The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, was among other prominent Nigerians that were honoured during the first Award of Excellence by Nnamdi Azikiwe University Centre for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities (NAU-CEAH), which took place on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at the Main Auditorium, Faculty of Arts, of the university in Awka, Anambra State.
The award, which was in recognition of Ayakoroma’s immense contributions to the development of the arts and promotion of Nigerian culture, was also to recognize and honour astute patrons of the Arts and Culture, which included Senator Ben Obi, former Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, and Nollywood icon, Obi Umunna Okoli, among others.
NAU-CEAH, with Professor Tracie Utoh-Ezeajugh, as the Director, confirmed the efforts of Ayakoroma as a renowned statesman and cultural administrator in Nigeria, who has been in the forefront of research and development, art production and cultural sustenance, knowledge transfer, capacity building and resource development, all being the philosophy of the Centre, adding that: “The Centre also recognizes Ayakoroma’s efforts in Nigerian literary development, fire of creativity as an artist and playwright and his contribution to theatre and film scholarship, which help in promoting Nigeria to a global standard.”
It will be recalled that before his appointment as the ES of NICO, Dr. Ayakoroma was former the Executive Director, Bayelsa Council for Arts and Culture, and has carried out major state and national assignments in the promotion of culture.
Accompanied by Hon. Nelson Campbell (SA to ES) and Mrs. Chioma Duru (Coordinator, NICO South-East Zone), among other members of staff of the Institute to the award ceremony, the ES expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation for the honour, describing the award as one filled with high esteem.
Nwagbo Pat Obi
Corporate Affairs