PRESIDENT TINUBU CONSTITUTES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MOWAA TO SAFEGUARD NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE

In a decisive response to recent developments at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin city, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has directed the immediate constitution of a High-Level Presidential Committee to develop a Comprehensive Framework for the permanent resolution of all related matters.

This Presidential intervention underscores the administration's unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria's cultural patrimony while ensuring that all issues are addressed through dialogue mutual respect and strict adherence to constitutional provisions.

 Composition of the Committee:

The committee is chaired by the Hon Minister of Art, culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa and comprises distinguished stakeholders representing critical national and international interests.

  Its composition reflects President Tinubu's recognition of the complex historical cultural and diplomatic dimensions of this matter.

Members of the Presidential Committee include:

1 Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (Chairperson)

2 Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy

3 Representative of the Presidency 

4 Director International Cultural Relations 

5 Special Assistant to the President on Creativity 

6 Director General, National Council for Art and Culture 

7 Representative, Palace of the Oba of Benin 

8 Representative, Edo State Government 

9 Representative, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

10 Representative, German Embassy 

11 Representative, French Embassy 

12 Senator Representing Edo South 

13 Representative, National Commission for Museum and Monuments

14 Representative, Museum of West African Art MOWAA 

15 Legal Adviser, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture Tourism and the Creative Economy.

Mandate of the Committee

The committee is mandated to: 

• Conduct extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders 
• Undertake vigorous fact finding on all pertinent issues: and 
• Formulate actionable recommendations that balance Nigeria's sovereign cultural interests with international partnership and diplomatic considerations.

Statement from the Honourable Minister:

According to Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa, "This Presidential intervention demonstrates our unwavering dedication to preserving Nigeria's cultural heritage through peaceful means and within established legal framework. Cultural institutions are pillars of our national identity and must be protected through collaborative approaches that reflect both traditional custodianship and modern institutional structures".

Way Forward:

The committee will submit its findings and recommendations directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to ensure the swift implementation of sustainable solutions that uphold the integrity of Nigeria's cultural ecosystem.

The Federal Government reaffirms that while the constitution guarantees certain fundamental freedoms it equally demands responsibility in their exercise. Nigeria's cultural spaces and artifacts represent our shared inheritance and therefore deserve special protection under both moral and legal statues.

All stakeholders are hereby urged to maintain peace and cooperate fully with the Presidential Committee as it pursues its vital mandate.

For further information please contact: 

Office of the Honourable Minister, 

Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy:

Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja 

Signed:

Chindaya Ahmadu 

Director Press, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy 

Tags: Cultural Assets