We are working hard to return Benin Artefacts – Governor Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, says a strong collaboration is going on between the Nigerian and Edo State governments, to return some Benin artefacts currently in Europe back to the country.

Obaseki made the remark in Abuja on Wednesday, while speaking to State House Correspondents, after he met with the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

According to the Governor, there are also plans to build a museum in Edo State, to house the artefacts when they arrive in the country.

“I am sure you are aware that we have been in conversations with the federal government on the artefacts and lots of Benin artworks that are in Europe and the Americas.

“We’ve had conversations on how to return these works, particularly as some countries have indicated their interest and desire to return the works. I just came to bring the Chief of Staff on the steps that have been taken on the level of collaboration with the federal government.

“And the plans to build a museum in Benin that will host these works. And also that beyond the works, we are going to be having much archaeological work undertaken to see what we can find and also Research, to resurrect our cultural heritage,” he said.

The Edo State Governor noted that the building of a museum and subsequent return of the artefacts would boost the economy of his State.

“Museums today have become catalysts in the evolution and development of cities. There is a city called Bilbao in Spain. And that was the head of the Basque separatist movements many years ago. The investment by the Guggenheim foundation by the Guggenheim family museum in Bilbao, has changed the economic fortunes of that city.

“Today, Bilbao earns more than a billion dollars from just the presence of that Museum in that city. Because everybody wants to come in to see what’s in that museum.

“So, bringing back these works, this world cherished works, bringing the originals back to their home, I mean, you can imagine for years to come, people, children, the unborn, all over the world want to come and see these pieces.

“Well, it’s going to be in two phases. There is a plan. We’re now currently designing a whole cultural district for Benin. And this museum is going to be situated within that cultural district. As I speak the planners from Latin America are in Benin City, looking at work and doing the surveys.

“That process should end about August. And we believe that the museum is going to be a series of buildings, you have the pavilion, where these works will be brought in and kept. We are also undertaking many more archaeological excavations, and whatever we find will be kept in the pavilion,” Governor Obaseki explained.

PIAK