U.S to partner Nigeria on preservation of artifacts

THE United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr.  Stuart Symington has stated that  his country will partner Nigeria on preservation of its  rich cultural artifacts and indigenous languages that are on the verge of extinction.

Mr Symington  who stated this during a workshop organised by National Commission for Museum and Monuments, Nigeria, funded by U.S Ambassador’s fund for Cultural Preservation, held at the Jos Museum, Plateau State, said United States of America had  returned all the  artifacts of Nigeria in its possession for proper storage and preservation.

The Ambassador, who was represented by the Councilor for Public Affairs, U.S Embassy, Aruna Amirthanayagam, added that his country was embarking on this to preserve Nigerian artifacts and other historical facts.

“The United State is going to partner with Nigeria in the preservation of the most important collections and artifacts  in the country so that the culture and identity of the people will not go into extinction.”

He further advised that  all artifacts that portrayed the image and identity of Nigeria should be properly stored and protected from destruction.

However, Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments for Nigeria, Dr Yusuf Abdallah Usman, said the Federal Government had prioritised the preservation of important collections in the country which had significantly grown in number in the last 30 years.

According to him,  Jos Museum which is the oldest in Nigeria, had 22,000 objects in storage, out of which are 4, 000 objects that include Nok figures which are currently overcrowding the storage rooms and require proper space.

Usman said the theme of the workshop, “RE-ORG Nigeria closing and Exhibiting Launch” is apt, adding that efforts is on to ensure collection, planning and visualizing floor plans and making the required changes for a long term preservation and access of the collection.

“We are against adulteration of lubricants. We won’t connive with anyone, be it marketer or any entity to adulterate lubricants. It’s illegal and sabotage”, he said.