The Honourable Minister for Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, in company with the Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, the Head, Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, and other stakeholders in the culture sector, arrived Ilorin, Kwara State, Monday, October 15, 2012, aboard Overland Airlines, for the opening ceremony of the National Festival for Arts & Culture (NAFEST 2012), billed for Tuesday, October 16, 2012.
The Honourable Minister was received at the VIP Lounge of the Ilorin International Airport by the Executive Director, National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Mr. M.M. Maidugu, the Honourable Commissioner for Social Development, Culture and Tourism, Kwara State, Alhaja Ramat Adesina Abaya, her Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Nuhu Magaji, and Directors of NCAC and the Ministry.
The ES, who had in his entourage, his Special Assistant, Mr. Ebi Nelson Campbell and the Deputy Director (Protocol), Mr. Alex Omijie, was also received at the Airport by the NICO North Central Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, and the Heads of Departments in the Zone.
Earlier, staff deployed from NICO Headquarters, Abuja, to cover the activities of NAFEST 2012, had arrived Ilorin on Sunday, 14 October, 2012, in preparation for the festival; and as it is the tradition in NICO North Central Zone, the Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Lawal and his principal officers, hosted them to a dinner at Royals Eatery, Ilorin.
The staff on NAFEST 2012 duty are Mrs. Khadijat Amin, Mr. Austine Eberedeni, Mr. Emeka Bokolo, Mr. Sokunle Jide, Mr. Caleb Nor, Mr. Ikona Ikona, Miss Njideka Dimgba, Mr. Innocent Ejoor, and Mr. Patric Disi.
Naseer Saeed Ategba
NICO NCZ