The 2026 Batch B Stream I Corps Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Osun State on Saturday turned the Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede into a vibrant display of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage as they staged a colourful Cultural Carnival designed to promote national unity, integration and peaceful coexistence.
The event, attended by NYSC officials, camp management, invited guests and corps members, featured traditional dances, drama, indigenous cuisines, music, masquerade displays and other artistic performances presented by the camp’s ten platoons, each representing different ethnic nationalities across the country.
Declaring the carnival open, the State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, described the programme as one of the most significant activities of the orientation course, noting that it provides corps members with a unique platform to appreciate Nigeria’s cultural diversity while fostering mutual respect, tolerance and national cohesion.
Kubiangha said the NYSC Scheme remains a vital instrument for strengthening national integration by bringing together young Nigerians from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. He urged corps members to sustain the values of patriotism, unity and peaceful coexistence throughout their service year, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on citizens embracing diversity as a source of strength. He also commended participants for their creativity, discipline and outstanding performances.
Earlier, the Head of Socials, Mr. Sesan Fadeyi, welcomed guests and participants, describing the carnival as a practical demonstration of the NYSC’s core mandate of promoting national unity through cultural exchange. He appreciated the camp management, officials and sponsors for their support and praised the corps members for their dedication during preparations for the event.
In his goodwill message, the sponsor of the inter-platoon cultural competitions, Engr. Akinmade Akinloye, encouraged corps members to uphold hard work, integrity and excellence as they prepare for their various places of primary assignment.
According to him, diligence and perseverance remain indispensable ingredients for success, while integrity is a priceless virtue that should never be compromised. He urged the corps members to make positive impacts in their host communities and build legacies that would earn them lasting respect and greater opportunities.
The cultural presentations commenced with Platoon One showcasing the heritage of the Benin Kingdom through colourful traditional attire, masquerade displays and cultural dances centred on unity and integrity. Platoon Two represented the Akoko Kingdom of Ondo State with indigenous songs, dialects and cultural eulogies.
Platoon Three staged a royal wife-selection drama depicting the traditions of the Igala Kingdom, while Platoon Four portrayed the Ijaw Kingdom by highlighting its fishing culture, canoe craftsmanship and traditional cuisine.
Platoon Five celebrated the Egbira people’s Eche-Ane (Equechi) Festival alongside traditional marriage rites, while Platoon Six thrilled the audience with a dramatic presentation on the history of the Egba Kingdom and the exploits of the legendary warrior, Lisabi.
Platoon Seven showcased the Kanuri cultural heritage through the Aula ritual, traditional dances and local delicacies. Platoon Eight displayed the rich traditions of the Igbo people with cultural dances and indigenous dishes, including Ofe Onugbu.
The Nupe Kingdom came alive through Platoon Nine’s royal procession and marriage ceremonies, while Platoon Ten rounded off the performances with an impressive display of Efik culture featuring masquerades, traditional marriage rites and spiritual customs.
Adding colour to the event were special performances by the Camp Marketers, Camp Band and the Man O’ War unit, while corps members celebrating birthdays during the orientation course were honoured during a cake-cutting ceremony sponsored by the State Coordinator.
The event also featured the presentation of cash prizes to winners of various social competitions organised during the orientation exercise.
In the inter-platoon dance competition, Platoons Two, Five and Seven emerged first, second and third respectively, while Platoons Nine, Six and Five claimed the top three positions in the drama category.
For the Family Dance competition, Platoons One, Five and Eight finished first, second and third respectively, while Platoons Three, Seven and Nine emerged winners in the Ankara Night competition.
Announcing the final results, the Chief Judge, Mrs. Aboyeji Funke, declared Platoon Six the overall winner of the 2026 Batch B Stream I Cultural Carnival. Platoon Seven placed second, while Platoon Four finished third.
The carnival ended on a jubilant note as corps members renewed their commitment to promoting national unity, cultural tolerance and peaceful coexistence, in line with the ideals of the NYSC Scheme.
