Oba Elegushi Graces NYSC Cultural Carnival in Lagos, Platoon 4 Emerges Winner

The 2025 Batch “A” Stream II Cultural Carnival of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was held at the Lagos Orientation Camp, attracting traditional leaders, guests, and hundreds of corps members in a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

His Royal Majesty Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, the Oba of Ikate Land, attended the event in the company of his Council of Baales and White Cap Chiefs. Their presence added a touch of prestige and underscored the importance of cultural promotion in fostering unity.

The carnival featured competitive performances by ten platoons, each showcasing the customs and traditions of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. After a series of colourful presentations, the Chief Judge, Mr. Steph Ogundele, a former Deputy President of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Art Practitioners, announced the results. Platoon 4 secured first place with their depiction of Ibibio culture from the South-South region. Platoon 9 took second with a performance of Tsa Utu from North-Central Nigeria, while Platoon 5 finished third by presenting Oghene traditions from the South-East.

During the event, Oba Elegushi, who completed his own national service in Edo State, called attention to the role of cultural heritage in building mutual respect and a sense of national purpose. The monarch urged corps members to embrace the nation’s diversity as a source of strength.

The Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, emphasized that cultural appreciation remains one of the pillars of the scheme and a vital means of strengthening social bonds among Nigerians.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Eletu of Ikate Kingdom, the Aro-Oba of Ikate Kingdom, the Olowa of Ikate, and Prince Nasiru Elegushi, Chairman of the Elegushi Descendants Union.

The event concluded with music, dance, and widespread celebration as corps members and guests marked the occasion as a showcase of Nigeria’s enduring cultural wealth and unity.