“One of NICO’s mandate is to bring to the fore the essence of our speaking our Nigerian languages, which will form a veritable avenue for us to foster understanding, unity, and integrating us as a people. The Nigerian Indigenous Language Training Programme is purposed to checkmate the systematic extinction of our dying native languages because we do not take pride in speaking and communicating in our own mother tongue any longer.”
While briefing and exchanging views with the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd), on a courtesy visit at the State House, Yola, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, gave this as the major reason for his being in Adamawa State for the launch of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme in the North-East Zone.
Along side learning our indigenous languages, the NICO boss also harped on the essence of appearing Nigerian in our dress sense, informing Governor Nyako and the Executive Council members in audience, of the approval of NICO’s Memo at the just concluded 7th National Council on Culture and Tourism in Calabar, Cross River State, that Federal, State, and Local governments should declare at least one day within the week, for every public servant to dress Nigerian, to promote our dress culture.
The Executive Secretary, who was at his oratorical best, thanked the Governor Murtala Nyako-led administration for the provision of an office space for the North-East zonal operations of NICO. Continuing, Dr. Ayakoroma pointed out that by reason of Adamawa State being headquarters of the six North-Eastern Zone, it is instructive that it plays the fatherly role.
Dr. Ayakoroma at this juncture, requested the state government’s continued partnership for NICO’s activities and programmes, adding that the zonal team is working towards the fulfilment of one of the Institute’s mandate. He then prayed the Executive Governor to graciously approve a vehicle, preferably a Toyota Hilux, for the operations of the North-East Zonal office of NICO.
Responding, Governor Murtala Nyako admitted the enormity of the task of re-orientating Nigeria and Nigerians in the cultural context of development, as well as appreciating the suavity of Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma in tackling the challenges of his present assignment, and encouraged him not to relent in his good works.
With a whopping 78 indigenous language groups in Adamawa State alone, the Governor wondered how the thinking, perceptions, and actions of this myriad could be harmonised to foster integration, in the meaning of words and phrases. With a high sense of humour, the retired Navy Chief drew instances from the use of language to express simple meanings in diverse contexts in different languages.
Governor Nyako took a swipe at a somewhat inexplicable trend and phenomenon that has unarguably become a way of life among elite Nigerians: burials, marriage ceremonies, birthdays and naming ceremonies, among others. He challenged Dr. Ayakoroma to look at the craze in those areas, among other cultural practices, with a view to curbing the senselessness that had no bearing with our true culture and way of life.
The Governor who could not hide his interest in seeing the mandate of NICO succeed in the North-East Zone responded positively to the Executive Secretary’s requests, and approved the request for a Toyota Hilux van, not only for NICO, but also a second vehicle for the State Council for Arts & Culture.
Governor Nyako went ahead to invite his guest to a private dinner in his residence. The high-point of the evening was the presentation of a highly prized hand-embroidered flowing traditional gown, babaringa with a cap to match, to the Executive Secretary.
Admiral Nyako donned the NICO Chief Executive himself with the attire, after which a photo session ensued to mark, not only the end of the ES visit, but the new beginning of a cultural synergy between the Government of Adamawa State and the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
For photos of the Courtesy Call on His Excellency Admiral Murtala |Nyako (rtd), please click: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=57531&id=1594691166&l=9f1f009430
Gillowei James (Snr.)
Media Asst. to the ES
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
