The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, has called on participants in the Abuja International Carnival 2013 to learn cultures from other parts of Nigeria order than their own, noting that the many rich cultures in Nigeria represent the wisdom of the people, and that learning the culture of a people implies adding wisdom to one’s own.

Stating this in his welcome address at the Cultural Night of the Abuja International Carnival 2013, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki-Abuja, Ayakoroma said this was imperative because if people learn the cultures of others, it will help to bring harmony and unity in the country.

He said: “This event is for us to display the various rich cultures we have in Nigeria. It is an opportunity for us to learn from one another. I urge you to use the opportunity to learn the cultures of others. It is very important. It fosters unity and love. We have many ethnic groups in Nigeria here, from the North, South, East and West. If you learn some, you attract love from the speakers of that language to yourself. Nigerian culture is a repository of knowledge and wisdom. The more cultures you know about, the more knowledge and wisdom you acquire.”

The event had state troupes from Bayelsa, Benue, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Ondo, Rivers, and Yobe display their dances with magnificent costumes, accessories and uniformity of dance steps.

Nwagbo Pat Obi
Corporate Affairs
NICO Abuja HQ