Ahead of the National Conference on Culture, Peace and National Security for Traditional Rulers scheduled to take place on 26th and 27th of May 2014, the Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma has charged staff of the Institute to put all hands on deck in the mission to take NICO to the next level. Dr Ayakoroma stated this on Friday 9th May 2014 when he met with staff of the Institute’s South South Zonal office located at Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. The ES explained that the meeting was to interact with staff, intimate them with happening, brief them of developments in the institute and encourage them to put in every effort within their reach in taking the institute to greater heights.
Addressing the excited staff who were on hand to welcome him, the NICO Boss thanked them for always being there for him. He explained that as a result of the successes recorded in the maiden edition of the National Conference on Culture, Peace and National Security for Traditional Rulers, the conference has earned itself the credit of being the leading workshop in addressing the security challenges in the country. He charged zonal offices to follow up dispatched invitation letters to traditional rulers to ensure that they attend the event. The ES announced that UNESCO and Institute for Conflict Resolution Abuja have shown commitment to partner with NICO on the conference. He therefore, encouraged staff to embrace the idea of partnership by persuading them to sort for organizations that will partner with the institute in executing its programmes noting that he is always proud of the zonal offices because of the strategic role they play in the propagation of the institute’s programmes. He remarked that it is as a result of the institutes’ doing what it has been doing well that has made it to stand out as the life wire of the Culture sector.
Counselling staff on discipline and good leadership, the ES warned staff to desist from any act of indiscipline particularly lateness and absenteeism from work as defaulters should face disciplinary actions. He further advised departmental and unit heads to treat staff under them without any attachment and to carry them along at all times. Similarly, he encouraged them to always apply officially should they need anything from the office instead of sending outsiders to appeal on their behalf with their requests. He further explained to staff that it has not been rosy with the institute like other parastatals too since the 2014 budget has not been signed hence the delay in payment of promotion arrears of some staff and the late conducting of 2014 promotion exams but promising that as soon as funds are available such standing issues will be addressed. It should be recalled that with the Executive Secretary’s wealth of experience as a seasoned culture administrator there has been changes, positive impacts and transformation of NICO since he came on board as the chief executive of the institute.
Staff of the zone during the interaction asked questions on issues of concern to them and the NICO Boss responded with handy answers to their satisfaction.
The Zonal Coordinator of the South South Zonal Office, Mr James Imohiosen, in a vote of thanks appreciated the giant strides of the Executive Secretary whom he emphasized that his leadership has made a lot of undeniable impacts in the institute. He urged heads and staff of the zone to emulate him and his leadership style. He described Dr. Ayakoroma as a father with an unequalled humility, a dynamic and visionary leader with listening ears, an objective and intelligent goal getter. He prayed that God will take the NICO Boss to greater heights in life and career.
Clifford Ugwu
Corporate Affairs NSSZ