The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged corps members to promote national unity, respect cultural diversity and maintain peaceful relationships with their host communities throughout their service year.
The Niger State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, made the call during the 2026 Batch C Stream I Cultural Carnival held at the scheme’s permanent orientation camp in Paiko, Niger State.
She described the carnival as an opportunity for corps members from different parts of the country to appreciate one another’s cultures, challenge ethnic stereotypes and build lasting relationships.
According to her, the NYSC was established to promote national integration, peace and unity among Nigerians, making the cultural carnival an important platform for demonstrating how the country’s diversity can serve as a source of strength rather than division.
Shuaibu-Ibrahim urged the corps members to sustain the spirit of tolerance and mutual respect as they prepare to proceed to their respective places of primary assignment.
She also encouraged them to respect the traditions and customs of their host communities, build positive relationships with residents and contribute meaningfully to local development.
The carnival featured traditional dances, colourful costumes, music and artistic performances showcasing Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.
The coordinator further advised corps members to apply the skills acquired through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to pursue economic independence after completing their service year.
She noted that the creativity and enthusiasm displayed during the carnival could be channelled into innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.
Shuaibu-Ibrahim commended camp officials for organising the event and praised the corps members for their discipline, enthusiasm and competitive spirit.
She urged them to extend the message of peace and national integration beyond the orientation camp and uphold the values of unity, tolerance and mutual respect throughout their service year and beyond.
