The new Chairman of the Governing Board of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Alhaji Ibrahim Isma’il, has appealed to members of the Board to ensure they work together in harmony for the realization of the Institute’s mandate, stressing that he alone cannot run the Board.

Alhaji Isma’il made this appeal during the inaugural meeting of the new Board, which took place on Thursday, 28th November, 2013, at the Boardroom of the Institute’s Head office, No. 23, Kigoma Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The Chairman said: “It is my pleasure to be here in your midst to jointly run the affairs of this great Institute, by the laws establishing it (the Institute) for the purpose of the attainment of the set objectives. I believe a number of you have been here previously and you are quite conversant, much more than I am, with the functions and duties of the Institute.”

“I would therefore like to appeal to all of us to cooperate with one another, to make ourselves available so that we will be able to shoulder the responsibility that has been laid on us to the best of our ability and according to the dictates of our conscience,” he stated.

Giving assurance that he was confident with the team that makes up the Governing Board, Isma’il maintained that he had no doubt in his mind because of the calibre of individuals that makes up the Board, disclosing that he was very delighted to work with them.

Continuing, he declared: “I am very delighted and confident that I am in the midst of all of you here, who are from accomplished and reputable organizations and also in your individual capacities, you are distinguished, very honourable ladies and gentlemen. I know all of you are quite learned and you have piloted affairs of your organizations.”

Further appealing to the board members to ensure that they work together towards lifting the fortunes of the Institute, the Chairman reiterated that he was not in NICO to impose anything on anybody, just as he expressed optimism over continuous good working relationship within and outside the office.

Speaking on the impression he had about the Institute, Isma’il said: “I have a very good impression. I can see the Board is composed of very important, dedicated and accomplished technocrats, who are very good in their own field. I believe by the time I serve my term here, I will go out better educated and with full appreciation of what culture is all about.”

Caleb Nor
Corporate Affairs Unit
NICO, Abuja