The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) North Central Zonal Office, Ilorin, Kwara State on Friday, July17, 2020, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Communication, Mrs. Adenike Harriete Afolabi Oshatimehin.
Leading a team of four (4), Mr. Ibrahim Lawal who is the Coordinator, NICO North Central Zonal office disclosed that the visit was to familiarize with the ministry and seek ways of collaboration towards achieving the mandate of the Institute in the state.
According to him, the Institute has over the years recorded success in its sensitization and skills acquisition programmes for cultural workers across the country as well as workshops for traditional rulers and local government chairmen, aimed at enhancing security surveillance to curtail various forms of violence ravaging the society like armed banditry, kidnapping and rape among others.
Lawal therefore sought for further collaborations between the Institute and the Ministry in programmes such as Nigerian Dress Culture and Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP) which he maintained will help to put culture on the front burner in the development of the state and the nation at large.
Responding, the Commissioner who was visibly happy with the visit, expressed willingness on the part of the Ministry to work in partnership with NICO in areas like Nigerian dress culture and other significant aspects of our culture expressed optimism that by doing so, the state will be returned to the cultural glory it was known for.
She further directed that the Department of Culture & Tourism should work out modalities for a cordial and smooth working relationship with the NICO in the state.
Present to welcome the NICO team were: Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim Wurd (DPFS), Hajiya Aishat Buhari (Director, Culture & Tourism), Alhaji Ayobami Akanbi (Director, Information Services) and Mr. Demola Olaranrewaju (Deputy Director Information Services).
Accompanying the Zonal Coordinator were: Mrs. Abolarin Shalom (Head, Admin & Human Resources), Engr. Samuel Hedima (Head, Corporate Affair), Mr. Ariyo Adeoti (Head, Orientation & Cultural Affairs), and Mr. Naseer
Saeed of Research & Documentation Department.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of NICO publications and Newsletters by the Zonal Coordinator to the Honourable Commissioner for Communication.