The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has commissioned its South-South office complex at 51, Imgbi Road, Amarata Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Thursday, January 27, 2011.
In his address, the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Timipre Sylva, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, who was represented by the Director-General, Bureau of Arts and Culture, Mr. Famous Eseduo, enjoined Niger Delta youths to use NICO’s presence to their advantage. He therefore thanked the Federal Government for locating the South-South office in Yenagoa, adding that “it is not only a blessing to Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta but to the entire nation”.
Chief Sylva’s representative after going round the office said Bayelsa State Government will fully support NICO programmes, stressing that facilities that were suppose to be on ground that were yet to be on ground should be put together for the government’s assistance.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. John Agha who is also the General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Yenagoa had earlier declared the programme open with the breaking of kolanut which he said is a symbol of peace and unity.
In his address the Executive Secretary of NICO, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma who was represented by the Director, Orientation and Cultural Affairs, Prince Dele Olusa said a new chapter has been opened in the history of NICO with the commissioning of the South-South zonal office complex.
He said it was an effort geared towards realizing the overall objectives and mandate of the Institute in the zone, which comprise Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, stressing “it would further spread the activities of the Institute to the grassroots in the Niger Delta.”
NICO which has been in Yenagoa for the past two years relocated to a new complex to accommodate the increasing staff strength and also to reposition it for improved performance and productivity.
Dr. Ayakoroma therefore thanked those who made the relocation possible, most especially Chief Timipre Sylva, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, the Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, Honourable Commissioners, Heads of Federal Parastatals and the Directors of Culture of the six states in the zone and of course the South-South Zonal Co-ordinator, Mr. Mike Ekoko.
Giving his vote of thanks, the South-South Zonal Co-ordinator, Mr. Mike
Ekoko who was the host of the event was thankful to everyone that graced the occasion.
Representatives from all the Federal Parastatals in Bayelsa State were present in the commissioning that climaxed with the scintillating performance of the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, and a fashion parade by selected NICO staff.
Enock Etimighan
Corporate Affairs