The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has been commended by the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Adetokunbo Sofoluwe, for its effort in making the Nigerian culture robust.

The Vice Chancellor, who spoke at the opening ceremony of an International Conference with the theme, Reading and Producing Nollywood, said NICO and other supporters of the event are in the vanguard of projecting Nigerian cultural values.

He said: “NICO, CBAAC, NFC, and the Public Affairs Section of the US Consulate General in Lagos have done well by supporting the International Conference in the University of Lagos by Faculty of Arts in collaboration with National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).”

Prof. Sofoluwe stated that it is necessary to do such a conference on Nollywood because the filmmakers in the industry have projected the Nigerian culture, to the extent that many people are interested in watching Nigerian films.

He disclosed that he is even interested in the films, adding that it explains why he commends all the supporters like NICO, CBAAC, and NFC, as they are playing a very serious role in promoting the image of Nigeria to the outside world.

Earlier before his address, Prof. Jonathan Haynes, from Long University, New York City, USA, who presented the keynote address, Prof. Duro Oni, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, UNILAG, and Ms Bic Leu, a Fulbright Scholar in UNILAG, the organisers of the event, also commended the efforts of the Dr. Ayakoroma-led NICO, for their enviable role of harnessing the Nigerian cultural heritage for national development.

The event, which takes place from March 23 to 25, 2011, in the Afe Babalola Auditorium, UNILAG, with university scholars, filmmakers, cultural diplomats and workers, among others, in attendance, has the Executive Secretary of NICO, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, as a presenter and a moderator.

Nwagbo Nnenyelike

Corporate Affairs