Buhari regime to build palace museum for repatriated artefacts
The federal government is to accelerate action on the construction of a royal palace museum where the Benin bronze artefacts that were repatriated from Germany would be kept.
The director-general, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Abba Tijani, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday.
Mr Tijani explained that more cooperation from stakeholders was needed for the return of more artefacts.
”Everyone, especially the youths should be encouraged to visit museums to see our past and understand our culture which also determines who we really are.
“Many social vices going on now are due to lack of understanding of our culture and history,” he said.
Mr Tijani explained that Nigeria took possession of the artefacts in 2021 but could not bring it home then due to lack of export permit.
He added that since then, arrangements were made with Benin city on ways to get export permits to return the artefacts to the country.
Artefacts worth £2.5 million have been handed over to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, by President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, 125 years after they were looted by British troops during the invasion of Benin Kingdom.
(NAN)
More from Peoples Gazette
Economy
Buhari regime will continue to borrow without subsidy removal: Femi Adesina
“You know how much could have been saved if the subsidy was removed and how it could have been diverted to other areas and spheres of national life.
Anti-Corruption
Interpol declares Harrison Osemwengie wanted for multibillion-naira investment fraud
The founder of HO Corn, Harrison Osemwengie had duped investors with the promise of 50 per cent in return of their investments.
Rights
Court allows NDLEA to detain alleged drug dealer Abba Kyari for 14 days
Others also being detained are Sunday J. Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, John Nuhu, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne.
World
Italian police arrest dozens of suspected Sicilian mafia members
In total, the operation was directed against 86 people, 53 of whom were detained.
Anti-Corruption
Court jails ex-water resources minister 3 months for N450 million fraud
Originally three years imprisonment or N10 million fine, the judge, however, asked the convicts to pay N1 million fine each.
Africa
Police helicopter pilot shot during wild shoot-out with South African gang
At least eight people are dead and five police officers injured after the shoot-out with automatic weapons.
Health
Queen Elizabeth cancels virtual meeting as mild COVID-19 symptoms persist
The 95-year-old queen spent a night in hospital last October for an unspecified ailment.
