The National Youth Service Corps has urged youths across the country to harness Nigeria’s cultural diversity as a bridge to unity, peace and sustainable development.

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, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, in Awka South Local Government Area on Saturday.

Ojisua explained that the cultural carnival was organised by the scheme to showcase the country’s cultural heritage and highlight areas youths could explore and turn into wealth through export and enterprise.

According to her, Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups, each uniquely endowed with languages, traditions, music, cuisine, 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.

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

“I sincerely commend the corps members across the 10 platoons for the enthusiasm, creativity, discipline and teamwork they have demonstrated in preparation for this event.

“Your colourful displays reflect the true spirit of the National Youth Service Corps — promoting unity, selfless service, patriotism and mutual respect among Nigerians.”

She expressed gratitude, on behalf of the NYSC management, to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his support for the scheme in the state.

She also appreciated the presence and support of the traditional rulers and other guests at the event.

“As we enjoy every dance, song, cuisine, fashion display and cultural performance presented by the platoons representing 10 diverse cultures, let us remember that Nigeria’s diversity remains her greatest strength and her greatest hope for a united future.

“In the words of the great Jamaican political leader and Pan-Africanist, Marcus Garvey, ‘A people without the knowledge of their history, culture and values are like a tree without roots.’ May we continue to build a nation where every culture is respected, every voice is valued, and every citizen truly belongs,” she added.

In his address, the Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Ben Obi, thanked God for His grace and protection, which had sustained corps members through weeks of camp activities.

Obi noted that the NYSC scheme was built on the idea of national integration, adding that the carnival was proof that national integration works.

“We celebrate unity in diversity with over 2,000 corps members from different states, tribes, languages and backgrounds under one flag, one anthem and one purpose, which is service to our fatherland.

“On this day, we set aside the routine of camp life to celebrate the diversity and vibrant cultural heritage that define our great nation, Nigeria.

“Look around you, 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,” Obi added.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, HRH Igwe Ben Emeka (Okebo II), described the NYSC as one of the major tools that has sustained Nigeria’s unity and coexistence.

According to him, the scheme, through its orientation programmes, particularly the cultural carnival, has enabled Nigerians to understand one another’s culture and traditions.

“It’s a welcome development. I am highly impressed. It is very significant to Nigeria’s unity. It promotes unity among Nigerian youths.

“What I witnessed today in this orientation camp shows that the Nigerian national symbol of ‘Peace, Unity and Progress’ is still intact.

“We, the traditional rulers in Anambra State and the entire South-East region, will continue to support the NYSC in all it does whenever we are needed. We urge the corps members to maintain the relationships they have established in Anambra State for the sake of the future,” the monarch added.