The Acting Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Mr. Louis Eriomala has said that until Nigeria makes culture the bedrock of its development aspirations and allow her cherished cultural values to regulate her socio-economic and political lifestyles, her dream of becoming a better nation will remain a mirage.

Eriomala made this known on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at a Public Lecture, organized by the Institute with the theme: “Culture, Economy and Good Governance: The Nigerian Experience” which was held at the Peace and Conflict Resolution Complex, African First Ladies Peace Mission Secretariat Conference Hall, Central Business District.

According to him, the choice of theme for the Public Lecture: “Culture, Economy and Good Governance: The Nigerian Experience” which was delivered by a consummate politician, business mogul and astute administrator, His Excellency, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, MON, the former Abia State Governor as Guest Lecturer, was informed by NICO’s conviction that a better understanding of the intricate relationship between culture and economy on one hand, and good governance on the other by all stakeholders will engender the much needed socio-political and economic development in Nigeria.

The NICO Boss maintained that the Institute’s Quarterly Public lecture has, over the years, served as a veritable platform for eminent scholars, renowned administrators and captains of industry to avail the nation of the benefits of their vast knowledge and experience in our quest for socio-economic and political advancement. He advised that Nigeria must imitate the Asian Tigers whose economic transformation has been attributed to their strong cultural foundation.

This is the 8th time NICO is organizing the Public Lecture series since inception in 2010, in furtherance of its statutory objective of providing public enlightenment campaigns on topical cultural and national issues.

So far, the Guest Lecturers that have featured in the NICO Public Lecture series are: Professor Emeka Nwabueze from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Professor Olusegun Ojewuyi from South Illinois University, USA; Professor Shamsudeen O.O Amali and Professor Muhammad Akaro Mainoma, former and current Vice Chancellors respectively from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK); Professor. Abdallah Ubah Adamu, Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN); and His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, the Executive Governor of Imo State.

Present at the 8th edition of the NICO Quarterly Public Lecture were: The Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who was ably represented by Mrs. Memunat Idulah; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Gekpe, ably represented by Mrs. Akudo Nwosu; Deputy Head of Missions, Embassy of Brazil, Mr. Jackson Lima; Chairman, NICO Governing Board, Alhaji Yussufu Galambi Shittu; The Chun Mada of Akwanga, Dr. Samson Gamu Yare; Former Minister of State, FCT, Mr. Odom Chuka; The Director-General, National Gallery of Arts, Mr. Ibrahim Muku, ably represented by Mr. Adamu Ibrahim; Mr. Ifeanyi Ajaegbo, National Professional Officer, UNESCO; and Hajia Lantana Ahmed, Head of Theatre and Cultural Studies Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

Others were: The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), ably represented by Corps Commandant, Peter Oke; The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, ably represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General, Mrs. Dibi; the Inspector-General of Police, ably represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Salisu Fagge.

Caleb Nor

Media Assistant-Ag. ES

NICO HQ

Abuja-FCT