Fellow of Advertising practitioners Otunba Ajiboye New NICO DG – Abayomi Odunowo
The appointment of Otunba Biodun Ajiboye as the Director-General of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) is a significant development in the cultural and creative sector of Nigeria. This move by President Bola Tinubu demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting the arts, culture, and creative economy in the country. With over 30 years of experience in advertising and a background in media and publicity, Ajiboye brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
The President’s decision to appoint a seasoned professional like Ajiboye to lead NICO is a wise one, as it demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of cultural orientation and promotion. NICO’s mandate is to energize various cultural establishments and contribute to world progress and civilization through research and documentation of cultural assets and services, both tangible and intangible. As the apex and leading cultural training institute in Nigeria, NICO plays a crucial role in promoting the nation’s cultural heritage and identity at home and abroad.
One of the key functions of NICO is to serve as a focal point for orientation in cultural matters for Nigeria’s policymakers and other government officials. This is a critical role, as it ensures that cultural considerations are integrated into the decision-making processes at the highest levels of governance. By providing cultural insights and guidance to policymakers, NICO can help shape policies that support and promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.
Another important function of NICO is to develop cultural materials for promoting the cultural image of Nigeria nationally and internationally. This includes the use of cultural materials for the realization of the nation’s Cultural Diplomacy objectives. Cultural diplomacy is an important tool for projecting a positive image of Nigeria on the global stage and fostering international partnerships and collaborations. Through its work in this area, NICO can help strengthen Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy efforts and enhance the country’s soft power on the world stage.
With Ajiboye at the helm of NICO, there is a tremendous opportunity to elevate the institute’s impact and reach. His extensive experience in advertising and media can be leveraged to develop innovative and effective strategies for promoting Nigeria’s cultural assets and heritage. By tapping into his expertise, NICO can enhance its communication and outreach efforts, reaching new audiences and engaging the public in meaningful ways.
Furthermore, Ajiboye’s leadership can help NICO forge valuable partnerships with the private sector, cultural institutions, and international organizations. Collaboration and cooperation are essential for advancing the cultural and creative economy, and Ajiboye’s industry connections and leadership skills can be instrumental in building these partnerships. By working closely with diverse stakeholders, NICO can amplify its impact and expand its influence in the cultural and creative sectors.
In conclusion, the appointment of Otunba Biodun Ajiboye as the Director-General of NICO signals a new chapter for cultural orientation and promotion in Nigeria. With his extensive experience, expertise, and leadership, Ajiboye is poised to bring a fresh perspective and dynamism to NICO. Under his guidance, NICO can further its mission of promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and contributing to the nation’s cultural and creative economy. As he and the other newly appointed Chief Executive Officers take on their respective roles, there is great optimism for the future of Nigeria’s cultural and creative sector.
