The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, has commended the Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Professor Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma for his ingenuity and scholarly works.
The Governor was speaking as the Chief Guest of Honour at the launching and public presentation ceremony of Ayakoroma’s new book, Trends in Nollywood, which took place on Thursday, 18th December, 2014 at the Banquet Hall of Government house, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, His Excellency Rear-Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), Governor Dickson appreciated Ayakoroma’s contributions in the field of academics, noting that the NICO boss through his books, some of which are used in secondary schools in the State, has impacted so much in the development of the youths in Bayelsa State.
According to him, the new book, Trends in Nollywood, is a well-organized book and a good research material and above all a promoter of Nollywood locally and internationally, adding that Bayelsa State is proud of Barclays Ayakoroma and respects his sense of creativity as a prolific writer whose books are very informative and a display of professionalism.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Nelson Brambaifa, of the University of Port Harcourt, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Board, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), had in his opening remarks, described Ayakoroma as an accomplished actor, playwright, erudite scholar and a renowned cultural administrator, who has put in immense contributions to the Theatre industry in Nigeria.
He added that, Trends in Nollywood is a master piece, fascinating and an important contribution towards the establishment of a culture of film scholarship in Nigeria, and that Bayelsans are proud to be associated with the author of such a seminal ground-breaking work.
The event was well attended by reputable personalities from the academia, top government officers, politicians, artists and students, including the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr. Felix Tuodolo; Commissioner for Information, Deacon Markson Fefeigha; Commissioner for Tourism, Hon. Julius Otele; Director-General, Bayelsa State Tourism Development Board, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown; Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Bayelsa chapter, Engr. Emmanuel Frank-Opigo; as well as former Executive Directors of Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, Chief SMO Ambakederemo and Sir BB Ballard, among others.
The NICO Cultural Troupe entertained guests at the occasion with cultural display, dance and drama.
Clifford Ugwu
Corporate Affairs
NICO SSZ