The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) chapter of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), has honoured the Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, with the NICO Ambassador Award, in recognition of his immense contributions towards promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly in the area of dress and language culture.

Making the presentation on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at the Institute’s Headquarters, at No. 23, Kigoma Street, Wuse zone 7, Abuja, during a General Staff Meeting, the AUPCTRE Chapter Chairman, Comrade Olusegun Iroko, stressed that wherever Ayakoroma goes, he is always dressed in cultural attires in furtherance of the Institute’s campaign for the Federal Government to officially declare “Dress Nigeria Days,” just as the Institute has introduced a policy, to make it mandatory for all officers to “Dress Nigeria” on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Dr. Ayakoroma’s choice for the award category of “NICO Ambassador” was after members of staff overwhelmingly nominated the NICO boss as evidenced in their response in a questionnaire distributed for them to suggest members of staff for different award categories on merit.

Comrade Iroko, who on behalf of staff expressed appreciation to the ES for his people-friendly policies since he took the baton of leadership, said it is hoped that the award will spur the NICO boss to do more in the area of initiating policies that will not only take the Institute to an enviable position in the culture sector, but also continue to put smiles on the faces of staff.

Responding, Ayakoroma who thanked the Union for deeming it fit that he should be giving an award in that perspective, and regretted that he could not attend the picnic since he was attending to pressing national issues that demanded the attention of his office.

He said the idea of an end of year picnic for staff is a welcome development that could take place every year to afford both management and staff the opportunity to meet on a lighter mood, pleaded for the cooperation of staff with management to enhance a harmonious working relationship.

In his words “I am here to serve but you can only serve when you have listening followers, otherwise, there will be some inaction in the system;” and further expressed optimism that with the anticipated support from staff, the Institute can achieve the feat expected of it.

It will be recalled that the Union had on December 1, 2011, organized an end of year picnic for members of staff and awards were presented to deserving members of staff, but the ES was unavoidably absent due to the exigencies of office.

Caleb Nor
Corporate Affairs