The Federal Government has again reiterated its determination to do all within its powers to ensure that it repositions the Culture and tourism sector as a major revenue earner for Nigeria. The government also disclosed that it will do its best to encourage nations who are in possession of stolen artifacts belonging to Nigeria to return them so as to ensure that such artifacts bring development and patronage to the Nations museum and enrich its ability to teach people its history.
Information and culture minister, Lai Mohammed, who expresses his delight at development in the Culture and Tourism Sector, spoke at a brief ceremony to mark the return of the Nok Terra Cotta head to Nigeria by the French Government. A people without a past will have no future so goes a popular saying, this apparently is one reason behind the diplomatic initiative by successive federal administrations to recover Nigeria’s stolen cultural artifacts.
After many years of trying, the French Government has returned one of the most recognisable artifacts in the history of Nigeria, the Nok Terracota Head. Speaking while receiving the artefact reputed to be very expensive and a major tourist attraction in French museums until the decision to return it to Nigeria after years of diplomacy, information and culture minister,Lai Mohammed, expresses delight that such a work of art is returning to its roots.
He thanked the government and people of France for the gesture while urging other countries in possession of the Nations cultural artifacts to follow the French lead.
