The Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma has been presented with another Merit Award of Excellence as an Ambassador of Culture and Tourism in Nigeria by the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Delta State Council for Arts and Culture chapter.

The award, which was presented Friday, 8th of August, at Delta State Council for Arts and Council, Asaba, the Delta State capital, as part of the activities marking the chapter’s maiden RATTAWU Week celebration, titled, ‘Cultural Extravaganza,’ was in recognition of Ayakoroma’s positive impacts and professional landmarks in the culture sector.

Receiving the award on behalf of the ES, NICO South-South Zonal Coordinator, Mr. James Imohiosen, expressed his appreciation to RATTAWU for the recognition and honour accorded Dr. Ayakoroma, finding him worthy of such an Award of Excellence, assuring that he will always be there for RATTAWU.

Earlier, in his speech, the State Auditor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Edwin Chukwuweike Uzor (Odu of Oko), who was represented by the Vice Chairman of Oshimili LGA, Hon. Eloka Aziekwu, as the chairman of the occasion and also an Awardee, charged stakeholders in the culture industry to embrace unionism in their establishments, adding that unions were not there to fight Management; rather, they existed to protect both their establishments and the employees.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Delta State Chairman of RATTAWU, Comrade Innocent Ofoeanyandi, described Dr. Ayakoroma, as culture personified, saying the Executive Secretary had contributed immensely to the success of RATTAWU in the South-South Zone and Nigeria in general, adding that his positive impacts were unbeatable.

In her vote of thanks, the Chapter Chairman of RATTAWU, Comrade Josephine Diai appreciated guests for making the event a memorable one even as she prayed for their safe journey back and God’s unceasing blessings in their lives. 

Other awardees include the wife of the Honourable Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Mrs. Eyiuche. Pauline Onwusanya, Chief Edwin Chukwunweike Uzor, who was the chairman of the occasion, and Mr. Steve Moeteke, a retired Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, who was a one-time Executive Director the State Arts Council.

The event was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, as well as RATTAWU Executives from different States of the nation; just as they were entertained by Delta State Council for Arts and Culture troupe with dances, drama and poem recitations.

Clifford Ugwu

Corporate Affairs Unit

NICO South-South Zone