NICO Organizes Children’s Cultural Fiesta

As part of measures to further instill the nation’s cultural values in Nigerian children, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, NICO is to step up its sensitization campaign on cultural orientation for students nationwide.

The New Executive Secretary of NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye made this known during this year’s Children Cultural Fiesta organized by the Institute in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme of the Children Fiesta which is “Culture, Creativity and the Nigerian Youth ” Otunba Ajiboye said the event is part of NICO’s contributions towards promoting Nigeria’s culture among children.

“The Children’s Cultural Fiesta is an off shoot of the Institute’s Cultural Club in Secondary Schools and conceptualized to underscore the importance of children in the promotion and preservation of our rich cultural heritage as well as inculcate in them our cherished cultural values of honesty, hardwork, tolerance, patriotism, respect for elders and constituted authority” he said.

According to him, through the cultural club, students are encouraged to shun examination malpractice, indecent dressing, drug abuse, cultism and other vices thereby inspiring them to live a culture oriented lifestyle.

” The 2024 edition on the theme”Culture, Creativity and the Nigerian Youth ” is strategically packaged to emphasize the critical importance of culture in enhancing creativity as well as the role of children in the realization of cultural development in our nation which is in tandem with the present administration’s vision for a renewed Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of NICO explained.

In his words “Culture is a vital force in any developmental agenda and it provides the bedrock through which creative activities are expressed and developed in any society therefore it is imperative for the younger generation who do not only serve as the bridge between the past, present and future but are leaders of tomorrow, to be adequately sensitized and equipped with the necessary cultural skills in order to appreciate the potential embedded in our rich cultural heritage”.

In a remark, the Chairman of the occasion and Director, FCT Education Resource Centre, Hajiya Neemat Abdulraheem commended NICO for the annual Children’s Cultural Fiesta noting that the move would go a long way in reawakening the consciousness of Nigerian cultural values among children and youths in the country.

Hajiya Neemat therefore advised parents to always compliment the efforts of Government in promoting the nation’s culture among the younger generation.

Also speaking, a former First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Bukola Ladoja stressed the need for all stakeholders to be committed to the growth of Nigeria ‘s cultural sector.

Mrs Ladoja who also commended NICO for the Children’s Cultural Fiesta called for more funding of the sector towards enhancing national peace and development.

Some of the students who participated in the Children Cultural Fiesta said the two day event has provided them the opportunity to learn more about Nigerian Indigenous Languages, cultural values and Nigerian delicacies.

The Children’s Cultural Fiesta which featured cooking and display of Nigerian foods by the students, cultural display and presentation among others witnessed the presentation of prizes, cash and certificates to the participating schools and Students within and outside the Federal Capital Territory.

By Matthew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji