BARCLAYSThe Nzeh Mada Festival Secretariat has invited the Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Associate Professor Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, to serve as Guest Speaker at the Colloquium Event of the 2015 Nzeh Mada Cultural Festival.

According to a letter of invitation, dated, 9th March, 2015, signed by the Director of Administration, Dan Vintzye Yakubu and addressed to the NICO ES, the festival is scheduled to hold in Akwanga Town, Nasarawa State beginning from Tuesday, 31st March – Sunday, 5th April, 2015, with the theme, “Festival of Reconciliation and Consolidation.”

The letter reads in part: “I am directed to inform you that the annual Nzeh Mada Festival will hold in the historic town of Akwanga, Nasarawa State and as a strategic stakeholder, Mada nation invites you to speak at the Festival Colloquium which is scheduled to hold on Friday, April 3, 2015.”

“As Guest Speaker, you will be expected to present a paper on the topic: “Developing a Festival Brand: Identity, Unity and Socio-economic Development of Minority Ethnic Nationalities,” at the Trish Hall, Kini Country Guest Inn, Akwanga by 10am.”

According to the letter, the 2015 Nzeh Mada is significant in the sense that it coincides with the installation and presentation of First Class Staff of Office to the Chun Mada, Paramount Ruler of Madaland, His Royal Highness, Samson Gamu Yare, by the Government of Nasarawa State, which is coming nearly after three decades of protracted chieftaincy struggle, just as it coincides with the general elections year, which has the potential of uniting or dividing the people.  

Also expected at the event with Prof. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma is the Director-General, Centre for Black African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), Chief (Sir) Ferdinand Anikwe, who will chair the session.

Meanwhile, the Chun Mada, His Royal Highness, Samson Gamu Yare, has also requested the company of the Executive Secretary of NICO as Guest of Honour at the Bwar Carnival on Saturday, 4th April, 2015 in Akwanga metropolis.

Caleb Nor

Corporate Affairs Unit

NICO, Abuja