By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has called on governments, corporate bodies and philanthropists to support the orientation camp cultural carnival and other initiatives of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
She made the call as the Special Guest of Honour during the cultural carnival staged by the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream One Corps Members at the NYSC FCT Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, applauded the Corps Members for showcasing the cultures of various states other than their own states of origin, noting that such performances signified the uniqueness of the NYSC.
She also commended the Scheme’s Management for providing the enabling environment for the Corps Members to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Musawa added that her Ministry would continue to collaborate with the Scheme to institutionalise the cultural carnival as a famous national event, adding: “We will provide the logistics and other necessary technical assistance to ensure that this becomes established in our history.”
She further assured of the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Ministry of Youth Development and the NYSC to expose and market the enormous talents of Nigerian youths at both national and international events.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, commended the NYSC for fostering national unity and integration through its deployment policy, which exposed Corps Members to the diverse cultures of the country.
Olawande, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Youth Ministry, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, remarked that the camp cultural carnival was an opportunity to showcase the diverse cultures that Nigeria was blessed with.
He pledged support for Corps empowerment and improvement of the FCT Orientation Camp facilities.
Speaking later in an interview, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, assured that Corps Members would continue to showcase and promote the country’s cultural heritage.
He also said the Scheme remained committed to promoting unity in diversity at all times.
