In furtherance of its mandate of replicating the programmes of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) in Gombe State, NICO Gombe State Office, after having concluded sensitization campaigns in ten (10) selected Government Junior Secondary Schools in Gombe, the Gombe State Capital, has achieved a milestone by launching NICO Culture Clubs.

The event took place, Thursday, the 22nd of November, 2013, at Government Junior Secondary School, Hassan Central, the oldest school in Gombe.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Co-ordinator, NICO Gombe State Office, Mr. Yahaya Mohammed Sanda, emphasized that bequeathing discipline to children was now a tripartite responsibility that must be shouldered by the parents, teachers and the government for the children to grow and become useful members of the society.

He said that the objective of establishing NICO Culture Clubs in Schools was to serve as a platform for cultural appreciation amongst youngsters as well as a campaign against cultism, examination malpractices, drug abuse, thuggery, and so on, which are all inimical to the development of individuals in the society.

Sanda informed guests that the clubs would be used to foster a sense of cultural identity and awareness in the youths and to encourage them to appreciate our indigenous languages, dresses, cuisines, music and dance, as against imbibing alien ways of life which promote indecent values.

Also speaking, the Principal, Government Junior Secondary School, Hassan Central, Mallam Muhammed S. Daudu, applauded the Institute’s efforts in promoting our rich culture and instilling moral values into the youngsters, describing it as a rare opportunity he would not afford to let his students miss.

He also expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Institute for launching the clubs in his school and thanked the NICO Gombe State Office for providing Fulani cultural attire for club members, and encouraged NICO staff not to relent in their efforts in promoting Nigeria’s indigenous cultures.

In his vote of thanks, the School Co-ordinator, NICO Culture Clubs, Mallam Ibrahim Suleiman, lauded the programmes of the Institute in Gombe State, soliciting staff commitment and also pledged his undivided loyalty in serving the Institute.

Thomas Anongu
NICO Gombe