Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, has inaugurated a Technical Committee for the implementation of the construction of King Jaja of Opobo Historical and Cultural Centre.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister said at the ceremony that the centre would be built in Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State.
According to her, the project signifies a milestone to take Nigeria’s Art and Cultural heritage to enviable heights as it would make history to always remember the historic monarch.
“I am delighted to address you at this epoch-making event of inauguration of the Technical Committee to oversee the implementation of a project considered key in the preservation of our cultural heritage.
“The establishment of the King Jaja of Opobo Cultural and Historical Centre is a testament to our commitment to immortalising past heroes and promoting our cultural identity.
“One of the ministry’s core mandates is immortalising past heroes by promoting national heritage and values.
Today’s event is a testament to our readiness to partner with any State, community, individual or group that desires to immortalise persons of proven capabilities.
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“Those whose immense contributions had helped in shaping and projecting the uniqueness of our cultural values, norms and artifacts as a people.
“This project is designed to be a historic tribute to cultural renaissance as well as a clarion call for cultural preservation.
“It is a step to encourage our nation’s quest for cultural tourism and a boost for diplomacy in international affairs,” she said.
Musawa added that the establishment of the centre was in line with Nigeria’s vision of utilising the art, culture and tourism sectors to create job opportunities for the teaming youth.
She therefore urged the technical committee to regard their selection as a clarion call to national assignment and to provide regular updates to the stakeholders on its activities.
She appreciated the Government Rivers State, the Amayanabo of Opobo, and the people of Opobo Kingdom for their vision and commitment to sustaining cultural heritage and immortalizing their progenitor, Late King Jaja of Opobo.
“Let me remind you that you are expected to play critical roles in the realisation of this onerous task at hand.
“Your assignment will require you to serve as liaison between the Federal Government , represented by the Ministry, the State Government and the host Community,” she said.
According to her, the committee is required to come up with a work plan for the project and draft the strategy on the implementation.
This she said include detailing the timeline as well as suggest other terms of reference that are considered germane to the success of the projec.
Earlier, His Royal Majesty, King, (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Treaty King, Natural Ruler and the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, thanked the Federal Government for showing interest in the project.
The royal father, who led a delegation of Opobo Kingdom indigenes to the ministry, appreciated the initiative to establish such a historical and cultural centre aimed at immortalising King Jaja.
Also, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State, lauded the Federal Government for the initiative.
“This is a project that has taken us several years, when the other people who were there did not share the same vision with us, but we are very happy.
“I am glad that a minister came and bought into the vision and today, we are starting the actual journey to making people know exactly what our intentions were,” she said.
