The Federal Government has made the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) cultural carnival a key national heritage event. They are asking governments, businesses, and private donors to support it.
On Tuesday, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, made the call at the NYSC Federal Capital Territory Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, during the cultural carnival put on by the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream One Corps Members.
Musawa, who was there as the Special Guest of Honor, stated that continued support for the orientation camp cultural carnival will bring Nigerians together and help young people explore their creative and economic potential.
Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, spoke for the Minister and said that the carnival was a strong emblem of the NYSC’s original mission.
She said, “What we saw today is the heart of Nigeria on display.” “Young Nigerians celebrating cultures from outside their home states shows how unique and important the NYSC Scheme is.”
She praised the Corps Members for their performances, saying that their choice to show cultures other than their own showed togetherness, discipline, and respect for each other.
Musawa also praised the NYSC Management for making it possible for people to exhibit their culture. He said that the carnival may become a major national event that goes beyond the camp setting.
The Minister said that her Ministry would work more closely with the Scheme to make the cultural carnival a permanent part of Nigeria’s cultural calendar.
“We are committed to providing logistics, technical support, and strategic backing to make sure this initiative is properly set up and recorded in our national history,” she said.
She also promised that the Ministry would work with the Ministry of young Development and the NYSC to find, develop, and promote the talents of Nigerian young on both national and international stages.
Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, sent a message of goodwill to the NYSC. He lauded the organization for its deployment policy, which sends Corps Members to regions far from their homes to learn about other cultures.
Olawande said that the camp cultural carnival was a rare chance to show off Nigeria’s cultural diversity in one place. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, spoke for him.
He promised that the Ministry would help with Corps empowerment programs and make improvements to the FCT Orientation Camp’s facilities.
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of the NYSC, spoke separately and said that the Scheme is still committed to fostering Nigeria’s cultural legacy.
He emphasized that Corps Members would keep being cultural ambassadors, showing that Nigeria’s diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
Nafiu added, “Our mandate is still unity in diversity.” “Young Nigerians learn to value each other and use that lesson to build their country through platforms like this.”
The colorful carnival had traditional dances, music, costumes, and dramatic acts that showed off cultures from all around the country. Dignitaries, camp officials, and other Corps Members all cheered.
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