Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has called on Nigerian Youths to promote the cultural heritage of the nation and promote national unity.

The Minister made this call in his speech on the occasion of the 2023 batch C stream ll orientation course carnival held at the NYSC orientation camp, Kubwa, Abuja, on Saturday, 9th December. 2023.

Olawande, who identified with all the cultural groups, urged the youths to shun acts capable of breeding disunity and crisis in the country. He emphasized that the country stands to gain a lot from the cultural diversity of the people if properly harnessed.

The Minister reiterated the government’s readiness to improve the condition of the NYSC camps to provide a better environment for the corps members.

The NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Ngozi Shokpeka, said that the cultural carnival has become a potent tool in bringing Nigerian youths from different cultural backgrounds together towards achieving nation-building and national unity.

She expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for not only gracing the occasion but also adding colour to it by actively participating in all the activities to mark the event.

She recalled the financial support the Minister gave the national band, the dance, and the drama group when he paid his first visit to the camp, which was unscheduled.

She said, “He went to them, mingled with them, he was impressed with what he saw and supported each of the group with some sums and encouraged them to get more of their equipment.”

“Most of the instruments used today are new because once they get anything,  they invest in their instruments.” The Coordinator added.

A cross-section of corps members interviewed during the event expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for coming to celebrate with them.

Ejiro Akuchinedu Kenneth said, ” I appreciate the Minister of State for coming around to grace this event. The Minister was well involved in every procession, he is a great guy, he represents the kind of people we are looking for in this country.”

Another Cooper, Samuel Olu said, ” I am very glad that the Honourable Minister of State joined us in celebrating the cultural day, this is the first time a top government official of his ranking celebrated with us like this.” The Minister blended with us, his energy merged with ours, he participated in all the activities, and identified with all the cultural groups, I was thrilled.”

Ahmed Ali had this to say, “The Minister made the day a memorable one for us. His action demonstrated that he is truly for us. I am very happy, may God bless him.

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