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The Edo Progressive Advancement Coalition, EPAC, a sociocultural intelligentsia, comprising professionals and artisans has called on President Bola Almed Tinubu to urgently wade into the imbroglio now rocking the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) project in Edo State, so as to Salvage Nigeria’s Reputation in the International Community.
The group made the call in an open letter titled, “MOWAA: Salvaging Nigeria’s Reputation in the International Community” and addressed to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The letter signed by Prof. Akenuwa J. Obarogie, Coordinator General,
Edo Progressive Advancement Coalition and Dr. Clinton Odion Omozokpia, Director, Media and Publicity, of the group respectively, was read at the press briefing by the Coordinator General.
According to the group, “As a body of Edo sociocultural intelligentsia comprising professionals and artisans, we are appalled by the degrading scenarios that have transpired in the ancient City of Benin regarding a world-class museum that ought to be the pride of all.
“The Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) is a dreamed-up non-profit tourist destination that has the capacity to redefine Nigeria’s perception as a centre of gravity in Africa’s arts, culture, and tourism industry.
“As a group that shares Your Excellency’s pragmatic pursuit of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) to create job opportunities for millions of our unemployed graduates and technically endowed youths, we are compelled to add our voice to appeals, urging Your Excellency to prevail on all agitated elements to eschew actions that could be counterproductive to the Federal Government’s desire for peace and harmony in the arts, tourism, and creative economy sector.
“We respectfully urge parties involved in the heightened tension to exercise restraint while the Federal Government’s special purpose investigation committee uncovers the facts about MOWAA as a non-profit world heritage centre.
“This is particularly important as the European Union and the international community are closely monitoring the huge investments made in the museum” the group stated.
Prof. Obarogie also told President Tinubu that MOWAA which is conceived as a world-class institution dedicated to the study, conservation, and celebration of West African heritage, represents not only a Nigerian initiative but a continental project that acknowledges the shared historical and artistic legacy of West Africa’s many illustrious kingdoms and civilizations.
“Despite recent challenges and the circulation of conspiracy theories aimed at undermining its credibility, MOWAA remains a beacon of cultural diplomacy and a vital instrument for salvaging Nigeria’s reputation within the global heritage community.
“Your Excellency Sir, in our nation’s quest for cultural preservation, historical continuity, and international recognition – we respectfully urge you to take adequate steps to restore the confidence of Nigerians and the European Union in your administration, thereby frustrating naysayers who desire to escalate the controversy and scare foreign investors away from our motherland.
“Evidentially, MOWAA has attracted significant international recognition and goodwill.
“The attendance of high-profile envoys, including the Ambassadors of the European Union and Germany, at the museum’s inaugural private preview underscores its credibility and strategic importance within global cultural circles. Seeming misinformation notwithstanding, MOWAA’s purpose, operations and its intentions are Clare to the general public.
“MOWAA’s management has since clarified that the preview event was a private technical opening, not a formal public launch, and that no claims of ownership over Benin Bronzes or other heritage artifacts have been made.
“These clarifications reaffirm MOWAA’s role as a research and exhibition center, not a competitor to the Benin or Edo traditional custodianship, but a collaborator in preserving and celebrating heritage of diverse cultures across the globe..
“We stand with Your Excellency in all measures to salvage our nation’s image and make it the pride of the black race in the arts, culture, and tourism industry.
“May God and Edo ancestors grant you the requisite wisdom to navigate this course to a fruitful end. Amen” the Coalition further declared.
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