By Palma Ileye
Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, FMACTCE, has expressed deep concerns over the disturbance at the Museum of West African Art, MOWAA, in Benin City, Edo State, also moving to settle issues and safeguarding the museum.
According to a press release personally signed by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, FMACTCE, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated that the Federal Government was closely monitoring developments at MOWAA.
It read in parts: “The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, FMACTCE, received with deep concern reports of disturbances at the Museum of West African Art, MOWAA, in Benin City and is closely monitoring developments.”
In the statement, Musawa said that cultural institutions were custodians of the country’s history, identity and collective memory as well as spaces for learning dialogue and reconciliation hence the reasons to protect them.
She said, “Our cultural institutions are custodians of Nigeria’s history, identity and collective memory. They are spaces for learning, dialogue and reconciliation.
“The reported disruption at MOWAA not only endangers a treasured cultural asset but also threatens the peaceful environment necessary for cultural exchange and the preservation of our artistic patrimony for future generations.”
The statement disclosed that the Minister has briefed the Presidency on this matter, which was receiving attention at the highest levels of government.
“We are in active consultation with the Edo State Government, security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to establish a full understanding of the circumstances and to ensure an appropriate and proportionate response.
She said that the Constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms; it also requires that those freedoms be exercised responsibly stressing that, “No right extends to the destruction or desecration of national cultural assets. We urge all parties to refrain from actions that escalate tensions. Disputes must be resolved through constructive dialogue, lawful channels and mutual respect rather than through destructive conduct.”
She urged the MOWAA community and cultural stakeholders across Nigeria, saying that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the spaces where the nation’s heritage was preserved and celebrated.
“We will take the necessary measures to safeguard these institutions and to uphold the rule of law.
“This episode should strengthen our resolve that culture flourishes only in an environment of peace, respect and justice. Let us recommit to safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural institutions and to resolving our diRerences through dialogue and mutual respect for the common good,” the Minister restated.
