A former Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Imo State, Rt. Hon. Chuma Nnaji, has commended the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), for its Dress Nigerian initiative, saying it is a project that has brought Nigerian native dresses to the consciousness of Nigerians.
Rt. Hon. Nnaji, who is also former Deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly and former Commissioner for Special Duties, stated this in an exclusive interview when he paid a visit to NICO Headquarters, Abuja, noting that the Institute is a laudable project that creates cultural awareness through showing understanding of the diverse cultures and origins to Nigerians.
The former Commissioner stressed that this awareness and understanding of the mandate of the Institute have been enhanced by Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, who has deployed his understanding and experience of Nigerian cultural history effectively since he became the Executive Secretary.
Adding that Dr. Ayakoroma has applied this knowledge of culture to put Nigerian cultural issues in the front burner, Hon. Nnaji noted that such feat has projected Nigerian cultural identity among the comity of nations, stressing that with its beehive of cultural activities, NICO has provided Nigerians with a cultural calendar hence becoming a household name.
The former Commissioner stated: “The truth is that NICO (under Dr. Barclays) is a household name. It has provided a cultural calendar that has kept Nigerians busy with cultural programmes. The ES has marketed NICO to a very high level of acceptability. I commend his energetic approach to cultural issues in Nigeria. He has used that energy to market Nigerian culture. Look at the NICO programme like the Nigerian Dress culture. You will agree with me that so many Nigerians are really dressing in the way of our culture these days. It is common these days to see Nigerian native dresses in many offices, among politicians, and in functions. These are the effects of NICO dress culture programme. Honestly, Dr. Barclays has really brought the cultural content needed in the programmes of NICO. There are several innovations proving NICO as cultural project.’’
Nwagbo Nnenyelike
Corporate Affairs