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Tag: Museum

  • Art museum for Abuja

    Art museum for Abuja

    Dr. Abdul Muku is the Director-General of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Culture responsible for the promotion of visual art in Nigeria.  In this chat with Edozie Udeze, he touches on a number of issues that affect the sector and what NGA has been doing to fulfill its statutory mandate, including plans for an art museum in Abuja

    What do you think is the contribution of the distinguished public lecture series organised by the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) to the growth of the art?

    Oh, the lecture itself is very important to us and to the National Gallery of Art (NGA) in many respects. It is gradually creating the necessary awareness in the visual art sector in Nigeria. This is why we have always said we should encourage any group of artists who want to do a programme to help move the sector to the next level.

    So, this lecture is very important to us and that is why we are fully involved in it. The lecture, giving the caliber of the lecturer and the theme he handled, you could see how it gingered on the audience. Artists have to learn from it, so also we at the NGA.

    The topic raised a lot of issues, one of which is that African artists should not be in a hurry to sell off their works. What is your take on this?

    Yes, that is correct. Artists should wait a while for their works to breath, or, if you like, mature. That is why we at the NGA are trying to get this embellishment of the art. In other words, a certain percentage of the art will be set aside for this embellishment. That means that there will be plenty of money for us to pick from, to promote, preserve and project the art.

    In the end, the works cannot get out of the shores of this country. We really need to pursue the enabling law vigorously in order to set things right.

    We do not have any museum of the art in Nigeria and yet we have the largest art market in Africa. What is the thinking of government in this regard?

    Thank you very much. That was what I was telling the SNA president, Oliver Enwonwu, few minutes ago. He has thrown a challenge to us. Even the SNA wrote a letter to us to start the construction of a museum or a big art gallery office in Abuja. We are doing a memo on that. In fact once I get back to Abuja today, we will complete the memo in that regard, then send it to Mr. President for his approval. Once this is done, we are going to provide the best art gallery for the sector.

    When this is done what sort of art work will you keep there?

    All media works – all the works that have been completed and the committee in-charge feels they are good enough. The selection committee will be in charge of that responsibility. Already we have some works in the national gallery and those ones will be there too. We have over three thousand works in our custody as at today. Besides that, any one we pick that can go through the committee will be included in the gallery.

    What was the idea of actually establishing the NGA?

    It is primarily to promote the visual art. The statutory law establishing it points out its responsibility as solely promoting and encouraging the visual art in Nigeria. It is to also co-ordinate the activities of the sector and see how government can assist in the development of the sector.

    But is NGA truly doing all that?

    Yes, we are doing the best we can to promote the sector. A while ago, I said it that we have a lot of association in the art, which is not bad anyway. This is so because they assist either to address specialisation for quick results or they all line up behind SNA to achieve the desired goal. But in all, there has been better co-ordination in the sector. Then, we have been doing that ever since we came on board.

    However, if all artists line up behind the SNA, the co-ordination will be better and everybody will appreciate better what government is doing in the sector. Once that is done, it will create more wealth in the visual art sector.

    You have been asked to vacate the premises of National Theatre. What is your reaction to this?

    Ehm… Sincerely, I think the truth is that from what government is saying what is happening around National Theatre is not too good. This is particularly with the water logged areas and so on which are eyesore when it rains. So, they want to see how those places can be repaired. In other words, they want to make the place look good and come up to international standard.

    The Theatre will remain as it is. The only thing is that they will fix it in a way that it becomes completely functional. They want to follow the initial design of having a five-star hotel around it. Government has agreed that some of the parastatals that are going out now will be recalled when the job is completed. We want to move out for the place to be sanitised. For now, government has prepared an alternative office space for us. It is a temporary place pending when the renovation is done.

    Is this affecting the functions of the NGA in any way?

    No. It does not. The only thing I want to say is that when the job is finished, it will increase activities in and around the Theatre.

  • What makes museums tick, by Museum chief

    No fewer than 17 persons and partners were honoured last week by the National Museum, Lagos for their contributions to the growth of art and the museum in particular.

    The recipients included former Secretary- General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya; Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi; Chief Frank Okonta; Omooba Oladele Odimayo; Prince Yemisi Shyllon; Mr Sammy Olagbaju; Mr Innocent Chukwuma and Erelu Abiola Dosumu. Others were Prof. Ben Enwonwu; Chief Mrs Nike Okundaye; Mrs. Bolanle Austin-Peters; Aduke Gomez; Mrs Simi Ogunsanya; Iyabo Lawani; Ndidi Dike; Mallam Abdallah Usman and Total Nigeria PLc.

    The Director-Generaal (DG) of the commission, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman, said the strength of the museum lies in the ‘richness of our historical heritage, preserved and displayed by museums together with the inventiveness and vitality that have characterised the museums sector’s action in recent years.’

    He described museums as the store house of the memory of the society encapsulated in the objects, which themselves tell the stories of the various cultures of the peoples of the world and of their natural heritage. He noted that the skills, the inventiveness, the creativity of mankind are all embedded in the material culture of the people.

    “As museum professionals we create an environment where these materials are properly cared for, displayed and used in educational and research purposes. By this, we are able to transmit knowledge, skills, history and memory of our heritage resources to our various audiences. We also encourage creativity and inventiveness by our programmes through the arts clubs, outreach programmes to educational institutions, groups, etc where pupils are taught arts, batik making, tie and dye, soap making hair styling and weaving among others,” he said.

    The DG, however, warned individuals and organisations that are establishing museums to regularise the anomalies by getting in touch with the commission or close down such illegal museums.

    The celebration which also featured painting competition, open day and drama performances, had the Lagos State University Museum curator, Dr. Kolawole Patrick Gbaja as guest speaker and delivered a paper on Museum as a mirror of society.

    Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Prof Onobrakpeya said: “We are deeply moved by the invitation as well as the awards given to us in appreciation of our contributions towards creativity. The collection in the National Museum is a source of our pride.”

    Aunty Ayo International School, Lagos, emerged the first prize winner while Isolog International School and Prestine College, Surulere took second and third positions.

  • Museum’s enduring partnership with the public

    Yesterday (May 18 2013), the world celebrated another International Museum Day with the theme “Museum, memory plus creativity equal social change”. Perhaps, the theme is a reflection and also a reminder of the relationship that ought to exist between the museums around the world and the wider society. This relationship should be mutual and of benefit both to the museum as an agent of social change and the public as a veritable partner in that endeavour.

    The museum is in the service of society and its development, and open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits, for the purpose of study, education and enjoyment. This definition has conferred on the museum and the public a relationship that should be of mutual benefit to both.

    Historically, the origin of the museum could be traced back to 290 B C when a prominent Greek statesman Ptolemy Soter (Preserver) 1, decided to display his own private collections. The word museum was coined from the Greek word ‘muse ion’ which was applied to a sanctuary dedicated to the nine ‘muses’ who were daughters of Zeus.

    Today, museums all around the world vary enormously. They range greatly from international museums that are found in Europe and the Americas to small sized village museums. In Nigeria, there are over thirty museums scattered across the country especially the state capitals with the prominent and popular ones found in Lagos and Jos. While the museum in Lagos which was established in 1956 once served as the headquarters for the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the one in Jos is the most comprehensive and the largest in the country.

    From the foregoing, it could be deduced clearly that for the museum as an institution in its role to serve the public, a deep collaboration must exist with public agencies. The reason is that one of the roles of the museum apart from research and collection of artifacts is to serve the public. The museum is of service to the public through exhibition in its galleries which are patronized by the people for the purpose of enjoyment. They also render educational services to all categories of educational institutions.

    The museum also provides public enlightenment on the value of historic monuments, which are scattered across the country as part of the nation’s heritage and pride. They serve as a cultural focus and a centre of professional expertise on artifacts and antiquities. The museum also enhances the quality of life of the people by creating a sense of identity for the area in which they are located.

    In its economic role, the museum promotes the overall development in the area of housing, service and manufacturing industries. For example, Jos museum has transport and technology museum, with a railway track exhibiting old locomotive engines used during the colonial era, a tin mining gallery and an exhibit of the shunting vehicles that were used in transporting tins from the mines. This is also done along other public facilities such as libraries, theatres, open air museums, zoological gardens, etc. , that are daily patronized by the public. An example is the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA), and the zoological garden in Jos. Museums can therefore help to encourage the development of local economies and enhance the well being of the people.

    The museum also contributes immensely to the development of tourism in areas with potential tourist attractions. It is on record that millions of tourists visit various museums across the world. Tourists bring in foreign capital in form of hard currency which acts as catalyst to boost local economies.

    In Nigeria, the museum is seen first and foremost as an arm of government. In fact and regrettably, there is a pervading ignorance about the very essence of its existence, even among the elites. For instance, in the eighties and nineties, Lagos Museum was known more in the Lagos area as ‘museum kitchen’ rather than the repository of the nation’s artifacts and valuable collections that reflects the country’s rich historical past and the creativity of her people dating back to several centuries. Obviously, people do not seem to realize that the museum because of the strategic and unique functions, can play significant roles in the economic life of the country. Therefore, it is important that the relationship between the museum and the public should not be limited to patronage.

    The museum and the public can partner in the area of investments by interested individuals or groups in areas such as education, tourism and the hospitality business. Also corporate groups, multinationals, banks, art lovers etc. can collaborate with the museum to sponsor museum programmes or activities and in turn benefit from such sponsorship as part of their corporate social responsibility.

    It is a matter of imperative that the museum and the public cooperate in order to elevate the standard of museum practice in Nigeria. As the world celebrates another International Museum Day, the attention of the public must be drawn to its social responsibility towards the museums in the country wherever they are located.

     

    By:Awoniyi, Taiwo Ademuyiwa

    National Museum, Onikan Lagos

  • Museum seeks govt’s support for heritage preservation

    Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman is seeking the support of government at all levels for the preservation of monuments and sites. He also sought the support and co-operation of the communities and other stakeholders to realise the commission’s goal of preserving the monuments and heritage.

    “We should preserve our monuments and sites so as to have a legacy to bequeath to the future generations. As our slogan is “visit a monument or site today and lend your support to its conservation and preservation for posterity,” according to Usman who spoke at this year’s International Monument Day, organised by the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.

    The day is set aside every year to delineate the importance and the immense value of monuments and sites around the globe.

    This year’s theme was Heritage of Education. It focused on built heritage that have contributed to the development of education through various forms of learning and academic archival institutions, such as schools, universities, libraries, academies and others in its various expressions of different geo- cultural contexts.

    The international monument day came into existence following a proposal by the International council for monuments and sites (ICOMOS) on 18th 1982, and was approved by the General Assembly of United Nations Educational, scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1983. Since that year, the day has been celebrated by heritage professionals and other interest groups.

    The Commission’s Chief Heritage Officer, Mr. Taiwo Ademuyiwa Awoniyi spoke on how heritage influences education and vice versa. According to Awoniyi, “heritage is as important to man just as education is. While the former is the legacy from the past and what is passed to future generations. The import of this celebration should not be lost to all professionals, because the task of promoting our heritage is an all embracing task. We must work concertedly to drive away ignorance from our society and make useful impact toward the development of our heritage”.

    Pictorial exhibition was put up on the six oldest educational institutions from the six geo- political zones of Nigeria to mark this year’s monument day. The educational institutions are; Old Training College Katsina, Katsina state, Government College, Maiduguri, Borno State, First primary School in Northern Nigeria, Lokoja, Kogi State, Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha in Anambra State, Hope Waddell Training Institute – Premier Building, Calabar, Cross Rivers State, Christian Missionary Society (CMS) Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos State.

  • O’dua Museum, Hall of Fame: Preserving a people’s legacy

    O’dua Museum, Hall of Fame: Preserving a people’s legacy

    The transformation was rapid and dramatic. Suddenly one was transported from the sophistication of a cosmopolitan high-rise building in the centre of a city to a rural setting more than 40 years ago.

    Such is the transformation that one experiences on visiting the recently commissioned O’odua Museum and Hall of Fame in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    As the guard opened the wooden door with intricate designs to usher one in, the voice of the late Hubert Ogunde could be heard singing in Yoruba. It was as if he was just around the corner. As one climbed the staircase to the museum floor, one was no longer on the 20th floor of the Cocoa House.

    One was transported back in time to the years gone by. What one felt all around was the African essence.

    Both sides of the wall are decorated with batiks. A traditional African mat is rolled out on the floor.

    The next point is the corridor with a signpost signalling that the museum is on the right, while the Hall of Fame is on the left. Museums, all over the world, always have special appeal. So, the first place to visit was the museum. Even before seeing some of the artifacts, the ambience created was purely rural: local mats used on the floor, red earthen walls, bamboo sticks used as part of the declaration.

    The museum captures the totally of Yoruba way of life in the old days. Pots and bronze carvings of different sizes are displayed. The different kinds of Yoruba drums are also arranged neatly.

    Appurtenances of royalty such as beads, horse-tail, crowns and walking sticks are displayed at the royalty section.

    One of the most interesting section of the museum is the war section where old war weapons such as guns are on display. The treaty that brought an end to the Yoruba war of the 19th century titled Proclamation of Peace at Kiriji-Mesin Battlefield was boldly displayed.

    Professor Wole Soyinka, who declared the place open early this month, commended the management of O’dua Investment Limited and had this to say: “The museum showcases the beginning of Yoruba technology and the ingenuity of our forbearers, but I want to say there is still more to do now that an appeal has been made to people to donate materials to enrich the arts, crafts and antiquities contents of the museum.

    “Let me say that it is with a thought of nostalgia that I return to the Cocoa House and I must say I am very happy with what I have seen here.

    ”Cocoa House is one of those firsts Yoruba recorded in Nigeria. This area specifically used to be the centre of arts and Yoruba culture. But the negative side of it is that Nigeria once went into a downward spin, including Cocoa House and the University of Ibadan. The deterioration was much. Everything decayed and the famous Cocoa House could not save itself. But what we have seen so far impressed me, from the Ground Floor to the Top Floor of this building. This Cocoa House is the contemporary Oranmiyan staff for Yoruba.”

    The curator of the museum, Mr. Babajide Famuyiwa, explained the reason behind the establishment of the museum: “ It is created to showcase the essence of the Yoruba people. What the Yoruba call Omoluabi. The Yoruba people have played a major part in the economic development of the country. They have helped in the development of every sphere of endeavour in the country. So in that wise, it was decided that we should look at these and bring them in focus. That informed the creation of the O’odua Museum and Hall of Fame.

    “It is not only about the pre-colonial artifacts that are on display. Colonial era items that had influenced life in the past are also there. For those who may not have heard of gramophone, polaroid camera, type-writer and so on, they will find the museum useful. The museum would be a treasure trove for many young persons wishing to know more about the past.

    “The Hall of Fame section is a kind of pantheon for Yoruba personalities from all walks of life. They include the late Professor Awojobi, Hubert Ogunde, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti , Rashidi Yekini and many others.

    “A tour of the hall of fame and museum has an icing. One has an opportunity for a wonderful bird-eye view of the Ibadan city. There are also strong binoculars that one could use to view any part of Ibadan.

    “There are two sections to it, the museum and the hall of fame. Let us start with the museum.

    In the museum, we try to showcase some Yoruba artifacts. There are certain peculiarities with the ancient civilization in the ancient time. This is reflected in the collections we have in the museum. We have musical instruments, pottery, craft in terms of traditional weaving. What we try to do is to exhibit and display some of the things that the Yoruba used in those days.

    “We tried to look at the concept of Omoluabi, that is, those who have lived according to certain Yoruba societal moral values and made remarkable success in life through these. We like achievements of Yoruba sons and daughters in the area technology, politics, sports, arts and many other endeavours. This is what have done.

    “At the Hall of Fame, we have people like Professor Soyinka, the late Hubert Ogunde, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo , M.K.O. Abiola, Rashidi Yekini, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Chief S.L. Akintola, the late Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and many others.”

    He talked also about the media viewing centre: “The media viewing centre can take about 20 persons. The idea is that when people go round, they could come to see the video clips of some of these personalities on display in the hall of fame. They would hear there voice, see them in action through these video clips.

    “The place is opened to everybody coming to the city of Ibadan. We encourage school children, university students, researchers and so on. It is open for now from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. We believe as time goes on, the management would consider adding weekends to the opening days. For now, the fee has not been officially sanctioned. It is not likely to be more than 200 naira per person. “

    The O’dua Museum and Hall of Fame has succeeded in adding to the richness of the essence of the ancient city of Ibadan. Before it used to be the University of Ibadan and few other places.

  • A piece of history at lander museum

    This month is exactly 179 years since the death of Richard Lander, a British maverick traveller and explorer. He was killed on February 6, 1834 during his third exploratory trip on the lower Niger. Ironically, Richard Lander was also born in February.

    In 2004, the Lander brothers marked 200 years of the death of the patriarch of their family, as part of the activities to celebrate the epoch. An expedition trip was organized to follow the same route that Richard Lander took. Richard Lander’s trip took off from Bussa where he presented a medal to the king of Bussa and in return he got the boat he needed to embark on his expedition.

    After the trip, the team decided to donate the boat to the Asaba people. A museum was later built in memory of Richard Lander. The museum chronicles the voyage and activities of Lander. The boat formed the fulcrum of artifact museum.

    The museum is located off the busy Nnebisi Road beside the colonial grave yard. In front of the museum is the imposing sculpted work anchorage. The Richard Lander Museum is appeal is the huge information on display, not just about the Richard Lander, but an insight into the complexion of the area in the 19 century when Europeans became unsatisfied with trading at the coast and became interested in hinterland. These are mostly in form of pictures and text materials.

    The six members of the Lander expedition trip made thier way from Bussa to Asaba just like their forebear. The boat used for the trip was called Goo- will. The team decided to donate the boat to the people of Asaba. This boat and other artifacts that have to do with the expedition and Europeans’ contacts with the people of Asaba are the artifacts one sees, while visiting the Richard Lander Museum.

    Richard Lemon Lander (1804-1834) was an English explorer who made three trips to West Africa. He and his brother, John, were the first Europeans to canoe down the lower Niger River to its delta (where it meets the sea).

    Richard Lander was born in Truro, Cornwall, England on February 8, 1804. He had no formal education, but went on an extended trip to the West Indies as a child.

    As a young man, Lander worked for the Scottish explorer, Hugh Clapperton, and went with him on a trip to West Africa. The expedition (1825-1828) was designed to travel down the Niger River, but it was unsuccessful due to illness and many deaths.

    Clapperton and Lander’s European companions all died early on the trip. Lander and Clapperton both had bouts of illness, and Clapperton died on April 18,1827. African tribesmen later accused Lander of witchcraft, forcing him to drink poison to determine whether or not he was indeed a wizard. Since he survived, the charges of witchcraft were rescinded, and Lander eventually returned to England in July 1828.

    In England, Lander published “Journal of Richard Lander from Kano to the Sea Coast” in 1829 and “Records of Captain Clapperton’s Last Expedition to Africa, with the Subsequent Adventures of the Author”.

    Lander returned to West Africa with his brother, John Lander, in 1830. They followed the lower Niger River from Bussa to the sea, travelling in leaky canoes. Along the way they were kidnapped by some natives,rescued by another king, from Brass, and were reluctantly helped by a British ship. Lander later published “Journal of an Expedition to Explore the Course and Termination of the Niger” in 1832.

    For those who want to know a little more about the period of the scramble and partitioning of West Africa, Asaba and some other places, the Lander Museum is not a bad idea.

  • Oshiomhole retires permsec, seals off museum

    Edo State governor, Aams Oshiomhole  has approved the immediate retirement of the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Mr. H. A. Ikhelowa for alleged dereliction of duty.

    The Governor also  ordered the immediate sealing of the Museum in the state capital and arrest of the Manager over illegal operation and non-maintenance of the ground.

    The  approval for the retirement of the Permanent Secretary is contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.

    According to the letter dated January 4, “the Governor also approved the immediate suspension of Mr. Nicholas Osemwengie, Acting General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board and the Director-in-charge of Street Lights in the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Engineer Ejemai Martins.”

    According to the letter, “their cases have been referred to the Edo State Civil Service Commission for further action.”

    The Government’s action is not unconnected with an inspection of the Governor round Benin City, the state capital, Friday where he saw heaps of refuse in parts of the city and people displaying wares on the walkways and roads.

    During his inspection of the Museum ground, the Governor expressed dissatisfaction with the heaps of refuse left by fun-seekers at the place.

    He said the manager of the Museum sublet the place for business without the government’s authority. Oshiomhole also ordered the arrest of a woman found cooking on a sensitive equipment connected to the water fountain at the Musuem.

    During his inspection of the Oba Market road, Governor Oshiomhole ordered the instant seizure of wares displayed on the walkways and the road by traders and directed the immediate evacuation of dirt which littered the road.

    Speaking with reporters, the Governor said: “we are back to work in the New Year and I am happy that the contractor are back to work. Most of them will return fully to work after the New Year holidays.

    “I am satisfied with the quality of work and people are excited that the work is going on. You have noticed the job they are doing at the airport road and the challenge of the underground drainage and that is extremely important. Once the drainage is completed, flood from the adjoining streets will now drain into the primary drain which will now drain it into the river. That means the issue of flooding in this area will be a thing of the past. We are remodelling the road and creating bus stops. We will do more in the second term than we did in the first term”, he assured.

  • Oloibiri Oil museum: Row over N34.9bn contracts

    Oloibiri Oil museum: Row over N34.9bn contracts

    •Aggrieved contractors ask Jonathan to intervene

    A fresh controversy has erupted over the award of N34.9billion contracts for the establishment of the Oil and Gas Research Centre and Museum in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)

    Oloibiri, where oil exploration was first struck in Nigeria in 1956, is bereft of any significant development or infrastructure.

    To address the neglect of the village, the government decided to build the museum for which 10 contractors are now bidding.

    But the decision of the BPP to award some of the contracts to companies it had earlier refused a “No Objection” certificate has turned the jostle for the project dirtier.

    BPP had, in letters dated July 9 2012, July 12, 2012 and July 24 2012 and signed by the Director General, Emeka Eze, recommended seven companies to the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

    The seven firms which the BPP claimed to have “passed the Due Process” for the N33. 949, 076, 952.95billion projects are Beks Kimse Ltd, Megastar Construction and Technical Co. Ltd, Sajook Nigeria Ltd, Kinetic Electromechanic Nig. Ltd, Unipad Nigeria Ltd, Meson Investment Ltd and Commerce Services.

    But in a September 11, 2012 letter to the PTDF, the BPP made a U-turn and asked the PTDF to award the contracts to Beks Kimse Ltd, Megastar Construction and Technical Co. Ltd, Mercury Engineering Ltd., Gabezi Nigeria Limited, Kinetic Electromechanic Nig. Ltd, Meson Investment Ltd and Z Cubes Nigeria Ltd., at a cost of N34,962, 631,734.69

    Three firms earlier considered fit for the contracts by BPP were removed from the list.

    They are Sajook Nigeria Limited, Unipad Nigera Limited, and Commerce Services.

    A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The award of the contracts has created tension because those the BPP earlier refused certificate of no objection have been given the jobs.

    “We call on President Goodluck Jonathan to look into the process and ensure justice.

    “Apart from awarding the contracts to those refused certificate of no objection, the sum of the contracts increased from N33.9billion to N34,962, 631,734.69.”

    Another source said: “We are suspecting a foul play because some of the companies that did not originally undergo Due Process Screening were awarded contracts.

    “In fact, three of the firms which have been finally shortlisted are said to belong to one person. That means an individual is getting about 50 to 60 per cent of the contracts.

    “The government should ask security agencies to probe the award of these contracts in the interest of justice.”

    A reliable source, however, said: “I think you should leave the BPP out of this issue because it conducted due diligence but at a point, the PTDF on July 10 rejected the companies that had passed the Due Process Certification for the Oil and Gas Museum in Oloibiri.

    “The Director General of BPP, Emeka Ezeh, in a letter of July 24 2012 titled “Due Process Review Report on Contract for the Establishment of Oil and Gas Research Centre and Museum Oloibiri, Bayelsa state by PTDF”, said, “the Bureau wishes to reiterate her earlier decision that, Due Process certificate of No Objection Cannot be granted for the award of the contracts for the establishment of Oil and Gas Research Centre and Museum, Oloibiri, Bayelsa state in favour of some contractors.

    “Award of contracts like these requires some technical challenges and the BPP has to weigh all options.

    “The DG of BPP has no vested interest in any of the affected companies. For the records, the BPP in a review report on July 9, 2012 said: ‘It is apparent that the PTDF reviews were skewed in favour of particular firms thereby deceiving other bidders and casting aspersions on the integrity of the government arising from non transparent procurement procedures.’

     

  • Museum, NDE partner on job creation

    The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) have entered into partnership on ways of creating jobs for the youth.

    They plan to explore employment opportunities through creative cultural industries and eco-museum. At an interactive session at NDE office, both agencies sought means of boosting their collaboration.

    NCMM Director-General, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman, who led his management team to NDE Headquarters in Abuja, said the collaboration is geared towards impacting on the present administration’s transformation agenda. “Today marks a landmark in the history of National Commission for Museums and Monuments and National Directorate of Employment because we are about to establish a new partnership that will create an enabling environment for employment and empowerment of the teaming youths in this country through creative cultural industries and Eco-Museums,” he said.

    He stated that apart from the statutory function of collecting antiquities and preserving monuments, the commission also train craftsmen and women who are engaged in the production of outstanding works of art, adding that the process of producing them could be preserved and inculcated into the youths.

    Museum’s craft centres across the country are into production of pottery, calabash, leather works, black-smithing, raffia works and bead making. The partnership, according to the agencies would help strengthen the development of culture based enterprises among others.

    Usman explained that the NCMM would provide the expertise and technicians for the project collaboration, while National Directorate of Employment centers would be used for training artisans in craft making, skill acquisition, and development of entrepreneurial skills, preservation and utilisation of heritage resources based on cultural industries among the indigenous people. The involvement of NDE, he said, would be a viable way of fulfilling her corporate social responsibility and NCMM with NDE actualising its mission and vision.

    He said: “We can further involve developmental agencies like UNDP, NAPEP, SMEDAN and UNESCO to give financial and logistic supports for a broader perspective impetus to the partnership efforts in line with the federal government agenda of this administration”.

    NDE Director-General, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed assured that NDE is eager and willing to collaborate with the commission, noting that the directorate would support the commission to create employment around its activities.

    Mohammed suggested the setting up of a committee and nominated two of his directors as members. For the NCMM, the Director of Monument, Heritage and Site, Mr Oluremi Adedayo and Director of Museums, Ms Rosemary Bodam were nominated.