By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Federal Government has moved to reposition the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) cultural carnival as a major national heritage event, with a strong call for backing from governments, corporate institutions and private philanthropists.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, made the call on Tuesday at the NYSC Federal Capital Territory Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja, during the cultural carnival staged by 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream One Corps Members.
Musawa, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, said sustained support for the orientation camp cultural carnival would strengthen national cohesion while unlocking the creative and economic potential of Nigerian youths.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, the Minister described the carnival as a powerful symbol of the NYSC’s founding vision.
“What we witnessed today is the soul of Nigeria on display,” she said. “Young Nigerians celebrating cultures beyond their states of origin speak directly to the uniqueness and relevance of the NYSC Scheme.”
She applauded the Corps Members for their performances, noting that the deliberate presentation of cultures other than their own reflected unity, discipline and mutual respect.
Musawa also commended the NYSC Management for providing an enabling platform for cultural expression, stressing that the carnival had the potential to transcend the camp environment and become a flagship national event.
The Minister disclosed that her Ministry would deepen collaboration with the Scheme to institutionalize the cultural carnival as a permanent feature on Nigeria’s cultural calendar.
“We are committed to providing logistics, technical support and strategic backing to ensure this initiative is properly established and documented in our national history,” she said.
She further assured of the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Ministry of Youth Development and the NYSC to identify, nurture and market Nigerian youth talents at both national and international platforms.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, praised the NYSC for sustaining national unity through its deployment policy, which exposes Corps Members to cultures far from their places of origin.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Olawande described the camp cultural carnival as a rare opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s cultural diversity in one space.
He pledged the Ministry’s support for Corps empowerment initiatives and the upgrade of facilities at the FCT Orientation Camp.
Speaking separately, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
He said Corps Members would continue to serve as cultural ambassadors, projecting Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength rather than division.
“Our mandate remains unity in diversity,” Nafiu said. “Through platforms like this, young Nigerians learn to appreciate one another and carry that lesson into nation-building.”
The colourful carnival featured traditional dances, music, costumes and dramatic performances representing cultures from across the country, drawing applause from dignitaries, camp officials and fellow Corps Members.
