As the controversy over the ownership of Museum of West African Arts, MOWAA, continues to rage, a group under the aegis of the Edo Progressive Advancement Coalition, EPAC, has called for the immediate intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to salvage the nation’s reputation in the international communities.
The group made the call in a statement signed by Prof. Akenuwa Obarogie, Coordinator General, Edo Progressive Advancement Coalition and Dr Clinton Odion Omozokpia, Director, Media and Publicity respectively.
In the Save Our Soul, SOS appeal, addressed to president Tinubu, titled, “MOWAA: Salvaging Nigeria’s Reputation in the International Community,” Obarogie, said the body is appalled by the degrading scenarios that have transpired in the ancient City of Benin regarding the world-class museum that ought to be the pride of all.
He said the world- class institution dedicated to the study, conservation, and celebration of West African heritage, represented not only a Nigerian initiative but a continental project.
He said the institution acknowledged the shared historical and artistic legacy of West Africa’s many illustrious kingdoms and civilizations.
“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 appeal to you 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 art, tourism, and creative economy sector”, he said.
The Coordinator General, EPAC, however, appealed to parties in the controversy to exercise restraint while the Federal Government’s special purpose investigation committee uncovers the facts about the non-profit world heritage centre.
He posited that the appeal to the parties became necessary as the European Union and the international community are closely monitoring the huge investments made in the museum.
“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 clear 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 the heritage of diverse cultures across the globe..
“We stand with the president 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”, he added.
Salvage Nigeria’s reputation in international communities- MOWAA urges President Tinubu
