The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has called for increased support from governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists to strengthen the cultural carnival and other programmes of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The Minister made the call while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the cultural carnival organised by the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream One corps members at the NYSC Federal Capital Territory Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday, by Caroline Embu, Director of Information and Public Relations.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, Musawa praised the corps members for showcasing the cultures of states other than their own, describing the performances as a reflection of the core ideals of the NYSC scheme.
She also commended the management of the NYSC for creating an enabling environment that allows young Nigerians to celebrate and promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
The Minister disclosed that her Ministry would continue to collaborate with the Scheme to institutionalise the cultural carnival as a recognised national event, pledging logistical and technical support to ensure its sustainability and growth.
Musawa further assured of her Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Ministry of Youth Development and the NYSC to identify, expose and promote the talents of Nigerian youths at both national and international platforms.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, commended the NYSC for promoting national unity and integration through its deployment policy, which exposes corps members to Nigeria’s diverse cultures.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Olawande described the camp cultural carnival as a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s cultural diversity and pledged continued support for corps members’ empowerment as well as improvements to facilities at the FCT Orientation Camp.
Speaking in an interview, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and strengthening unity in diversity through its programmes.