National museum marks 70, with iconic exhibition

National museum marks 70, with iconic exhibition

By Elizabeth Uwandu
In the spirit of ‘time and mood’of the new government of President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments is set to re-strategize its operations to make the Commission one of the tourists’ attractions in Nigeria.

DG NCMM, Yusuf Usman
The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Yusuf Usman made the submission during the briefing to officially kick start the Commission’s 70th Anniversary celebration in Lagos .
Addressing the media, Usman pointed out that the anniversary will serve many objectives which includes to bring the attention of Nigerians to the import of 70 years journey of museum in Nigeria, enhance public awareness on the importance of the organisation to Nigeria’s history, cultural heritage and national development, acquaint all of the achievements so far among others.
He stated that the essence would aim at enhancing Museum activities especially on areas of conservation, preservation, presentation, promotion, research and exhibition.
Abdallah who noted that 70 years of existence in the life of any organisation “is worthy of celebration” stated that it was pertinent for the commission to partner with international counterparts to boost activities, patronage and standard of the museums. This he said, “ will also serve as opportunity for cultural integration and exchange between one country and the others. “
According to him, the commission will foster greater co-operation with some international museums such as West African Council of Museum Programme (WAMP), African Council of Museum Programme (AFRICOM), International Council of Museum (ICOM) and International Council of Museums, Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
Abdallah said that the international partnership would enhance relationship within the two African countries and open the nation’s enormous tourism, monuments, culture and museums potential to the world.
The Director-General further explained that despite the challenges from other recreational and entertainment outfits, the organisation was doing everything possible to remain relevant in the society.
On the stolen artworks, Usman reiterated that his organisation was not relenting on ensuring the repatriation or at the least, drawing benefits from the nation’s stolen and plundered cultural properties around the world.
Continuing, he stated that the celebration will feature an exhibition of 70 iconic objects drawn from all Nigerian art traditions from Dufunu, to Nok, to Ejagham, to Calabar, Igbo Ukwu to Efe and other living arts of Nigeria. The exhibition will illustrate the journey of museum movement bring out the similarities in our differences thereby promoting national unity.
Publications on museums, monuments and other heritage sites of Nigeria as well as research journal on museum at 70, art competion involving school children at National museum Esie to promote art appreciation and a gala nite to honour and appreciate friends, benefactors, mentors and staff in Abuja.