NYSC Promoting Unity In Diversity, Domestic Tourism Through Cultural Carnival

LAGOS – The quarterly cultural carnival staged by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), for young Nigerian graduates from diverse backgrounds remains one great event that has been promoting domestic tourism.

The distinct categories of youths in­volved in the cultural carnival that is held quarterly as part of activities to mark the end of orientation and make the event special.

A corps member dancing to the admiration of NYSC officials and guests.

The participants, most of whom are coming in contact with culture and tra­ditions outside their states of origin, are already exposed to and influenced by West­ern civilisation and find the cultural carni­val an avenue to learn practices, food, cos­tumes, dance steps, music and traditions from other lands.

The carnival, which was introduced by the authority of the NYSC some years ago, formed part of the quarterly orientation course programme, meant to reawaken the cultural consciousness among youths in Nigeria.

Aside from cultural consciousness, the carnival also serves as a platform for cul­tural exchanges and integration, partic­ularly for young Nigerians who may not have had the opportunity to appreciate cul­tures other than what is obtained in their respective communities.

The corps members that converged quarterly at orientation camps across the 36 states and the federal capital territory were grouped, irrespective of creed, cul­tural affinity and state of origin, using the instrumentality of the platoons.

At the event marking the 2024 Batch C Stream II orientation held at the Sagamu Campground, the cultures represented at the carnival included the Benin culture from Edo; Nupe and Gbagyi cultures from Niger; Idoma and Tiv from Benue; Igbo, Fulani, Yoruba and Hausa culture as well as Itsekiri from Delta State.

In her welcome address to declare the carnival open, the NYSC Ogun State Co­ordinator, Mrs Olayinka Diana Nasamu, underscored the equality of all cultures, saying none supersedes others.

She urged Corps Members to take pride in their assigned cultural representations just as she reminded them that “there is beauty in our diversity.”

Nasamu encouraged the 2,449 male and female Corps members to embrace the learning experience as they were deployed to various council areas, communities and organisations.

In his address, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, emphasized the importance of cultural di­versity in fostering national unity, social cohesion, and economic growth.

The Commissioner urged Corps Mem­bers to embrace the customs and traditions of their host communities to enhance their strength for national integration.

Hon. Fagbayi commended the NYSC for organising an event that highlighted Ni­geria’s rich heritage through traditional dances, music, and performances.

He encouraged Corps Members to use their service year as an opportunity to ex­plore and appreciate the diverse cultures that make Nigeria unique.

In a goodwill message, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, the National Vice Pres­ident of the Association of Tourism Prac­titioners of Nigeria (ATPN), South West Region, lauded the visionary leadership of the living legend, Retired General Yaku­bu Gowon, who established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973 as it is promoting domestic tourism.

He said: “The NYSC scheme has not only achieved its primary objectives but has also played a significant role in promoting domestic tourism in Nigeria. By deploy­ing youths from one destination to another, the NYSC has fostered cultural exchange, understanding, and appreciation among Nigerians from diverse backgrounds.

“As the National Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) South West Region, I am proud to acknowledge the NYSC’s contri­butions to domestic tourism. We recognize the potential of tourism to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote cultural preservation.

Hon. Apata commended the NYSC, Ogun State, for the excellent organisation of the Cultural Carnival, which showcases the diversity and richness of Nigerian culture, urging youths to continue exploring and promoting our cultural heritage.

He encouraged Nigerians from all walks of life to support domestic tourism initia­tives.

The corps members beamed with excite­ment as they featured different dance steps and drama sketches as they were assigned to each of the 10 platoons as they exhibited an assigned culture through dance, tradi­tional attires, institution of marriage, tra­ditional installation of kings and historical conquest of some tribes.

At the end of the parade of culture and traditions, platoon 3, representing Hausa/ Fulani, emerged as the winner of the pre­sentations.

Platoon 9 and Platoon 7 secured second and third places for their portrayals of It­sekiri and Edo cultures, respectively.

Dignitaries present at the carnival included the Director, NYSC South West Area Office Two, Mrs Olaleye Francisca; Dr Peter Ifunaya, Director of the Depart­ment of State Services; Hon. Kushimo Idris Olalekan, Executive Chairman of Ifo LGA; Hon. Sikirudeen Damilare, Ex­ecutive Chairman of Ijebu Ode LGA; Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Commissioner for Sports Development; Dr Kehinde Oludadare, Ex­ecutive Chairman of Ijebu East LGA, and others.