The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, on Monday reiterated the importance of cultural diversity in promoting national unity and integration.
Mrs. Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim Coordinator of NYSC in Niger, stated this at the 2025 Batch B Stream II cultural carnival held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger.
She noted that the cultural carnival incorporated into the orientation course contents in 2022 was aimed at reawakening cultural consciousness among Nigerian youths.
Shuaibu-Ibrahim said that the carnival provided a platform for cultural exchange and integration, particularly for those who may not have had the opportunity to appreciate other cultures.
“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 flavor of our food and every story we tell, we see the strength of a Nigeria that thrives because of our diversity,” she said.
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The NYSC coordinator commended the corps members for their passion, enthusiasm, creativity and ability to represent other cultures.
She urged the corps members to be heritage conservators linking tradition and modernity and remain good ambassadors.
Shuaibu-Ibrahim lauded Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger for his unwavering support to the scheme and urged stakeholders to continue to support the programme targeted towards national development and integration.
In his remarks, Dr Umar Bahago, Emir of Minna, commended NYSC for incorporating culture into the orientation programme.
Bahago, represented by Alhaji Salihu Garba, Mai-Samari Minna, noted that culture defines the unity of Nigerians and appreciated the corps members efforts.
“The most impressive aspect of the carnival was the display I have seen Hausa boys displaying beautiful culture of Igbos, the Igbo boys also displaying culture of Yorubas, it is a very good thing,” he said.
It was reported that the carnival featured cultural performances by twelve platoon groups showcasing the rich diversity of Nigerian cultures.
NAN
