The Ondo State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps,(NYSC) Grace Akpabio has advised corps members to use the rich cultural heritage of their various ethnic groups to build and sustain relationship with one another.
Mrs. Akpabio stated this during the Cultural Carnival organised for the 2020 Batch 'B' (Stream 1A) corps members.
Speaking at Ikare Akoko NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, the State Coordinator admonished the corps members to be proud of their culture and imbibe cross fertilisation of cultural ideas.
"As a bonafide citizens of this country, you should be proud of your culture and still go the extra mile to sell your cultural identity to the outside world".
"The world has become a global village where people across various divides are showing keen interest in learning and identifying with cultures other than their own".
"NYSC is a good platform where you can showcase your rich cultural heritage to people of different backgrounds and at the same time learn one or two things from the culture of your friends and colleagues that come from other geopolitical zones.
"You will agree with me that the Federal Government through the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) have been showcasing our culture to the outside world and this has given birth to some sites in the country to be named as World Heritage Centres by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)" she said.
The corps members during the cultural procession showcased the cultural identity of some tribes and ethnicities in the country.
The colourful parade which brought to the fore creativity and ingenuity of Nigerian youths produced winners across the Southern part of the country.
At the end of the keenly contested competition, number 5 Platoon who showcased Urhobo culture came first while number 7 Platoon with Igbo culture was the first runner up and number 8 Platoon with Efik culture was the second runner up.
The Cultural Carnival is the high point of social activities on camp where corps members unwind after the rigorous and pulsating three weeks of intensive induction and training programme.
