The management of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has been commended for their exemplary and life-changing programmes geared towards the unity and development of Nigeria.
The commendation was given by the Curator National Museum of Unity, Enugu, Mrs. Caroline Ifejigwa, during the Centenary Celebration of the Amalgamation of Nigerian, organized by National Museum of Unity, Enugu.
The epoch-making event, which took at the premises of National Museum of Unity, Enugu, was chaired by the NICO Enugu State Office Head, Mr. Nwajagu Nnaemeka, and was attended by people from all walks of life.
Speaking at the occasion, the NICO Enugu State boss, Mr. Nwajagu Nnaemeka, reiterated the contributions National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) had made to the unity and progress of the country through the acquisition and safeguarding of our artefacts.
While recounting the problems that had constituted a cog in the country’s wheel of progress, Nnaemeka thanked God for keeping Nigeria together as a nation, identifying culture as a veritable tool in unifying the country, adding that our strength lies in our cultural diversity.
He further enjoined Nigerians, especially Federal and State civil servants, to participate in all cultural activities and programmes of NICO, because according to him, “Only people-oriented policies and programmes will sustain the entity called Nigeria;” and that it only then that Nigerians can speak with one voice and see one another as brothers and sisters.
In her welcome address, the Curator, National Museum of Unity, Enugu, Mrs. Caroline Ifejigwa, said the choice of NICO Enugu State boss to chair the National Museum Centenary Celebration was informed by the Institute’s aggressive programmes that are aimed at changing the mindset of our people on the wrong perceptions of culture as barbaric and fetish.
Also contributing, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture (ESCAC), Mr. Eddy Okolo, said the Centenary was worth celebrating considering the obstacles Nigeria had experienced over the years and commended NICO and NCMM for their laudable programmes; and the Chairman of Enugu State Tourism Board (ESTB), represented by Mr. Ezeani John Paul, corroborated him that it was only the culture of love that will make Nigeria great.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Emeka Egbuna, an Assistant Chief Conservator with the National Museum of Unity, Enugu, expressed gratitude to the guests and prayed for peace and unity of the country.
The high point of the event was the commissioning of the new section of the Museum, known as, “Enugu in the Amalgamation Heritage and Sites,” by the NICO State Office Head, Mr. Nwajagu Nnaemeka, as the chairman of the occasion.
Kingsley Ngoka
Corporate Affairs
NICO Enugu State Office