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Trouble In NICO Over Alleged Denial of Acting D.G To Proceed On Retirement

Published

6 years ago

February 25, 2020

BY ADMIN

There has been an uneasy calm in the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) following the alleged refusal of the Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Luis Eriomala to proceed on pre-retirement leave.

As the most senior director, Eriomala was appointed Acting ES late 2017 following the completion of the tenure of former ES, Professor Barclays F. Ayakoroma, who served between 2009 and 2017.

However, Eriomala has remained on acting capacity since his appointment, and with two months to his 60^th birthday, sources close to the institute are alleging that the acting ES has been trying to bribe his way to perpetuate himself in power in spite of his abysmal performance since he was made the acting ES.

According to the sources, the acting ES neither initiated new programmes nor implemented existing ones. They also alleged that while he kept complaining of a lack of funds, he has been traveling around the world with one of his young directors.

“His time has been very bad for NICO as all the programmes that were initiated were abandoned. Nothing is happening, everybody is grumbling in NICO. Even rents have not been paid for zonal offices, Ilorin, Akure, and Bayelsa. State offices receive only half of their allocation. Some offices collect as low as N75, 000 as impress. Zonal offices collect as low as N150, 000

“People don’t want the confirmation of his appointment. Let him hand over to the next most senior director. Let us try another person”, the source held.

The sources further disclosed that Eriomala was appointed into service on November 1, 1996, and going by the civil, one either retires after 35 years in service or at the compulsory retirement age of 60.

Since he was born on April 17, 1060, Eriomala would clock 60 years in April and accordingly, he ought to have proceeded on his pre-retirement leave in January.

“We were informed that Eriomala has been written by the supervising Ministry of Information and Culture, asking him to proceed on leave but he vehemently refused to go.

“By our calculation, Eriomala ought to have handed over to one Mrs. Bridgett Yerima, the head of NICO Cultural School in the Institute’s Lagos office, who is currently the most senior director.

The sources, therefore, called on the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to do the needful by ensuring that Eriomala embarks on leave. They stress that continuously retaining him is against the civil service rule and confirmation to the allegation of inducement leveled against the ministry.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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