The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Ado Muhammed Yahuza has said that a deeper understanding of the place of culture to national development is imperative for progress in Nigeria

Stating this in the opening ceremony of Culture, Zonal Intervention Projects and National Development conference, he added that such deep understanding is equally important for sustainable socio-political and economic development.

The event took place in JJ&Jayz Event Center 27/28 Taoheed Road, off Basin Road by Suleiman Abdrahim Street, Ilorin, Kwara State with many personalities in attendance. They include, Mr. Kayode Patrick Alabi, the deputy Governor, Kwara State, special guest of honour, represented by Princess Adebukola Babalola, the acting Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Government, Sen. Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi, former Senior Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, chairman of the occasion, HRH Oba Haruna Olawale Suleiman Usman Ilefemiloye Adegbite II, Olupako of Share, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, Sen. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, senator representing Kwara Central, represented by Alhaji Bolaji Aladire, Barr. Suleiman Ayinla Jawondo, the Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Hon. Juliana Funke Oyedun, commissioner for Environment, among others

Explaining that the relevance of culture to national development cannot be over emphasized, he said: “Research has shown that A deeper understanding of the place of culture to national development is imperative for progress in Nigeria. Deep understanding is equally important for sustainable socio-political and economic development of our dear nation”

ES asserted that Research has shown that societies that have embraced culture and made it their cornerstone of their development efforts have made remarkable progress and advancement

Continuing, Yahuza expresseing his special gratitude to the guests stating that their presence showed the importance they attached to the growth and development of culture in Nigeria, adding: “It is for this progress through culture that the introduction of the zonal intervention fund, which is an offsoot of Executive-Legislative understanding should be appreciated”

He futher said apart from appreciation the programme should be commended as it has the potentials to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerian for grassroots development

His words: “The Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP) is a well thought out development strategy designed to foster equitable distribution of development projects nationwide in the constituencies of lawmakers by various Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government. It is gratifying to state that through ZIP, many communities that were hitherto neglected have benefited from this laudable initiative. Through ZIP Fund many MDAs are able to execute several projects and programmes in furtherance of their statutory objectives.”

In his vote of thanks after the well attended programme, the Director, North Central zone, Ibrahim Lawal thanked all the people who attended the programme saying: “On behalf of the Executive Secretary of NICO, I sincerely that everyone who attended this programme. Your presence here is an indication of your love for culture, national development and our dear country, Nigeria.

Nwagbo Pat Obi
NICO Training School, Abuja