The minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has inaugurated the Technical Committee responsible for the implementation of the construction of the King Jaja of Opobo Historical and Cultural Centre in Opobo, Rivers State.
At the ceremony in Abuja, the minister said that the project signifies a milestone in taking Nigeria‘s art and cultural heritage to enviable heights.
“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.
“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 King Jaja of Opobo Cultural and Historical Centre in Opobo, Rivers State’’.
The minister highlighted the project‘s objectives, emphasising the importance of partnership and collaboration.
“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 whose immense contributions have helped shape and project the uniqueness of our cultural values, norms and artefacts as a people.
“This project is designed to be a historic tribute to cultural renaissance and a clarion call for cultural preservation. It is a step to encourage our nation‘s quest for cultural tourism and boost diplomacy in international affairs. The establishment of the Centre is in tune with Nigeria‘s vision of utilising the Art, Culture and Tourism Sectors to create job opportunities for the teeming youth and contribute to the nation‘s Gross Domestic Products“.
Minister Musawa called on the Technical Committee to regard their selection as a clarion call to national assignment and to provide regular updates to the stakeholders on the activities of the committee and progress made.
She also thanked the government and people of Rivers State, the Amayanabo of Opobo, and the people of Opobo Kingdom for their vision and commitment to sustaining cultural heritage and immortalising their progenitor, the Late King Jaja of Opobo.
Earlier, his royal majesty, King (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Treaty King, Natural Ruler and the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, who led a delegation of Opobo Kingdom indigenes to Abuja thanked the federal government for their willingness to partner with the people of Opobo to establish a historical and cultural centre and immortalise King Jaja of Opobo.
A member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, praised the federal government for moving towards immortalising King Jaja of Opobo.
