The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, has called on the newly-elected executive members of the Amalgamated Union of Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), NICO Chapter, to work in harmony with management to collectively move the Institute forward.
Stating this in a meeting with the Exco, the ES said this was necessary because both parties are expected to work towards achieving the mandate of the Institute, adding, “NICO activities have been established in the consciousness of Nigerians, and we are now held in high esteem. So, we all have to be diligent to keep the pace we have set already.”
Describing the election that brought the new Exco in as free and fair, Dr. Ayakoroma commended the entire AUPCTRE members for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner, noting that the election was an indication that people should always be allowed to vote for the candidate of their choice.
He said: “I feel the AUPCTRE election can be an example to the entire country. Whenever people want a change, they should be allowed to vote freely and fairly. I understand the tenets of democracy very well. I was involved in student and trade unionism and I understand the dynamics very well. That was why I did not interfere. I understand that you are all newly elected. It means people want a change. It means if you perform very well, they can vote you ın again. I congratulate you. I promise that the management will not interfere. But remember that without the management, you cannot function; and without you, the management cannot function. We must all collaborate to move NICO forward. We will work with you the same way we worked with previous Exco. But it is important you fashion out programmes that will make AUPCTRE, NICO chapter, relevant. Management will always support your programmes.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Comrade Promise Nwanguma Onyekachi, formally introduced members of the new EXCO to the management and promised that they will carry out their duties in line with the mandate of the Institute.
Expressing the gratitude of entire AUPCTRE members for the magnanimous gesture displayed by the ES, through the meeting he convened on Monday, 2nd July, 2012, to counsel members of staff on security matters, Nwanguma stated: “We have all benefited immensely from your style of leadership in NICO. We are most grateful for the security meeting you called yesterday (2nd July, 2012). It was quite striking. It goes to show that you are a father indeed. It is the most important meeting in NICO, because it bordered on how to be careful with our life. Sir, we solicit your support, because we want to work with the management for the benefit of NICO staff.”
Comrade Nwanguma later handed over a formal Letter of Appreciation to the ES, on behalf of his EXCO, in which the commended the leadership style of Ayakoroma-led management. 
The letter reads in part: “We write to express our sincere appreciation and profound gratitude for the favourable atmosphere provided during the AUPCTRE executive elections that took place on Tuesday, 19th June, 2012, at the office premises. The free and fair election came as a result of your high level of good leadership style. We say a big thank you. We promise to discharge our duty to actualize the Institute’s mandate.”
Directors, who were present, include, Barr. Abayomi Oyelola (Administration and Human Resources), Mr. Festus Ihenetu (Cultural Affairs and Orientation), Elder Godson Ordu (Finance and Account), Hon. Nelson Campbell (SA to ES), Mr. Alex Omijie (Assistant Director Protocol), Barr. Musa Kakamba (Assistant Director, Legal), and Mr. Mike Ekoko (Assistant Director, Research), all counselled the union leaders.
Members of Exco were: Promise Nwanguma Onyekachi (Chairman) Ananwan Fred (Vice), Ndanusa Adamu (Secretary), Fagbuyi Clement (Asst. Secretary), Ogba Ifeoma (Financial Secretary), Esedo Chiugo (Welfare), Eni Vincent Eni (PRO), and Oluwatoyin Mercy Solomon (Treasurer).
Nwagbo Nnenyelike
Corporate Affairs