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From John Adams Minna
The 2026 Batch C Stream One of the National Youth Services Corp (NYSC) posted to Niger state, on Saturday took time out of their busy orientation exercise to showcase Nigeria rich culture to the admiration of their host community.
It was the 2026 Cultural Carnival set aside by the management of the NYSC for corp members to wine and celebrate their various cultures in dance.
According to the state coordinator of the NYSC, Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim, it was a social gathering that was meant to be a little break from the regimented camp routine within the two weeks.
It was a fun-parked cultural extravaganza as various ethnic nationalities took time to display the beauty of their culture.
The culture display that witnessed dignitaries from the host community, Paikoro local government area of the state and its environs, started with a cultural match pass.
With passion and excitement, the various ethnic groups matched as they were being called according to their various platoons as dignitaries could not hold back their joy and excitement.
From North to South, and from the East to West, almost all the ethnic groups were adequately represented with colourful and beautiful attire.
The host state, Niger State, paraded the largest number of cultural troops due to the three major tribes in the state; the Gbagy, Nupe and the Hausa.
Prominent amongst the ethnic groups on display were the Ibo, the Edo, Yoruba, Hausa, Efik, Ibibio, Fulani, Angas and Ibiron from plateau state,
Others are Eggon from Nasarawa state, Isoko from Delta state, Idoma from Benue State, Kanuri from Borno state, Jukuns from Taraba state, among others.
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The match pass was immediately followed with the cultural dance by all the ethnic groups, and it was a moment of tough decision by the panel of judges.
Addressing the occasion, the state coordinator of the NYSC, Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim said the Corp members have flawlessly personified the deep, historical, rich heritage of the nation.
She pointed out that the National Youth Service Corps was founded on the bedrock of national integration, peace and cross-cultural unity stressing that the cultural carnival has demonstrated that “no matter our geographical origin, we share a collective heartbeat.
“I am profoundly moved by the spectacular explosion of colours, fabrics, beads and artistic expressions on display”.
According to her, the carnival is not merely a show of culture, “It is an active classroom of our shared humanity. When a co-member from the South-South proudly dances their Lago cultural dance of the North-Central, or an indigene of the North perfectly drapes the Yoruba Ashoke, and the Westerners moving gracefully to the rhythm of the Niger Delta, we are making a bold statement”.
The coordinator maintained that Nigeria diversity is not a dividing line, but an ultimate source of strength, adding that “The cultural exchange breaks down the walls of prejudice, erases stereotypes, and builds a bridge of national integration”.
She reminded the Corp members that a cultural carnival is a day to unwind, dance and enjoy themselves, and therefore I urged them to look at the bigger picture.
“That is the lessons of tolerance, mutual respect and unity that you practise today must follow you out of this camp.
“Build bridges, respect local customs, and leave an indelible mark of positive development wherever you are posted.
“As you celebrate our heritage, do not lose sight of your future. Use the momentum of this orientation course, especially the skills learned from the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme, to prepare yourselves for economic self-reliance,” she added.
