The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Assoc. Prof. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, has commended staffers of the Institute, on their various contributions towards the success of the 2nd March, 2017 NICO Quarterly Public Lecture, entitled, “Promoting Culture, Developing the Economy: The Nigerian Perspective”, which was delivered by the Executive Governor of Imo state, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, in Abuja-FCT.
Ayakoroma, who gave this commendation, while addressing a General Staff Meeting on Friday, 24th March, 2017, at the Institute’s Head Office, No. 23, Kigoma Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja-FCT, said there was need to assess the outcome of the public lecture, make observations and device ways to improve on the next edition.
“We want a situation whereby the next edition will be better than what we just did. Like I mentioned during the last meeting, the idea of the Quarterly Public Lecture was conceived in December, 2015. Although it took a long period of gestation, the delivery was very safe; and I believe, to a large extent, that the way it came out was very amazing and all thanks to you all, especially some of you that prayed in your quiet time for the programme to come out successfully.
“We felt that instead of bringing professors to come and profess and at the end of the day, our pockets will be empty, let us bring the kind of persons that will add value to the programmes of the Institute. And for those of you, who were at the lecture, you saw that the Honourable Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, was full of praises, as well as the distinguished guest lecturer; as they commended the programme, saying it was well organized”.
Ayakoroma therefore called on staffers to use their contacts to bring in state governor, who will be ready and willing to deliver the NICO Quarterly Public Lecture the way Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okocha did, instead of bringing in professors to deliver the lecture and incur the cost of their flight tickets, accommodation and honorarium.
While giving special commendation to the Institute’s Directors, for their understanding and commitment, the NICO ES further expressed deep appreciation to the NICO Troupe, saying they did very well in the drama and dance: “I am happy they listened to professional advice. I saw what they started with and I said it has to go like this and like that; and at the end, they are the ones happy that it happened that way”.
Prof. Ayakoroma further said: “One thing about theatre is that people see it and it is either good or bad. Nobody talks about the people that contributed to that very success, especially directors, because we were the primary audience to criticize what they did and of course telling them how to improve on it.
“So, in appreciating you, I want to let you know that running a theatre is like running a private school. You make the name, and then the money comes in. If the troupe is sustained post-Barclays Era, you will be here and people will be coming to say we have performance here and there; and I believe by then, many people who were hiding now will want to identify with the troupe because everybody wants to identify with success.
“I specially appreciate you and advice you to keep up the tempo because whatever you are doing now, people are watching and you never can tell where they may like to use the troupe because of your good performances; and before you know it, it is each one telling another that let’s use these people, they are good”.
Caleb Nor
Media Assistant to ES
NICO HQ, Abuja