The Ondo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, has advised corps members to be proud of their culture and identify with its identity.
She gave the advice during the cultural carnival where 2019 Batch ‘C’ (Stream 1) corps members showcased the rich culture of the major tribes in the country.
Mrs. Akpabio who is known for her preference for locally made traditional wears said that “we should encourage our kith and kinsmen to promote our culture beyond the shores of this country.”
“My excellent, wonderful and outstanding corps members, it is better to be known by your cultural identity than to be living in a borrowed culture which will make you second class citizens even in your country.
“You may wish to know that your culture which majority of you detest and deride has remained a source of inspiration to many foreigners who travel long distance to celebrate with us in Nigeria.”
The NYSC ambassador said she wanted Nigerians to change their thinking and perception about the indigenous culture.
“It is most disheartening that many Nigerians in the diaspora have relegated their culture to the background as they found it difficult to let the people know that they have very rich cultural heritage which others are clamouring to associate with.
“My dear children in the national service, I want you to begin to spread the good news about our culture to the outside world. A situation whereby parents adorn their children in foreign attires all the time and refuse to teach them indigenous language should no longer be the order of the day.
“Your coming together from different parts of the country to showcase various cultures is an indication that given the right attitude and encouragement by the government and the good people of this country, we shall restore the dignity that has eluded us through the preference for foreign cultures,” she said.
She enjoined the corps members to invest their time and resources by researching into various cultures while at the same time challenging the government to initiate a policy that would encourage investment in local content.
During the carnival procession and creative display of ingenuity, Platoon 9 with Akwa Ibom cultural diversity which incidentally is the home of the state coordinator came first.
Platoon 4 with Hausa/Fulani cultural display came second while Platoon 8 which ventured into Benue/Tiv dance came third.
The winners were rewarded with various cash gifts.
