The North Central Zone of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) in Ilorin, Kwara State, has been commended on its efforts in the effective execution of the Institute's programmes.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Barrister Anthony Kayode Towoju, made he commendation during the inaugural ceremony of the Kwara South Choral Group, held at the ministry's conference room in Ilorin.

The NICO North Central Zone was consulted to train the Kwara State Youth Cultural Troupe, which will always represent the state at local, national and international cultural competitions.

The commissioner said the success of the training clearly shows the good leadership of the Institute's Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, whose vision is to draw from the unity in diversity among the different ethnic groups in Nigeria through various culture-oriented programmes.

Barrister Kayode Towoju reiterated that the promotion of our indigenous culture, which is a fundamental ingredient for the promotion of our national pride and identity, is a task for all, and urged the Zonal office to keep up the good work and partner the ministry in achieving the mandate of harnessing Nigeria and Kwara state indigenous cultures, which are faced with the threat of extinction.

The commissioner also commended the efforts of the state government for creating a conducive atmosphere for youth development, as well as the creation of the Kwara State Youth Choral Group, which is the first of its kind in the history of the state.

According to him, considering the calibre of the trainers, who were in charge of the one week training, he had no doubt in the participants, as they could compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the country, assuring that his ministry will try its best in maintaining and sustaining the new choral group.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director, Youth Development in the Ministry, Hajjya A. K. Abdulkadir, said the reason behind the creation of the Choral Group was to have a standing indigenous cultural troupe that will compete anywhere instead of the NYSC Cultural Troupe, which usually represents the state during such competitions.

She said the establishment of the group marks a turning point in the lives of the youths, who were drawn from the three Senatorial districts of the state for a one week training programme in order to showcase tlie rich cultural heritage of the people in the State of Harmony, and thanked the Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Lawai and his officers, who undertook the training in Dance, Drama, Oratory and other cultural displays, for a job well done.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, expressed satisfaction with the forthrightness and the confidence the Ministry has in NICO, which, he said, shows that the Kwara State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development is, indeed, a partner in progress.