The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Services Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) branch, on Thursday, December 1, 2011, held a picnic for members of staff.

According to NICO AUPCTRE Chairman, Comrade Olusegun Iroko, the picnic, which took place at the Ukpabi-Asika Garden, Wuse Zone 5, was part of activities organized by the union to round up the year 2011 and also reward deserving staff.

In his welcome address, Comrade Iroko commended the leadership of the Institute, under Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, for ensuring a good industrial harmony between management and members of staff, making reference to the last promotion examination for staff: “It is heart-warming that promotion exercise was conducted as at when due and a large chunk of staff have moved to their next level.”

Comrade Iroko assured staff, who will be due for promotion in the next exercise, that the gesture is a clear indication that they will not witness delay for them to be promoted.

Further appreciating the openness and accessibility of the Executive Secretary, the Union Chairperson stated that for the first time in the history of the Institute, the union has been able to secure from management, approval for salary advance for members of staff to acquire land.

In his words: “The leadership of the union had approached the ES for salary advance that has never been done before. It is historic that he has granted that request. It is going to be evergreen in our hearts and we appreciate that. We also pray that the cordiality will be sustained for the Institute to experience more development.”

On the part of leadership of the union, Iroko expressed commitment to policies that will continue to better the lot of members of staff, and thanked staff who believed in the leadership of the union to avail themselves of the land purchase and sales opportunity.

He maintained that the initiative, which forms part of the union’s constitutional responsibility, has been a major policy thrust of the union that is expected to cater for the housing needs of staff.

The Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, who was represented by the Director, Orientation and Cultural Affairs, Prince Bamidele Olusa, appreciated the efforts of the leadership of the union in bringing together management and staff on a lighter mood and pledged support for the sustenance of such initiatives.

Members of management staff that graced the occasion include, Director of Admin and Human Resources, Barr. Abayomi Oyelola, Director of Research and Documentation, Mr. Festus Ihenetu, Director of Orientation and Cultural Affairs, Prince Bamidele Olusa, Assistant Director (Protocol), Mr. Alex Omijie, and the Assistant Director (Legal), Barr. Musa Ibrahim Kakamba.

Meanwhile, awards were presented to deserving staff in the following categories:

*NICO Ambassador: Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma
* Most Outstanding Leadership Skills: Mr. Alex Omijie
* Most Involved Staff in NICO Activities: Mrs. Jane Anigala
* Most Social Staff: Mr. James Gillowei
* Most Cultural Compliant Staff: Miss Christina Ibrahim
* Most Outspoken Staff: Mrs. Blessing Fasomo
* Most Punctual Staff: Mr. Jackson Onobun; and
* Most Comported and Most Effective Staff: Mr. Ibrahim Kantoma

Caleb Nor
Corporate Affairs