In an effort to revitalize the country’s cultural norms, values and beliefs, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), South-West Zone has visited some of the Secondary Schools that have inaugurated NICO Cultural Clubs in Ondo State.

The visit to the secondary schools in the State, which took place on Tuesday, 23rd and Wednesday, 24th February, 2016 was meant to reawaken the children’s consciousness on the importance of our cherished cultural values and the need to promote our Mother Tongue.

Speaking with the Principal of Ijapo High School, the Head of Orientation and Cultural Affairs, NICO SWZ, Mrs. Ogechukwu Nwokorie, said the visit was to monitor the activities of the Club and register new entrants in order for the Institute to have updated data.

She said, henceforth, the Institute will co-ordinate the activities of the Club alongside the Co-ordinator in the school, and therefore urged the Coordinator to religiously follow the approved and prescribed guidelines provided for the operation of the Club.

Responding on behalf of the Principal, the Secretary of the Club, Mrs. Ariyo Funmilayo thanked the Institute for the visit, saying the Club has been progressing and promised to keep the flag flying.

Also, at St. Peter’s Secondary School, the Principal, Mrs. Abimbola Ogunmusire, promised to always corporate with the Institute for the benefit of the school, saying that the NICO Omoluabi Club celebrated the Mother Tongue Day on Monday, 22nd February, 2016, in which the Club had a cultural display in their various cultural outfits, informing that Club activities are slated for every Friday at noon.

It would be recalled that on the 11th of December, 2013, NICO SWZ inaugurated Omoluabi Cultural Club at the St. Peter’s Secondary School, a news report of which was published in the maiden edition of the school’s magazine, The Pinnacle. (A copy was made available to the NICO team).

Other schools visited include St. Daniel’s Secondary School, Ijapo; St. Matthias’ Anglican Secondary School and Oyemekun Secondary School, all in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where all the schools promised unalloyed cooperation with the Institute towards achieving the objectives of NICO Cultural Clubs.

The NICO team, led by Mrs. Ogechukwu Nwokorie, included, Mrs. Flora Sodje, Mr. Alana Kayode, Mr. Peresine Watchman, Mr. Fayomi Babatunde, Mr. Akomolafe Kolade, and Mr. Toyin Adeseko, all of the Orientation and Cultural Affairs Unit.

Lydia Folashade Bello & Alfanla Mustapha

Corporate Affairs Unit

NICO SWZ