NICO Boss, Otunba Ajiboye, Receives National Cultural Statesmanship Award from Civil Society Coalition

The Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, has been honoured with the National Cultural Statesmanship Award by the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), a coalition of over 180 civic organizations across Nigeria.

The award, presented on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Abuja, recognizes Ajiboye’s contributions to cultural revival, strategic leadership, and the repositioning of culture as a vital tool for national development.

Speaking at the event, representative of the coalition’s National Executive Council, Okeke Amarachi, described Ajiboye’s stewardship at NICO as transformative. She praised his efforts in reviving public interest in Nigeria’s cultural heritage and restoring faith in culture as a vehicle for unity, education, diplomacy, and sustainable development.

“Your leadership has not only rekindled national interest in our rich cultural heritage but has also restored public confidence in the role of culture as a powerful instrument for unity and development,” she said.

Amarachi also highlighted some of Ajiboye’s key initiatives, including the revival of indigenous language programmes, the establishment of the Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS), and advocacy for integrating cultural awareness into public institutions. She noted his embrace of digital innovation as a forward-thinking approach that is projecting Nigeria’s cultural assets on a global scale.

Responding to the recognition, Otunba Ajiboye expressed gratitude to the coalition for acknowledging the Institute’s progress under his leadership. He dedicated the award to the management and staff of NICO, as well as Nigerians committed to cultural advancement.

“This recognition is a monumental encouragement. It strengthens our resolve to continue using culture as a unifying and economic force,” he said.

Ajiboye also revealed that with the right support, NICO’s ongoing initiatives — particularly the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON) — have the potential to generate between $10 and $12 billion annually for Nigeria’s economy.

The award adds to growing recognition of NICO’s role in reshaping the national cultural landscape under Ajiboye’s leadership.