The NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani has directed corps members to preach peace and unity to all Nigerians irrespective of where they may find themselves during the service year and beyond.
The State Coordinator gave the directive while declaring open the 2021 Batch ‘B’ (Stream 1) Cultural Carnival to bring the social activities on camp to its zenith.
Mrs. Ani who was radiantly and gaily dressed in combined Yoruba and Igbo traditional attires said that members of the service corps should stand up to strengthen the bond of relationships among the various tribes and ethnics in the country.
“Great Nigerians, we are greatly indebted to the founding fathers of this great nation. They fought gallantly to bring us together under one identity and we should do everything that is humanly possible to protect and preserve the legacy bequeathed to us”.
“NYSC since inception in 1973 has been playing unprecedented and pivot roles by bringing all graduate youths from all parts of the country together to dispel the misconceptions that arose after the unwarranted civil war and today, the noble Scheme has remained a standard through which outside world view and see the country”.
“You all have a positive role to play so that we remain one and indivisible entity. NYSC in her bid to be on top of the game always replace the Endurance Trek with the Cultural Carnival and you will all agree with me that the decision is better and through NYSC, we are now showcasing our rich cultures to the entire world”.
She disclosed that the creativity and ingenuity of the noble Scheme has given birth to NYSC National Troupe through which the ideals of oneness and cohesion among the various components is being preached.
“Let me inform you that NYSC, as a reference point in all good and positive things you can ever think of in this country has raised a team of highly dedicated, talented and committed corps members into the NYSC National Troupe which is servicing corporate organisations and government agencies nationwide with interlude of our culture and traditions during national events, anniversaries, conferences, seminars, trainings etc” she said.
Mrs. Ani who is a traditional title holder decried the attitude of the Nigerian youths who promotes foreign cultures at the expense of the indigenous ones.
“Let me admonish you my dear children, I am not against exchange of cultural values between countries but we should be seen practically to believe in one Nigeria and ensure that our culture does not go into extinction”.
We should see our diversity as our strength to make the necessary changes we desire. Charity, they say begins at home. Go out there and promote our indigenous languages and our unique ways of dressing” she concluded.
The special attraction during the Cultural Carnival was the platoon presentation where some cultures from all across the country was showcased to the entire camp community and the platoons displayed skills which if properly harnessed can be foreign exchange earner for the country.
The platoons that went home with silverware in the Cultural Carnival were number 10 platoon with Igbo presentation and garnered 356 points to clinch the first position. Second position with Fulani culture and with 337 points goes to number 7 platoon while number 6 platoon which presented Benue culture with 322 points came third respectively.
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