The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Jatau, has lauded the vibrant cultural displays of the 2025 Batch A, Stream one corps members during their cultural carnival held at the Amada Temporary Orientation Camp in Akko, Gombe State.
Impressed by the performances, Jatau praised the corps members for their creativity, discipline, and commitment. He noted that culture is a defining attribute of humanity and emphasised the need for individuals to identify with, preserve, and sustain their cultural heritage to prevent its extinction.
He further highlighted the importance of understanding the culture of host communities, stating it plays a vital role in facilitating smooth integration during the service year. Referring to the platoon names—Loyalty, Discipline, Dedication, Patriotism, Teamwork, Commitment, Punctuality, Integrity, Efficiency, and Diligence—he commended them as symbolic values that drive service to the nation.
This was contained in a press statement made available to PERISCOPE NIGERIA by Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office).
Drawing from his global experience, having visited over 66 countries, the Deputy Governor remarked that no culture is inherently bad. He explained that sociologists regard negative cultural expressions as subcultures, rather than representative of mainstream values.
“Despite the importance of culture,” he cautioned, “we must not mistake our culture, beliefs, and religion as universal laws of nature.” Quoting Charles Darwin, he advised the corps members to adapt to their new environments, emphasising that “the species that survives is the one that adapts to its environment.”
Jatau also commended the State NYSC Coordinator, camp officials, and corps members for a successful orientation programme. He noted that every organisation has a challenge and effective leadership profer solutions to those challenges encouraging the NYSC Coordinator to remain focused and never be deterred by the challenge of completion of the permanent camp assuring her that it will soon be history.
In her remarks, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Chinwe Nwachuku, said the carnival was organised to foster cultural understanding, national unity, and youth creativity. She encouraged corps members to continue embracing and celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
She also invited guests to attend the closing cultural night scheduled for Sunday, tagged “Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya Night,” promising an evening of entertainment and cultural displays.
Earlier, the Head of Socials, Mr Mola Isa, explained that some selected ethnic groups from within the state and the country were represented at the carnival—Waja, Tangale, Tula, Kanuri, Sayawa, Tiv, Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba as a mark of national unity to perform at the event.
Highlights of the event included a dance competition and presentation of gifts.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Lamido of Gona, Alh. Umar Abdulkadir Abdulsalam the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Bello Talasse (rtd), Commissioner for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dr. Barnabas Malle, and the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Larai Maigari, among others.
Well articulated,keep up the good report Punch.
GOC Anipr.