The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed has urged media professionals to be conscious of national security in discharging their duties.

The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, NICO, Mr Ado Muhammed Yahuza says the zonal intervention fund of the institute has assisted in promoting culture consciousness and creativity in secondary school students nationwide.

The Executive Secretary made this known at the opening ceremony of a two day conference on culture, zonal intervention projects and national development in Akure.

Represented by the Director, NICO Lagos Office, Mr Ohi Ojo, Mr Yahuza said these measures had also assisted youths in taking enormous advantages and potentials of the cultural industries for employment generation.

He commended the federal government for initiating and sustaining the fund over the years stressing the need to give priority to mother’s tongue and sustain the Yoruba cultural heritage.

In his address, the Ondo State Commissioner for Culture, Mr Yemi Olowolaju said the ministry would continue to discharge its statutory responsibility of harnessing the rich cultural heritage of the state for national development.

Goodwill messages were received from public and private agencies that commended the role of NICO in boosting the nation’s cultural heritage.

Olufisoye Adenitan