Alawo of Awoland Graces NYSC Cultural Carnival As Platoon 8 Wins First Position

In a grand display of Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, His Royal Majesty, Alawo of Awo, HRM Oba Abdulrasaq Taiyeolu Ajibade Abidoye III, added a touch of regal splendour to the NYSC Batch B Stream 2 Cultural Carnival held at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, Osun State. 

Myschoolnews reports the cultural exhibition showcased the diversity and vibrancy of the nation's various ethnic groups, drawing admiration and blessings from the esteemed monarch.

As a custodian of culture and tradition, the Alawo of Awo embarked on a cultural journey, visiting the ‘kingdoms’ represented by each platoon as staged across the camp. During these visits, he extended his blessings and heartfelt appreciation for their dedication to preserving and showcasing the nation's unique heritage. 

In his address, Oba Abdulrasaq emphasised the importance of unity in diversity, highlighting Nigeria's status as a nation blessed with a multitude of cultures. He encouraged all citizens to cherish their differences and strive for harmony and prosperity. The Kabiyesi displayed his generosity by giving undisclosed sum of money to each platoon whilst blessing them.

Earlier, while flagging off the carnival, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr Agbor Ndoma appreciated everyone who contributed to the successful running of the camp while also appreciating the king for upholding culture.

Agbor further appreciated Airtel for sponsoring the carnival. He posited that the cultural carnival was incorporated into the orientation programme in order to foster integration among Corps Members igniting respect, appreciation and deep admiration for their culture and that of others. 

He urged them to keep to heart not only the differences that makes each culture unique and beautiful, but also the similarities seen across the nation's cultural heritage. 

The Head of Socials, Mr. Sesan Fadeyi, in his opening remarks appreciated the presence of the Aláwò of Àwo, Oba Abdulrasaq for his presence and constant support for the NYSC Scheme in the State. He also appreciated the State Coordinator, other individuals and teams, including: Airtel, Showmax, OBS, and camp officials for making the Committee record success in all her activities. 

He highlighted other social activities such as the Variety Nite, African nite, the BBB and TTH contest, Interplatoon Dance and Drama Competition, Old School Nite, Family Dance Nite, Miss Petite Contest and lastly, the Cultural Carnival. 

The carnival unfolded with captivating presentations by the ten platoons, each representing a distinct culture, which are Ijaw, Igala, Hausa, Itsekiri, Edo, Eyo of Lagos, Igbo, Tiv, Idoma, Efik in that order.

Various units were not left out as special presentations from the Orientation Broadcasting Service(OBS), Servicom, Red Cross, Man O’ War and NYSC band demonstrating their indispensable contribution during the course of the Orientation Course. 

After the various presentations, the chief judge, Mr Abiodun Yusuph, announced the results of the inter-Platoon cultural carnival appreciating all the platoons for their efforts. According to him, the criteria used for judgement were coordination, entertaining display and costume. Following the announcement, celebration filled the air as Platoon 8 came first while platoons 10 and 7 took the second and third positions respectively.  

It is important to reiterate that the significance of the Carnival is to display the beautiful cultures in Nigeria through their language, dress, marriage, dance and food, fostering unity amongst Corps Members. This aligns with the goals and objectives of the NYSC Scheme. 

Present at the occasion were heads of assignments, representative from the Southwest Area Office, heads of collaborating agencies, among others. The event further featured the cutting of cake by celebrants whose birthdays fall within the orientation period. The cake was courtesy of the State Coordinator.