The Beauty of Carnival Day in Camp

How I had an amazing weekend🤭

My weekend has been nothing short of amazing, especially because of the carnival day at camp. It was one of those moments that reminded me how beautiful and diverse our country truly is. The carnival was not just about fun or dressing up, it was a day when we celebrated our rich cultures, traditions, and the unity that NYSC always tries to promote among young people from different parts of Nigeria.

Everyone in camp was filled with excitement right from the morning. The whole environment looked colorful and alive. You could literally feel the joy in the air. Each platoon was asked to represent a particular culture in Nigeria, and no one wanted to be left behind. Every platoon gave their best, making sure their dressing, performance, and style truly reflected the culture they represented.

My own platoon represented the Tarok culture, and we went all out to make it beautiful. The ladies tied colorful wrappers and adorned themselves with beads and cultural accessories, while the men wore traditional outfits that made them look so royal. Other platoons also looked amazing. Some represented the Igbo culture, some Yoruba, others Hausa, and many other ethnic groups in Nigeria. The way they showcased their dressing, dance, and music was truly fascinating. It felt like being in different parts of Nigeria all at once.

Each cultural group had its own leader. The Igbo platoon had their king, the Hausa had their emir, and so on. It was so lovely watching how they carried themselves with pride, greeting their people in traditional ways and acting out how things are done in their cultures. Everyone was clapping, laughing, taking pictures, and enjoying the performances.

For me, I wasn’t fully part of the cultural display because I belong to the NYSC Marshal Band. But honestly, being part of the marshal band is one of the best things that has happened to me in camp. I may not have been on stage like others, but the feeling I had playing the drums and moving around the field was something words can hardly describe.

Before the main activities began, the marshal band moved around the camp environment, putting on their T-shirts playing our drums and creating beautiful rhythms that set the mood for the day. The sound of the drums echoed across the field, and everyone turned to look at us as we marched past. The smiles, the excitement, the cheers, it all made me feel so proud to be part of the team. Our beats brought life to the whole event.

Even when it was time for the main presentation, we didn’t just stay aside. We also tied wrappers around our waists to represent different cultures. Though we had our NYSC T-shirts on, the wrapper added a cultural touch and made everything look more festive. It was our own little way of blending in with the spirit of the carnival.

As I stood there watching different groups perform, I couldn’t help but admire the beauty of our diversity. It was amazing to see people from different tribes dancing to songs that were not even from their own cultures, yet doing it so perfectly. It showed how much we had learned from one another in such a short time at camp.

The carnival wasn’t just about dressing up, it was a reminder of how united we can be despite our differences. The music, the dances, the laughter, and the colorful displays made me realize that every tribe, every culture, has something beautiful to offer.

At the end of the day, I felt grateful. Grateful for the experience, for the friendships I’ve built, and most especially, for being part of the NYSC marshal band. It gave me a special role in making the day memorable. Every drumbeat, every rhythm we played, added life and joy to the event.

Truly, carnival day in camp is one of the most beautiful experiences anyone can have. It’s a day that brings everyone together, a day filled with colors, music, and happiness. For me, it’s a memory I’ll always cherish, a celebration of culture, unity, and the spirit of being Nigerian.