The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) SouthEast reaffirmed its commitment to promoting culture, developing tourism, and fostering national unity through its active participation in the 2025 Batch C NYSC Enugu Cultural Carnival. The event took place at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp inside the Federal Road Safety Corps Headquarters, Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, transforming the camp into a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Corps members were organized into ten platoons, each assigned to present an aspect of the country’s diverse ethnic groups. Through coordinated displays of traditional lifestyles, indigenous cuisines, historical narratives, cultural attire, and dances, the platoons celebrated Nigeria’s cultural identity and unity in diversity. The carnival drew several dignitaries, including the Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hon. Hyginus Ogbonna Agu; the Enugu State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Oluwakemi Awolola; and FTAN leaders, among others.
In her welcome address, Awolola described the carnival as one of the orientation course’s most important highlights, noting that it marks the conclusion of camp social activities while reinforcing the NYSC’s core objective of fostering unity among young Nigerians. She urged corps members to embraceNigeria’s cultural diversity and expressed optimism that the tourism and cultural engagements during camp would deepen their appreciation of the nation’s shared values.
Agu, in his goodwill message, commended the corps members for presenting an inspiring portrait of Nigeria’s multicultural identity and urged them to translate appreciation of diversity into active promotion of unity throughout their service year. He also reassured them of Enugu State’s safety and welfare during their stay.
The vice president of FTAN for the South East Zone, Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu joined other dignitaries in touring the platoon stands, where corps members—dressed in rich cultural regalia—represented Nigeria’s diverse identities. Ugwu introduced FTAN as the umbrella body uniting over 23 private-sector tourism associations across Nigeria and announced FTAN’s continued sponsorship of the NYSC Enugu Cultural Carnival.
He credited Nigerian Breweries Limited for supporting the event with packs of drinks and highlighted FTAN’s commitment to deeper collaborations with corporate partners.
“For FTAN, our diversity in culture and language represents valuable products that must be projected. These cultural assets not only unite us as a nation but also serve as tourism products that can be positioned and sold to the world for national development,” he stated.
Ugwu also unveiled plans to strengthen FTAN-NYSC Enugu State collaboration through a joint committee that will appoint five Tourism Ambassadors in every batch. These ambassadors, supported by partnering brands, will tell and promote Enugu State’s story throughout their service year, with FTAN certifying outstanding participants at the end of their service.
A highlight of the carnival was an electrifying performance by the Igede Obinagu Cultural Troupe, sponsored by the Udi Local Government Chairman, which energized the audience and added momentum to the celebration. The Chief Judge, Mrs. Chioma Ilechukwu, explained the evaluation criteria, including unity, creativity, organization, time management, and the authenticity of traditional attire.
Ten platoons showcased cultures from Benin, Nupe, Igbo, Fulani, Yoruba, Hausa, Tiv, Ibibio, Efik, and other Nigerian traditions. At the awards, Platoon 6 emerged as the overall winner for its Hausa representation, while Platoon 4 earned first runner-up honors for its Fulani presentation. Platoons 5 and 8 shared second runner-up status for their Yoruba and Ibibio displays, with other platoons recognized for excellence in areas such as creativity, cuisine, costume, dance, organization, and time management.
The 2025 Batch C NYSC Enugu Cultural Carnival not only enlivened the orientation exercise but also underscored the power of culture as a bridge that connects people. Through music, dance, food, and storytelling, participants demonstrated that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in the harmony of its differences.”