The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, has stated that the Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme, organised by the Institute, has become imperative and a major platform to revive, improve and strengthen cross-cultural communication and harmonious relationship between the various ethnic groups in Nigerian.
The ES, who said this at the opening ceremony of the 2012 edition of the language programme in Yola, Adamawa State, pointed out that the Institute was poised to consolidate on its efforts in sensitizing the public on the need to live together peacefully through the appreciation of language as an important aspect of our culture.
Dr. Ayakoroma recalled that the Institute recently organised a National Conference with the theme: “Culture, Peace and National Security: The Role of Traditional Rulers and
Local Government Chairman,” in the pursuit for peace in Nigeria.
He informed the gathering that since the commencement of the language programme in the North-East Zone, it has moved from teaching the three major languages: Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo, to six indigenous languages, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulfulde, Igbo, Chamba and Bwatiye, due to the remarkable success achieved in the previous editions.
In his vote of thanks, the Zonal Coordinator, Mallam Isma`ila Ahmad, appreciated the Executive Governor, Vice Admiral Murtala H. Nyako (rtd), the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Gabriel Hamma Adama, who represented the Governor, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Philip Gutuwa, the Lamido of Adamawa, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Mohammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa, and other invitees for finding time out of their busy schedule to grace the important programme.
Aroh Smart Chinecherem
Corporate Affairs Unit
NICO Yola