The Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for promoting national unity and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through its inter-platoon cultural carnival.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Ifeanyi Emordi, spoke at 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.
The governor praised the NYSC management for sustaining what he described as a vital cultural initiative that promotes national integration among young Nigerians from different ethnic and regional backgrounds.
“From the hills of the North, the forests of the West, the plains of the East and the creeks of the South, Nigeria possesses an unmatched cultural heritage,” Soludo said.
“Our cultural identity defines us and unites us as one people.”
He urged corps members to sustain the spirit of unity and cooperation fostered during the orientation programme, stressing that national cohesion remained critical to Nigeria’s development and stability.
Soludo also thanked host communities and security agencies for maintaining peace during the event and reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through various development programmes, including a planned skills acquisition initiative.
Chairman of the carnival committee, Mr Ben Obi, described the event as a celebration of Nigeria’s diversity and a demonstration of the NYSC’s objective of fostering national integration.
“Today, this ground is not just a parade ground. It is a canvas of colours, a symphony of drums and a gathering of heritage,” Obi said.
According to him, more than 2,000 corps members from different ethnic groups, languages and states participated in the carnival, showcasing traditional dances, costumes, music and cultural displays from across the country.
“Look around you and you will see Yoruba dancing with Igbo and Efik, Hausa vibing with Tiv, Benin and Urhobo , all on one parade ground as one family. This is Nigeria at its best,” he added.
The Anambra State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, said the carnival underscored the strength of Nigeria’s diversity and reinforced the scheme’s mission of promoting patriotism and mutual respect among citizens.
“Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups, each uniquely endowed with languages, traditions, music, cuisines, fashion and values,” she said.
“Our diversity is not a barrier; rather, it is a bridge that binds us together in unity, peace and national development.”
Ojisua commended corps members across the 10 participating platoons for their creativity, discipline and teamwork, describing their performances as a reflection of the true spirit of the NYSC.
She also appreciated Governor Soludo for his support for the scheme in Anambra State and acknowledged the presence of traditional rulers and community leaders at the event.
Speaking on the significance of cultural exchange in nation-building, the traditional ruler of Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area, Igwe Bennett Izuchukwuemeka Bennett Izuchukwuemeka, the Okebo 11 of Umueri, said such programmes promote mutual understanding among Nigeria’s ethnic groups and help preserve indigenous traditions.
“A culture is a place where you sell your own culture and buy other people’s culture,” the monarch said, while expressing concern over the declining use of indigenous languages among younger generations.
He called on families, schools and communities to intensify efforts to preserve local languages and cultural values.
Highlights of the carnival included traditional dance performances, fashion displays and cultural competitions involving corps members representing various ethnic nationalities across Nigeria.
At the end of the competition, Platoon 1 won the “Catching the Train” contest, while Platoon 8 emerged winner of the “Three Wise Men” competition. Platoon 7 received the award for the most decorated platoon, while Platoon 4 won the Best King and Queen category.
Platoon 9 emerged overall winner of the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II NYSC Cultural Carnival in Anambra State.
