The Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), which aims at encouraging the teaching and speaking of Nigerian languages, has gathered momentum and is moving with tremendous potentials nationwide.
The Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, disclosed this on Friday, August 3rd, 2012, during the opening ceremony of this year’s edition of the programme, held in the Institute office, at the National Theatre Annex, Lagos.
Dr. Ayakoroma said: “NICO is spreading Nigerian Indigenous Language study all over Nigeria,” noting that it was significant that this initiative, which was kick-started 2007, in Lagos, has spread like an oak tree to other NICO offices in Abuja, Akure, Yenogoa, Yola, Owerri, Ilorin and Katsina, with visible impact.
He appreciated the fact that NICO Lagos was again spearheading the Weekend Language Study Programme, as a direct response to the demand of working parents, school children, and other Nigerians interested in the programme.
The Institute, he continued, was already working with local Information Technology (IT) experts to develop audio-visual study aids in order to improve the reach of the programme.
In her remarks, the Head, NICO Lagos office, Mrs. Brigitte Yerima, announced some enhanced packages that will make the Weekend Programme very engaging, which include learning the language in practical situations like buying in market places and excursions to traditional rulers in order to greet and interact with the elders in the local dialects.
She enjoined all well-meaning Nigerians to avail themselves of the rare opportunity to break the language barriers by learning a second Nigerian language of their choice.
This year’s edition of NILP in Lagos offers participants opportunities to learn Hausa, Ibo, Urhobo, and Yoruba languages.
Anthony Okafor
NICO Training School