Curator calls for proper management of Nigeria’s heritage sites
Monuments
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, April 18, 2018 (NAN) A curator, Dr Amos Olorunnipa, on Wednesday canvassed the need for laying the foundation for a proper management of heritage sites in Nigeria.
Olorunnipa, the Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, made the call at the International Day for Monuments and Sites Celebration organised by the museum.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year has as theme: “ Heritage for Generations.’’
He said students and pupils should be introduced to diverse cultural heritage sites in Nigeria and Africa while indigenous languages should be used in the protection and management of cultural heritage sites.
The curator stressed that the museum’s goal was to preserve cultural identity and use it as a driving force for sustainable economic development of the local populations.
“When the heritage is fully developed, it will benefit researchers, tour operators, tourists, communities and the general public.
“This year’s theme shows that sharing stories and transfer of knowledge between generations is a crucial step in cultural development.
“This year recognises the fact that the young generations have a big role to play in the protection, conservation of our heritage in which we are to pass on,” he said.
According to him, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) coordinates heritage at all levels, aiming at fostering a spirit of cooperation and attainment of high arts standards through collaborations with bodies specialised in cultural related programmes.
He noted that the activities to mark this year’s day included visits to heritage sites around Oyo State, documentary presentation on Ibadan palaces, social media life streaming and video documentaries.
Olurunnipa appealed to the Oyo State government and well meaning Nigerians to come to their aid in development of the museum as well as preservation of cultural heritage
Experts in culture and tourism also called for a review of the cultural policy for Nigeria as it affects heritage protection and preservation.
They made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of the event.
The experts led by a Heritage Officer at the museum, Mr Friday Awonusi, stressed that promotion of high level advocacy by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) should include government, private sectors and all stakeholders.
Awonusi said there should be sustenance of history and concise heritage components in the school history curricular up to the tertiary levels.
“We advocate synergy among all sectors critical to the conservation and protection of monuments, issuance of a guidelines to stakeholders especially traditional rulers and commercial and non commercial tourism practitioners on protection of monuments.
“We also suggest introduction of responsible technology in conservation and management of heritage sites,” he said.
The highlights of the event included launching of the heritage club and website, essay competitions among schools and presentation of the award of “ Man of Tourism Development’’ to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State. (NAN)
CC/AOM/OJO
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(Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Mufutau Ojo)