By Ovat Abeng
The Anambra State National Youth Service Corp, NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Blessed Ekene Iruma, has described the National Youth Service Corps as one of the best tools for the promotion of national unity and integration.
Iruma stated this while addressing corp members at the 2024 Batch A Stream 2 Cultural carnival ceremony, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Unity Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, in Awka South Local Government Area of the State, on Saturday.
“The cultural carnival displayed by various platoons portrayed multiple ethnic groups, aside the three dominant groups.
Iruma said the carnival had been tailored towards the promotion of the oneness of Nigeria and its diverse cultures and traditions.
“Your beautiful dance steps and attire depict the beauty of our diversity as a nation.
“Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is displayed today through the various platoons.
According to her, Culture plays a pivotal role in the development of a nation. It is through our diverse cultures that we are able to express ourselves, preserve our traditions, and pass down invaluable knowledge from one generation to the next.
“Our cultural heritage is a source of pride and identity, and it is our duty to ensure its preservation and promotion.
“As we celebrate the Inter-platoon Cultural Carnival today, let us remember the importance of culture to national development. It is through the understanding and appreciation of our cultural diversity that we can build a stronger and more united nation.
“I encourage all participants to embrace this opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate our differences, and promote cultural harmony.
“Most importantly, I urge each and every one of you to cherish and embrace our cultural heritage, making sure that we preserve and transmit our language, cuisine, fashion, and other elements of our cultural identity to the generations to come.
“Once again, I express my sincere gratitude to the Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and the esteemed Traditional Rulers of Umuawulu and Mbaukwu HRM Igwe (Engr.) Joel Egwuonwu, Ezeudo II of Umuawulu, and HRM Igwe Dr. Patrick Anugwu, Ezeukwu of Mbaukwu (OFR) for their invaluable support in making this event possible.
“To this end, the cultural carnival has brought to a halt social activities on camp for Batch A Stream 2 corps members.
“I thank our numerous guests for finding time to come and I wish you all a memorable and enjoyable Inter-platoon Cultural Carnival, the state coordinator concluded.