The Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Ado Muhammed Yahuza has identified poor time management by Nigerians as one of the impediments to our development as a nation.

Yahuza made this known at the opening ceremony of the Institute’s Two-Days Annual Roundtable on Cultural Orientation (ARTCO), held at the Faculty of Social Science Auditorium, Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

At the roundtable which had as theme: “The African Time Syndrome: Implications for National Development”, Yahuza lamented that the habit of poor time management which is often treated with levity by Nigerians does not only deprive the society of deserved development but also paves way for missed opportunities.

His words “This year’s topic is apt considering the culture of poor time management in our society. This habit has often been treated lightly but has continuously deprives our society of deserved development. It has constantly led to missed opportunities, delayed progress, strained interpersonal relationships, hindered productivity which impedes on societal development”.

The NICO ES said the repercussion of this indiscipline extends beyond individual habits that affect the collective well-being and efficiency of our society and therefore demands our collective attention in the context of national development.
He therefore enjoined participants to actively engage in the technical sessions, sharing insights, experiences as well as aspiration towards curbing this trend.

The Ter Makurdi HRH Vincent Ioryem Aule (AP) who was Royal Father of the Day while presenting a goodwill message, applauded NICO for putting together the Roundtable, saying the theme could have been timelier than now considering the importance of culture in the development of any society, especially as it has to do with the youth who we refer to as ‘the leaders of tomorrow’.
He said culture which is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that shapes our identities, values, beliefs, behaviors, source of diversity, creativity, and innovation can equally pose challenges and barriers when we interact with people from different backgrounds and perspectives which explains the importance of cultural orientation in fostering mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration among individuals and groups.

The technical session witnessed scholars of international repute presenting a total of five papers like “African Time Syndrome: A Historical Overview” by Dr. Elijah Terdoo Ikpanor who is the Director, Centre for Advancement and Linkages, Benue State University, Makurdi; “Analysis of Strategies to Deal with the Menace Called African Time” by Prof Charity Angya, former Vice Chancellor, Benue State University, Makurdi; “The Economic Cost of African Time Syndrome” by Dr. Naomi Doki, Associate Prof of Economics and Deputy Director, Directorate of Academic Planning, Benue State University, Makurdi; “The Benefits of Good Time Management” by Prof. Paul Angahar, immediate past Dean, Faculty of Management Science, Benue State University, Makurdi and “Leadership Management: Strategies for Promoting Culture of Punctuality and Time Consciousness” by Dr. Kabiru Momoh, former Acting Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHITOUR).

Dignitaries present at the occasion were the Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Kangiwa; Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN), Ahmed Muhammed Ahmed; Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Alhaji Adedayo Thomas; Vice Chancellor, Benue State University, Prof. Tor Iorapuu; Professor Gowon Ama Doki of BSU, Makurdi who was Chairman of occasion; representative of the Director General, National Museum and Monuments (NCMM), Prof Abba Isa Tijani who was represented by Musa Zaaka; representative of the Director General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Pam Dung Nyam and Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Makurdi Directorate.
Others were the Deputy Comptroller of Immigrations, Benue State Command, Anthony Ella; Assistant Controller of Corrections, Mercy Iyaji who represented the Controller of Corrections, Benue State Command, Amaunam Gilbert, Deputy Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) who represented the State Commandant; and Musa Audu who represented the Commander, Benue Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Among major participants were members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Benue State as well as students from the Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi.
Caleb Nor
Media Asst.-ES
NICO, Abuja