The National President of the University of Calabar Alumni Association, Mr. Kennedy Dike has listed the Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, alongside Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, the Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Ola Makinde, the former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bright Omokhodion, as pillars and pathfinders, whose leadership qualities have uplifted the activities of the Association.

Stating this in an interview with NICO News in Dreamland Hotel, Owerri, Imo State, Mr. Dike said Dr. Ayakoroma’s supportive role and integrity informed his appointment as member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Unical Alumni Association.

Adding that the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christians Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara, Dr. ABC Orjiako, who recently won Thisday Newspaper man of the Year, for his role in the oil industry, among others are inclusive, Mr. Dike declared that Dr. Ayakoroma is a trailblazer and his mentor, who has used his leadership qualities to make NICO a brand name in the Nigerian culture sector.

According to him: “There are many personalities that have been playing a big role in taking University of Calabar Alumni Association to the next level, since we started. Dr. Ayakoroma has always been there. I have worked closely with him for about seven years. He is a pathfinder. He is trailblazer. He is a personality you need to work with. He is like a mentor to me; that was even when he was the Director of Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture. He has been among those who have taken the Association to the next level and greater height.’’

About Dr. Ayakoroma’s performance in NICO, hear the leader of Malabites and Malabresses: “I know him very well. I know what he can do. He is a leader. At least, so far, he has been able to make NICO as a brand name. Everybody wants to associate with NICO. Other bodies and agencies want to collaborate with NICO in their programmes. NICO has been taken to prominence by Dr. Ayakoroma. You can see that Nigerian culture is now getting closer to the owners. Honestly, NICO is now a popular brand. It is a pride of Nigerian nation.’’

Nwagbo Nnenyelike
Corporate Affairs