NYSC cultural unity campaign gains momentum as corps members celebrate diversity at Anambra orientation camp

The National Youth Service Corps has urged young Nigerians to embrace the country’s cultural diversity as a pathway to unity, peace and sustainable national development.

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The Anambra State Coordinator of the NYSC, Pauline Ojisua, made the call during the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Inter-Platoon Cultural Carnival held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area.

Ojisua said the event was organised to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and highlight opportunities youths could transform into wealth through enterprise and export.

Speaking on the importance of NYSC cultural unity, she noted that Nigeria’s more than 250 ethnic groups remained a source of strength rather than division.

“Our diversity is not a barrier; rather, it is a bridge that binds us together in unity, peace and national development,” she said.

“This cultural carnival reminds us that despite our differences, we remain one people with one destiny under one nation.”

She commended corps members across the 10 platoons for their creativity, discipline and teamwork, describing their colourful displays as a reflection of the NYSC’s core values of patriotism, selfless service and mutual respect.

Ojisua also expressed appreciation to Chukwuma Soludo for supporting the scheme in the state, while thanking traditional rulers and invited guests for attending the event.

Quoting Jamaican Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey, she stressed the importance of preserving cultural identity and history in nation-building.

Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Ben Obi, said the event demonstrated that national integration remained achievable through shared experiences and cooperation among Nigerian youths.

“With over 2,000 corps members from different states, tribes, languages and backgrounds under one flag, one anthem and one purpose, this is Nigeria at its best,” Obi said.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area, Ben Emeka, described the NYSC as one of the strongest platforms sustaining national unity and peaceful coexistence.

According to the monarch, orientation camp activities, especially cultural carnivals, help young Nigerians better understand one another’s traditions and values.

He pledged continued support from traditional rulers in Anambra and across the South-East for the scheme and encouraged corps members to sustain the relationships formed during their service year.

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The vibrant event featured music, dance, fashion and cuisine displays from various ethnic groups, reinforcing the NYSC’s long-standing role in promoting cultural understanding and national cohesion.