The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Niger on Sunday urged corps members to embrace Nigeria’s cultural diversity and sustain national unity beyond the orientation camp. 

The NYSC coordinator in Niger, Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, made the call at the 2026 Batch B Stream II Cultural Carnival held at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Paiko. 

She said the carnival provided an avenue for cultural exchange, integration and the promotion of national unity among corps members from different parts of the country. 

Ms Shuaibu-Ibrahim said the colourful display of traditional attire, dances and languages reflected Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and demonstrated the strength of the country’s diversity.

 The coordinator urged the corps members to build bridges in their host communities and contribute positively to national development throughout their service year.

She also encouraged them to acquire and perfect practical skills that would promote self-reliance and prepare them for life after the service year. 

She urged the corps members to see their deployment to different communities as an opportunity to learn from other cultures and foster peaceful coexistence.

Ms Shuaibu-Ibrahim commended the Niger State government for its support for improving facilities at the orientation camp. 

She said the state government had begun renovating and upgrading key facilities, including the multipurpose hall and hostel roofs, to accommodate more corps members. 

She added that the government was also strengthening its support for the camp’s general running and maintenance. 

In his remarks, the Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Farouk, urged corps members to see themselves as one people and work together to build a greater Nigeria, regardless of ethnic and cultural differences. 

Mr Farouk, represented by Dantala Maka, commended the NYSC management for sustaining the cultural carnival, describing it as a platform for promoting unity, understanding and peaceful coexistence among young Nigerians.

He assured the corps members of the hospitality and support of the people of Niger throughout their service year. 

Highlights of the carnival included an egg race, a performance by the NYSC Niger State Marshal Band and a martial arts presentation. 

The organisers also presented awards to winners of various cultural displays. 

Platoon seven clinched first position with its Hausa/Fulani cultural presentation, while platoon nine came second with its Nupe cultural display. 

Platoon five emerged third with its Edo cultural presentation. 

(NAN)