Commission For Museums And Monuments Collaborates with EPO To Preserve Monuments 

The Director- General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Professor Abba Tijani has expressed the Commission’s commitment to collaborate with the Ecological Project Office, EPO to tackle the ecological challenges in Nigeria.

Professor Tijani who disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project Office, in Abuja, said collaboration would also help to tackle the challenges threatening the two World Heritage Sites of Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adawama State and Osun Oshogbo Grove in Osun State as well as other national monuments across the country.

He said that the activities of illegal mining and encroachment around the Osun Oshogbo Grove have contributed to the erosion menace in the area and polluted the revered water, worshippers believe has spiritual healing powers.

‘’we have challenge in managing our museums and monuments because of encroachments and infringements failure to maintain them would deny Nigeria the opportunity to enlist them internationally as Heritage Sites, particularly that of Kano City Wall,” Professor Tijani said.

He also noted that there was need to ensure sustainability of the ecosystem for both tourism and employment generation.

”I wish to bring to your attention, that due to the peculiar nature of the Commission as well as the economic value of these sites to the nation,” he stated.

He also disclosed that Nigeria presently has two World Heritage Sites enlisted by the UNESCO World Heritage List, fifty three National Museums, 65 declared National Monuments and 108 proposed National Monuments nationwide.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ecological project office, Mr Shehu Ibrahim commended Professor Tijani for his commitment to ensuring the preservation of the Heritage sites and monuments and the drive to retrieve some stolen artifacts back to the country.

He stated that the Ecological project office is always willing to partner with relevant agencies to address ecological problems in the country.

According to him, “we usually concentrate more on interventions in areas that will really impact lives in communities where they are located”.

The Permanent Secretary, however advised the Commission to expand its collaboration beyond EPO for a more comprehensive intervention in other problem areas while also making specific request that relates to EPO Interventions.

‘’Do individual request, we will try to assess them to see the one that falls within our mandate,’’ he added.

Confidence Okwuchi