Admin l Saturday, May 19, 2018
OWO, Ondo, Nigeria – The First Lady of Onto State, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu joined others across the globe to mark this year’s celebration of World Museum Day and mark the 50th Anniversary of Owo Museum at a colourful event at the Olowo of Owo’s Palace. Mrs. Akeredolu who was conferred with the award, Grand Patron National Museum, used the opportunity to re-affirm the need to position Owo as number one destination for cultural tourism. While stressing that Owo is a town with impressive cultural heritage yet to be maximized, Mrs. Akeredolu stated that many of the artefacts discovered are rare gems that can boost the economy of the town.
Arabinrin Akeredolu who also noted that the event not only celebrates the 50th anniversary of the museum but would also birth a non governmental organisation – Owo Heritage Foundation which will continue to promote and preserve Owo cultural heritage. She however called on Owo indigenes home and abroad to come together, establish and fund the foundation that will put Owo on the world cultural tourism map.
“You can be assured that the international community will salivate over our beautifully knitted seghosen materials and the remarkable artefacts that populate our museum.”, she added.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi in his remark thanked all those who in no small measure made the programme a success most especially the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Akeredolu. In his welcome address, the Acting Director General, National Museum & Monument, Emeka Onuegbu affirmed that in line with the year’s theme, the focus is on advancement in technology, communication and internet connections in order to make museum product more enticing and fulfilling.
Onuegbu who stressed that as museum landscape in the 21st century is redefined, it stands a better chance to reach beyond the core audience as more people will get the opportunity to share experience on social media.
The Curator, Owo Museum, Mr. Adeoye Oluwasola Akanni in his speech, expressed gratitude to all that has been providing supports while also assurng the public that the museum will rejuvenate and become more relevant to the host community. Other highlights of the event included cultural exhibitions of seghonsen fabric made into different items such as handbags, travelling bags, laptop bags, purses, hair ornaments, shoes, chair to mention a few. The event rounded off with tour of the Museum
