The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has stressed the significance of indigenous languages in Nigeria’s development, citing them as essential tools for national identity.

Executive Secretary/CEO Otunba Biodun Ajiboye made this assertion at the closing ceremony of NICO’s August edition of the Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP) in Abuja.

Ajiboye emphasized that language is a vital vehicle for transmitting culture and should be taken seriously, particularly by parents ensuring their children learn and speak their indigenous languages.

The NILP provides a platform for learning Nigerian basic languages, focusing on major languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.

Ajiboye noted that language is crucial for national identity, interaction, business transactions, and daily communication. The institute aims to protect and propagate culture, with language being a key element, stressing that failure to teach children their native language is a failure to provide identity.

Participants praised NICO for the opportunity to learn languages other than their mother tongue.

Mr. Martins Mbaji suggested increased publicity to attract more participants, while Mrs. Runke Oluwatimileyin expressed interest in enrolling at NICO’s Academy for Cultural Studies to further learn Nigerian languages and culture.

NICO plans to expand the program next year, making it more comprehensive and beneficial.

The Federal Government has said the next stage of the recruitment exercise for the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Fire Service would begin in August.

The Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Ja’afaru Ahmed, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Ahmed added that the Board would conclude the recruitment exercise before the end of September.

He said, “The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board wishes to inform the general public that it will commence the next stage of the recruitment exercise in August, and will conclude the exercise before the end of September 2024.”

Ahmed announced that all shortlisted candidates would be duly notified of the next stage of the recruitment exercise.

He, however, apologised for the Board’s inability to complete the exercise by June 15 as earlier intended.

He added, “It was due to a nationwide manpower audit carried out in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which was just recently ended.

“All shortlisted candidates will be duly notified of the next stage through their phone numbers and email addresses.”

By Cynthia Abah

Clad in a flamboyant green and yellow Asooke Agbada, Oreagba rode majestically on horseback, a photo of which went viral and earned him the title “King of Steeze.” Among the many eye-catching attendees at this year’s Ojude Oba festival, Oreagba stood out, stealing the show with his striking appearance and compelling personal story.

Obi Asika, Director General of NCAC, announced on Instagram that Oreagba has been appointed as an Honorary Ambassador for the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), displaying the Certificate of Recognition awarded to him. Asika expressed his joy, highlighting Oreagba’s boundless energy, spirit, and the global attention he brought to the Ojude Oba festival, a key traditional celebration of Ijebu Ode honoring the Awujale.

Asika also shared Oreagba’s inspiring journey, revealing his decade-long battle with terminal cancer, which he has faced with remarkable positivity. Asika praised Oreagba’s bravery, resilience, and his enduring representation of Nigerian culture.

The 2024 Ojude Oba Festival, held with its usual glitz, glamour, and cultural resonance, honored the Awujale, the king of Ijebu-Ode, celebrating the rich traditions of the Ijebu people. Oreagba, born in Ogun State, made a grand entrance at the festival on a decorated horse, dressed in a green and lemon agbada with a matching cap, adorned with red coral beads, a gold crossbody chain, and stylish sunglasses. His elegant and stylish portrayal of Nigerian culture captivated attendees and social media alike.

Formerly Head of Strategy & Business Development at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oreagba was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and carcinoma in 2014. After battling the disease and being declared cancer-free, he returned to work and is currently the Managing Director and CEO of NG Clearing. His presence at the 2024 Ojude Oba festival symbolizes hope, courage, and the indefatigable Nigerian spirit.