In a relaxed but formal atmosphere that was refreshing and exciting, the Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays F. Ayakoroma, on Monday 17th of January, 2011, in Lagos, had a General Meeting with all NICO Staff. The interactive meeting, which discussed NICO’s programmes for 2011, was aimed at sharing useful suggestions on how to achieve the Institute’s objectives.

The Executive Secretary said that as a sign of commitment every member of Staff must know the vision and mission statements of the Institute to know the policy direction and how to fit in to make contributions to the corporate goals.

Dr. Ayakoroma noted that the aggressive staff training in all offices of NICO since last year will be sustained as it is designed to broaden the horizon of staff, provide a sense of belonging, and link NICO with other organizations.

He affirmed that in 2011, NICO Training School will move to its permanent site in Kuje, Abuja; and that efforts are being geared toward affiliating the School with the Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, as this will enable the University to moderate NICO Training School examinations. It will mark another milestone for the Training School which recently restructured its academic curriculum, he said.

Commenting on the challenges experienced in research efforts, Dr. Ayakoroma encouraged NICO staff to employ initiative and resourcefulness in carrying out assignments and not to be discouraged at all by paucity of funds. A research postulation supported by facts gleaned from the Internet, for example, will be strong enough to attract financial support from headquarters for field works when funds are available.

Mr. Ebi Nelson Campbell, Deputy Director/Special Asst. to the Executive Secretary, observed that it is the deliberate policy of Dr. Ayakoroma to carry every staff along since he joined NICO. What is required therefore, Mr. Campbell said, is cooperation and discipline from every member of staff for NICO to make appreciable impact in service delivery.

Other important concerns addressed in this cordial Hall Meeting include Staff Bus, Staff Promotion, Library, and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The Director, Training School, Mr. Itapah Azuobu, flanked by Mrs. Bridget Yerima, Deputy Director/Head, NICO Lagos Office, led the satisfied and elated NICO Staff in Lagos to say, “More Grease to your elbows,” to an outstanding Chief Executive Officer who, within one year, has proved to be a benign achiever with a good purpose.

Anthony Okafor & Uche Odionye
Press/PR Unit
NICO Training School
Lagos