The NYSC State Governing Board Chairman and Hon. Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Lawal Azeez Olayemi has said that NYSC Competitions are designed to promote unity and oneness among Nigerians.

He made this known during the flag off ceremony for the NYSC Southwest Zonal Sports and Cultural Festival held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Ede on Wednesday.

According to him, it is a great initiative by the NYSC to have organised such an event as this, as it would encourage integration among Nigerian youths. He expressed his belief in the great youths of Nigeria and pledged his utmost support to them.

He enjoined all the participants therefore to compete in love and in the spirit of good sportsmanship.

The NYSC Osun State Coordinator Mr Ayodele Adegoke has said that competitions organized by the scheme over time have helped to promote and strengthen the unity and oneness of Nigerians across all ages.

According to him, the event has come at a central time where there is so much disunity and disintegration which can only be addressed by such competitions.

" ln a bid to build a united, strong and cohesive society free from hate, ethnicity and religious bigotry, the establishment of events as this are veritable tools for the actualization of this goal."

He encouraged the participants to give in their best to make their various States proud.

Furthermore, Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director SWAO, Mrs Akin-Moses Oluwafunmilayo, the VC of Redeemers University, Prof. Enitan Akilo represented by Prof. A.P. Yerima, the VC Adeleke University represented by Prof. Uloma Onuoha and the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ede, Dr. Adekolawole Taiwo represented by Dr. Omotosho O.S (jnr).

Mrs Akin-Moses Oluwafunmilayo stated that NYSC sports and cultural festival was introduced 35years ago to enable youths showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. She also said "it is not a do or die affair" and encouraged contingents to show diligence and fair play towards everyone.

Prof. Uloma Onuoha stated that no matter what happens, victory is attained by doing one's best. Prof. Omotosho O. S (jnr) encouraged contingents to show the spirit of unity and sportsmanship, he applauded NYSC for keeping the country together in unity and love. He said "if you win, win with dignity, if you lose, lose with magnanimity".

Following the goodwill messages, were presentations, including a compendium of all NYSC activities from the past was made to the dignitaries from the different citadels of learning.

The ceremony witnessed a joyous procession from the contingents from the represented States: Edo State, Ekiti State, Lagos State, Ogun State, Ondo State and Oyo State. The event witnessed a dance performance by the Osun state cultural troop to welcome the contingents.

Recall that the purpose of the event, being carried out across the 6 Geo-political zones, is to foster unity, peace and integration across the Federation.

Why is d person on the fisrt picture wearing a black face mask dressed lyk a woman ?