FG Set To Upgrade Six Museums Across The Nation – Minister

On Friday, the Federal Government unveiled plans to revitalize six of the nation’s national museums.

In a statement issued by Nneka Ikem, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the initiative is aimed at preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy has launched a significant project to renovate and revitalize six national museums across the country.

“These include the National Museums in Ilorin, Birnin Kebbi, Uyo, and Owerri, along with the Gidan Makama Museum in Kano State and the Zazzau Emirate Museum in Kaduna State.

“Carried out in partnership with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, this effort is focused on safeguarding Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and making its historical artifacts more accessible to the public.”

The statement further highlighted that the refurbishment project, which is scheduled to commence in October 2024, will prioritize infrastructure improvements, enhanced security, and upgraded exhibit areas.

By integrating modern technologies and sustainable practices, the project aims to create interactive, educational spaces that showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

Musawa said that the project underscores the ministry’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and enhancing public access to the nation’s historical treasures.

“Our museums are custodians of Nigeria’s culture and history. This refurbishment project will not only preserve our heritage for future generations but also promote cultural tourism and education in Nigeria.

“We are committed to making our museums more accessible, engaging, and reflective of our rich artistic tradition in line with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our Ministry’s 8-Point Plan,” the statement added.

The project will engage local artisans, historians, and curators to ensure the upgraded monuments are culturally represented and historically accurate. The initiative is expected to create numerous job opportunities within the cultural sector, supporting local economies and fostering nationwide appreciation for the arts.

In his remarks, the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, said that the renovation was to enable better storytelling of our museums and monuments.

Holloway said, “The renovation of our museums is a long overdue exercise and the NCMM appreciates the Ministry’s strong support for this initiative. The NCMM intends not to only focus on infrastructure upgrades, but also on better curation and better storytelling in our museums.

“The guest and user experience will also be revamped, and we hope that when people step into the new spaces, they are moved by what they see and they leave with much more knowledge about our rich cultural heritage.”