It was a moment of glamour and bonding when members of the Anambra National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) organised a carnival to celebrate cultural traditions and enliven the camp.
The youth, who demonstrated enthusiasm in witnessing the colourful, diverse cultures of members, showcased the accoutrements of the Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, ljaw, Efik, lgala, Idoma, Tiv, Urhobo and Benin tribes.
Moving gaily in a procession with gaits exuding pulchritude, as captivating music permeates the atmosphere in the camp to the delight of all and sundry, the corps members displayed the rich cultures of Nigeria. They commended the management for creating such an opportunity to showcase the cultural values that the country is blessed with.
Iyabo Michael, a Yoruba lady from Ondo State, told Youthville that she was impressed by the event as it afforded her the chance to know more about Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
According to her, she had never come into contact with the Urhobo and Efik cultures before, but the experience has given her a good insight into their way of life.
“Honestly, this carnival exposed me to a greater appreciation of Nigeria’s cultural diversity,” she said.
Usman Sadiq, a Hausa man from Yobe State, said he was happy to be serving in Anambra State, noting that he has learnt a lot from being with other tribes.
According to him, he had not been able to travel to the southern part of the country, but the service year has given him the opportunity to interact with and experience other people’s cultures.
David Audu, an Igala, said he was happy being in the camp as he had learnt from other people’s ways of life.
Speaking at the carnival, the NYSC State Coordinator for Anambra, Blessing Iruma, said it was essentially articulated by the management of the scheme to showcase Nigerian cultural values in diversity.
She also said the carnival helped in easing the rigours of activities characteristic of camp life and in the bonding together of members as one united family.
According to her, culture is the way of life of the people, and it is usually manifested in their music, dressing, food, arts, beliefs, masquerades, songs and languages.
She said organising carnivals of this nature creates wealth as it could be exported to earn foreign exchange for the country, adding that it provides an avenue for relaxation and enjoyment.
The state coordinator said promoting cultural carnivals beyond the NYSC could invariably lead to job creation for youths in the country and urged them to be proud of their culture and make a fortune out of it.
“Periodic organisation of cultural carnivals is also a way of appreciating the culture of other ethnic nationalities. The ethnic group being incorporated could have a sense of belonging. This practice could equally assist in making people embrace the uniqueness and beauty of our diversity as a nation.
“NYSC Cultural Carnival exposes Nigerian youths to the rich cultural diversities and languages of the country. It collapses all forms of social, gender, religious barriers and extends the hands of fellowship across cultural groups.
“Cultural carnival stimulates in corps members unusual creativities and innovations and helps to reduce prejudices about certain cultures,” she said.
Blessing also said the event boosts economic activities across communities and promotes local content like local or native fabrics and attires.
“It is an avenue to learn from different cultures without losing your identity,” she further stated.
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