A scholar and the acting Director of the Leventis Museum of Natural History at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof. Adisa Ogunfolakan, has urged the Federal Government to allow museum and antiquity protection officers to bear arms in order to confront the threat posed by those in illegal possession of natural artefacts, News About Nigeria reports.
Prof. Adisa made this statement on Monday at a workshop with the theme ‘Campaign against illicit excavation from historical sites and trade in cultural properties,’ organized by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. The event took place at Yemoo Groove in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The scholar also called on the federal government to deal decisively with individuals found in possession of natural artefacts and advocated for the use of digital technology in safeguarding and preserving cultural heritage amidst technological advancements.
Prof. Adisa emphasized that safeguarding and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage is essential because “If any cultural object is destroyed or stolen, Nigeria’s history is no longer complete.”
He added, “The time is now for us to call on the National Assembly to empower museum and antiquity protection officers to carry arms. Only then will they be able to confront any threats,” he stated.
The scholar lamented that many Nigerians do not even know the value of these cultural objects, as most of them now refer to them as idols.
According to him, Muslims and Christians nowadays no longer want to have anything to do with this cultural heritage. Therefore, he stressed the importance of the nation investing in cultural education.
Prof. Adisa further stated that Nigerians must be educated on the value and usefulness of these cultural heritage items so they can properly protect and preserve them for future generations.
