NAN-H-61
Visits
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, May 18, 2017 (NAN) The Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr Yusuf Usman has called on schools to prioritise visits to museums to enable them understand the past and plan for a better future.
Usman gave the advice on Thursday in Ilorin while speaking at an event to commemorate the 2017 International Museum Day.
The director-general, whose speech was read by the Curator of the National Museum, Ilorin, Mrs Omotayo Adeboye said it was imperative for schools to make visits to museums a compulsory part of their teaching process to assist in their understanding of the past.
According to him, the visits will also enable students to appreciate the present as well as plan for a better future.
“Museums as educational resource centres are veritable institutions for the promotion of creativity, innovation and inventiveness through their exhibitions and programmes.
“They serve as hub of the society for promoting peaceful co-existence between people because remembering the ugly side of histories, may serve as deterrent to those planning to walk along that ugly path again.
“The role of the museums as the preserver of evidences of these conflicts and bitter experiences is to provide a platform for reflections on the past in order to chart a better future,’’ Umar said.
Adeboye in her speech said the theme of the day was to highlight the significant contribution of museums in modern society.
“The day is set aside to create awareness on the important role of museums in the developmental process of every society in which they are found.
“This year is set aside to celebrate the very important role being played by museums in mending fences, building bridges, conflict resolutions and promoting friendship,’’ she said.
The curator, however, enjoined stakeholders interested in nation’s building to come up with activities in different spheres to ensure peaceful co-existence among people.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Lemuel Odeh of the Department of History and International Relations, Unilorin urged Nigerians to learn from history and remain united.
“Any nation that is defragmented could be easily encroached, hence it is important we stay united.
“Whatever is tearing us apart today, let our history mends it for us because history helps us to understand today and shape tomorrow,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured side attractions such as Ayo competition, Ewi rendition, spelling bee competition, fashion and cultural performances from students of secondary schools present. (NAN)
BAY/EEE
========
Edited by Ese E. Ekama