NYSC Encourages Corps Members to Embrace Cultural Diversity
2023 Batch C Stream 1 Corps Members during the cultural carnival
The National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) is encouraging young people in various communities to recognize the benefits of Nigeria’s cultural diversity, harness them, and utilize them for personal and societal development. Blessing Iruma, the Anambra State Coordinator of NYSC, made this appeal during the 2023 Batch C Stream 1 Corps Members cultural carnival held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Sunday.
Iruma clarified that the cultural carnival was organized by the NYSC to showcase the country’s cultural heritage, emphasizing areas where youth can explore opportunities and create wealth through exports. She revealed that 10 tribes were selected to participate in the carnival due to time constraints.
“This NYSC cultural carnival is a display of cultures of different ethnic nationalities in the country. It is a periodic event that serves as an avenue to showcase the cultural heritage of Nigeria,” said Iruma. “The NYSC cultural carnival exposes Nigerian youths to rich cultural diversities and languages of the country, collapses all forms of social, gender, religious barriers and extends the hands of fellowship across the cultural groups, helping reduce prejudices about certain cultures and boosting economic activities across communities.”
She highlighted the potential economic benefits, stating, “It stimulates in corps members unusual creativities and innovations, promotes local content like local or native fabrics and attires, and is an avenue to learn from different cultures without losing your identity as we stand politically to understand ourselves better.”
Iruma urged youth organizations in various communities to leverage the benefits of Nigerian culture for self-development and societal progress. Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Chibuzo Udeh from the office of the Commissioner for Youth Development, commended the NYSC for promoting Nigerian culture.
Governor Soludo encouraged corps members to embrace love and respect for each other’s culture, norms, values, and religion. The cultural carnival competition featured various activities, and at the end, the Fourth Platoon secured the first position, followed by the Third Platoon in the second position, and the 10th Platoon in the third position. The Igwe of Umuawulu, Joel Egwuonu, expressed gratitude for organizing the carnival, blessing the corps members and wishing them success in their endeavors.
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