The US Embassy in Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Tradition, Tourism, and Artistic Financial system have signed a $90,000 grant to help the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, notably the traditional Nok artifacts.
The venture, to be executed by the Wheyham Basis in collaboration with the Nationwide Fee for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Yale College Artwork Gallery, goals to doc, shield, and promote Nigeria’s wealthy archaeological treasures.
Talking on the signing ceremony in Abuja Thursday, the Minister of Arts, Tradition, Tourism, and Artistic Financial system, Mrs. Hannatu Musawa, stated the initiative was a testomony to Nigeria’s dedication to safeguarding its cultural legacy.
She stated the Nok terracotta artifacts, courting again to 500 BCE in Kaduna state, have been invaluable historic treasures that should be meticulously documented and preserved.
“The grant will be certain that Nigeria’s cultural heritage is rigorously safeguarded and handed all the way down to future generations. The venture will embrace digital documentation, museum schooling workshops, and in-person seminars for NCMM employees, led by consultants from Yale College,” she stated.
In response to the minister, the important thing parts of the initiative embrace website safety measures to forestall theft and vandalism, in addition to consciousness applications by way of academic initiatives and documentaries.
“The digital stock of Nok artifacts created by way of this venture will function a mannequin for different museums throughout Nigeria. This effort will improve our capability to doc and shield cultural artifacts nationwide, guaranteeing the longevity of our wealthy and numerous heritage,” she added.
Additionally talking, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills, underscored the significance of the initiative, stating that preserving Nok artifacts would contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical past and identification of the Nok folks.
“The venture will facilitate a digital stock, museum schooling workshops, and the refurbishment of exhibition and archive areas on the Nok Museum,” he stated.
Chairman of the Wheyham Basis, Mr. Yahaya Maikori, in his remarks, famous that the venture was a part of the USA’ ongoing efforts to help Nigeria in cultural preservation, with a selected deal with the Nok civilization.
“This initiative reinforces the collaboration between the USA and Nigeria in defending and celebrating our shared human historical past. Cultural preservation transcends borders, and thru this partnership, we’re taking a big step towards securing Nigeria’s creative and historic legacy,” Maikori stated.