through its flagship “One Youth, Two Skills” programme, which had impacted more than 13,000 youths, including corps members.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Amedu Udoji, underscored the importance of culture, tradition, creativity and hard work in promoting societal values. He urged corps members to participate actively in cultural activities, describing them as the roots of their identity.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, said the carnival was organised to promote national integration and foster unity among Nigerians from diverse ethnic backgrounds. She said the event demonstrated that cultural differences were not weaknesses but assets capable of building a stronger Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Mr Augustine Ogiator, said the initiative would continue to promote national integration among people from different ethnic backgrounds, describing the carnival as an expression of “unity in diversity”, one of the core values of the NYSC.
The event, attended by traditional rulers, government officials and community leaders, also featured Man O’ War displays, including the “Filling the Can” contest, which added excitement to the celebration.
Various platoons showcased the cultural heritage of different ethnic groups, with Platoon 9 emerging as the best in cultural presentation, Platoon 4 winning the best decoration award, while Platoon 10 won the “Filling the Can” competition.
Chukwuka Ugokwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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