The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, has been nominated by the Hon. Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, to deliver the welcome address at the opening of the 2011 edition of Abuja Carnival Boat Regatta event, scheduled to take place at Jabi Lake on Monday, November 28, 2011, at 2.00pm.

A letter signed by the Administrative Secretary of Abuja Carnival Management Committee, Ms Grace Isu Gekpe, on behalf of the Hon. Minister, dated November 4, 2011, stated that the Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Hassan Barata Ahmed, is expected to declare the event open.

This is the second time the NICO Boss will feature in such capacity at the Boat Regatta event that forms part of activities at the annual Abuja Carnival, where states from the riverine areas showcase their skills and prowess in the art of water manoeuvring, as he declared the Regatta event open last year.

Before his appointment as Executive Secretary in November 2009, Ayakoroma had since 2005 when the Carnival débuted, led the Bayelsa State Contingent to participate in the regatta competitive event then in his capacity as Executive Director of Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture.

With the repackaging of the 7th edition of the Carnival to serve as a platform to reconcile various interest groups that are consequential to its survival and sustainability, it is expected that the Boat Regatta, which is an aquatic theatrical performance, will not only offer breath-taking display of the rich artistic splendour and sea-faring heritage of the riverine communities in Nigeria, but also boost the tourism and economic potentials of Nigeria.

The Carnival, which is scheduled for 26th-29th November, 2011, has as theme: “Carnival of Reconciliation,” and is conceived to create harmony in the political and cultural sectors in Nigeria with a view to promoting National unity, peace, social cohesion and Integration.

Caleb Nor
Corporate Affairs