The State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps in Ondo State, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare has appealed to corps members to preserve the cultures of the country and prevent it from going into extinct.
The State Coordinator made the appeal in her address at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko, while declaring open the Cultural Carnival for the 2024 Batch 'C' (Stream 1) orientation course.
Bakare, who was gaily dressed in the full complement of the Yoruba traditional attire, declared that corps members have an important and pivotal role to play at ensuring that Nigeria cultures remained the toast of global community till infinitum.
"Let us value what we have rather than paying attention to the culture and ways of life that modernisation and civilisation has brought to us. l want to let you know that your education and exposure stands you in better position to encourage the younger ones who sees you as role models and influencers in returning to the old glorious days of identifying with our root".
"I want you to promote our indigenous cultures wherever you find yourself on the surface of the earth. I am not disputing the fact that every race sees her culture as being superior to others but I want to let you know that every culture is unique with special features" she hinted.
She encouraged the members of the service corps to infuse their youthful energy towards re-awakening the interest of the younger generation into the cultural heritage and identity of the country.
According to the Coordinator, the corps members can be Cultural Ambassadors with the sole purpose of creating awareness and embarking on sensitisation and advocacy visits to schools, public places to show them how beautiful the country's cultures were.
"As you identify and display various cultures today, let it be known that this event should not be seen only from the angle of entertainment, rather, it should be seen as a call to give more attention to the promotion of our cultural values so we can have what to bequeath to the generations coming after us".
The NYSC boss in the Sunshine State called on Government at all levels, stakeholders, opinion leaders as well as community leaders to come together and fashion out ways through which the cultures, values and identity would be given a huge boost.
She lauded the commitment of the corps members to the realisation of the orientation course contents with the level of discipline displayed so far.
"Your comportment has endeared you into the hearts of the entire camp community. I want to say that we are very excited to have you around us and we are equally very proud of you all. Please continue to maintain a high degree of decorum at all times".
The NYSC administrator acknowledged the immense contributions of all the camp officials for their resilience and team spirit, saying that the synergy was working perfectly well, while urging them to drive towards excellence at all times.
During the Inter-Platoon cultural competition, number 9 platoon who showcased the Urhobo heritage came first while number 7 platoon that entertained the camp community with Igbo culture came second. The beautiful display of Ekiti culture by number 8 platoon earned it a third position.
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