There is hope for the revival of Nigerian indigenous languages as vital vehicles for the transmission of our rich cultural heritage, as more Nigerians have become aware and are patronizing the Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP), organized by National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
The Executive Secretary of NICO, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, made this remark during the closing ceremony of the 6th Edition of Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP), held on Friday, September 28, 2012, at the Institute’s office complex at the National Theatre Annex in Lagos.
Dr. Ayakoroma, who was represented by the Director, NICO Training School, Prince Bamidele Olusa, said NICO initiated the language programme
in order to create an enabling platform for Nigerians to speak as many indigenous languages as possible and to foster understanding of our diverse cultures for unity and national development.
The successful launch of the weekend programme in Lagos last year, he continued, makes it convenient for more people to participate and for several local languages to be accommodated in the Nigerian Indigenous language programme. The Executive Secretary commended the cooperation and collaboration the Institute has enjoyed from sister parastatals, cultural agencies, the private sector, the media and parents, towards the success of the indigenous language initiative. He also commended the Resource persons, management and staff of NICO for their immense contributions to the success of the 2012 edition of the language programme in Lagos.
In his remarks, the Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria, Mr. Martins Adaji, appreciated NICO’s effort to bring understanding of Indigenous languages closer to the people and commended the resource persons for being meticulous in teaching the languages.
Also speaking, veteran actor and playwright, Chief Larry Williams, lauded NICO for initiating and sustaining the Indigenous language programme, noting that the impact cannot be over-emphasized.
The Director/Head, NICO Lagos office, Mrs. Brigitte Yerima, thanked the participants and the invited guests, promising that the NICO Weekend programme, like all good wine, would always get better than previous editions.
Certificates were presented to participants by Mr. Martins Adaji, Chief Larry Williams, Prince Dele Olusa, and Dr. Dipo Kalejaiye, Deputy Director and Head of Academic Unit, NICO Training School.
Miriam Offor and Blessing N. Igwe
Corporate Affairs Unit
NICO Lagos