National Museum of Unity Ibadan embarks on ‘catch them young’ to promote culture

Bringing uniqueness to the way people see the National Museum of Unity in Ibadan is a priority for the management of the museum and under the Curator, Mrs Oriyomi Pamela Oruka, as she has continues to open newer vista of opportunities to get the story house close to the people through different innovative programmes.

One of such was the recent book review initiative and launch of a readers club for schools in Ibadan to a day-edu-social and entertainment forum. The social circle did not only bring back the memory lane of folk- tales, but also entrench in the students, the cultural essence of visiting the museum and learning history of a diverse people.

In her opening remarks, the Curator of the Museum, Mr Oruka, who welcomed participants on behalf of the Director-General of NCMM, Professor Abba Isa Tijani, to the epoch making event, said the primary responsibility of the museum is collecting, conserving, preserving and presenting material evidence of man and its environment for the purpose of using them.

She added that the museum helps in literary work inclusive, providing information on evolving achievements and traditions of the past and present civilisations for future generations to see and appreciate, serving as a bridge to the missing link among generations.

According to Oruka “It is sufficient to note that readers are future leaders, for knowledge is power, hence, the museum encourages reading culture with the approach of catching them young,” noting that what is read in books, social media or oral disseminations comes alive in the museum.

“Therefore, as a matter of necessity, move to form a readership club with membership drawn  across schools in Ibadanland and its environs for a wholesome and scholastic adventure into the cultural mix of discovering, recovering and promoting cultural treasures of our forebears where such history has the potential and tenacity of offering inspirational glamour to the people’s pride and identity.

“We at the NCMM is poised at collaborating with stakeholders, NGOs, organisations or individuals to achieve a common goal of preserving, promotions our hallowed cultural heritage for an identity and pride,” she added.

She lauded Mr Jackson Akpasubi for keying into the gesture in achieving a giant stride in this direction. “I use him and many others as a point of reference to demonstrate that all arms are stretched out to embrace all forms of public-private initiatives for a win-win adventure.

“I am glad to seek your audience in today’s task of reviewing the Book ‘Tales from Esanland’ written by Akpasubi Jackson, an iceberg in adding value to the existing knowledge base, critical minds and cultural renaissance of our cerebral beings.”

In her speech, the museum librarian, Mrs Ajiwe Ezomo commended the curator, Mrs Otuka for her commitment to ensure that the museum explores its full potentials in educating the general public, by encouraging gallery visits and through the various activities carried out in the museum.

According to her “Books have always been the bedrock of human civilisation, preserving knowledge and stories that span generations and cultures. They serve as windows into different worlds, fostering empathy, understanding and unity.

“As museums have always been repositories of human creativity, expression and the embodiment of our shared cultural heritage, so also libraries house books as literatures in print and non-print formats which are vessels that carry the essence of human experience

“Our gathering here today is not only to inaugurate the maiden edition of the Book Review programme but also to celebrate the boundless power of literature in the realm of art and culture through the pages of books.”

She added that “With books, we traverse epochs, explore distant lands and gain insights into the minds of both authors and artists, thereby nurturing a culture of reading and critical thinking.

“I stand before you today with great excitement and honour to inaugurate the maiden edition of our book review with the book titled ‘Tales From Esan Land,’ authored by Mr Jackson Akpasubi. This event marks a significant milestone in our community, as it celebrates the power of literature to inspire, educate and connect us all as individuals; both young and old.

“As we embark on this journey, inaugurating the Museum Readers Club likewise, let us consider that our collective curiousity and passion for learning will be the driving force behind our endeavours. Let this inaugural book review programme establish a platform where we celebrate the beauty of words and the endless worlds they unfold.”

The book reviewer, Mrs Bolatito Joseph, who made the session an interactive one to practically engage the students on the essence of the museum initiative, read two stories from the book,  which vividly highlighted norm and value of Nigeria culture.

“The book; ‘The Tales of Esan Land’ serves as a bridge between the old and new as it provides morals and cultural values to behold. Its unique stories are stories that are peculiar to every cultural divide in Nigeria as it projected characters of the moonlight stories we listened to then,” she said.

Mrs Joseph, encouraged the students to hold with great esteem their reading culture in order to acquire new knowledge and also grow in morals.

In his remark, chairman on the occasion, Prince Fatai Adiyeloja, admonished students to take advantage of their environment and every positive things that will build them for the challenges of the future.

“You are the future of Nigeria, though it is an old saying but, I must tell you, with the trend of technology advancement and the advent of AI (artificial Intelligence), it is your world and you must prepare yourself to take the future by storm.

“You are what you eat and I will also tell you that you are what you read. The literature you are exposed to determine your personal and inter-personal relation with people,” he said.

The event also featured different performance from three of the schools where participants were entertained with a reading rendition of a story from the reviewed book, a cultural dance and a voice over drama presentation on one of the stories in the Book; ‘The Tale of Esan Land’ titled ‘King Ogiso and Ababa Daughters.’

In attendance are The curator, Mrs Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, the book reviewer, Mrs Bolatito Janet Joseph, chairmen of the occasion, Prince Fatai Adiyeloja, Assistant Director, NCMM, Chief Mrs Bosede Israel, Museum Accountant, Mrs Abass Usman, Museum Librarian, Mrs Ajiwe Ezomo, Chief ‘Femi Tade, Mr Olawale Ogunbusola from Prince FM Radio station and FTAN PRO and Tribune Tourism Editor, Ambassador ‘Wale Olapade.

However, the event rallied students from some of the top schools in Ibadan which include St Catherine’s College, Qiblah College,Alesunloye,  Matrix College, Orita,  Oke-Bola Comprehensive  Grammer School, God’s Glory College and Amazing Grace Model College, Malete.