By Nkechi Eze
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) National Cultural Troupe has been honoured with an award by the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, in recognition of its outstanding performance at the 2025 International Youth Day celebration held in Abuja.
The award was presented in acknowledgement of the troupe’s exceptional display of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through a captivating blend of acrobatics, melodious musical rhythms and precision dance, which drew wide applause from the audience at the event. The celebration took place at the main auditorium of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Piwoyi, Abuja.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Mrs. Caroline Embu, said the troupe’s performance stood out as one of the major highlights of the International Youth Day celebration, earning it special recognition from the Minister of Youth Development.
Presenting the award plaque to the NYSC Management, the President of the National Troupe, Corps Member Pelumi Oni (FC/24C/11420), expressed profound gratitude to the Scheme for creating an enabling environment that allows Corps members to discover, nurture and showcase their talents.
According to him, the consistent encouragement and support from NYSC Management had remained a strong source of motivation for members of the troupe, inspiring them to give their best during rehearsals and stage performances. He noted that the recognition was a collective achievement that reflected the commitment and discipline of the entire team.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Director General of the NYSC, the Acting Director of Community Development Service (CDS) and Special Projects, Mrs. Funmilayo Ajayi, commended the supervisors and trainers of the cultural troupe for their dedication and unrelenting efforts in mentoring the Corps members. She said their commitment had paid off, as evidenced by the multiple awards the troupe has garnered in recent times.
Ajayi also praised the creativity, ingenuity and sense of patriotism displayed by the Corps members, describing them as worthy cultural ambassadors of the NYSC and the nation at large. She подчеркed that the Scheme remains proud of Corps members who positively project Nigeria’s image and values through arts, culture and service to the fatherland.
The award further reinforces the role of the NYSC in youth development and national integration, while highlighting the immense talents and creative potential within the Scheme’s diverse corps membership.
