PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to protect artifacts that have been brought back to Benin from other areas of the world in order to preserve the history of the people.
According to a statement from Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, he made the commitment when he met with other traditional leaders from Edo State and the Oba of Benin yesterday.
He added that the President gave them the assurance that his government would aid the Benin Royal Council in its effort to create a museum to house the artifacts.
The President congratulated the Benin monarch for the retrieval of the stolen artefacts, commending his effort in ensuring that a befitting museum is built to archive the rich history and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
“It deserves our protection. We are glad to have them back, and we are glad you are happy. They are in protective custody. It is a matter of history, over a hundred years. We will work on the museum,” he said.
President Tinubu said the Federal Government is currently undertaking an audit of its infrastructure projects, promising to ensure that roads in Edo State are considered in line with a request made by the traditional ruler.
In his address, Oba Ewuare II commended President Tinubu for the giant strides of his administration within its first weeks.
“We’ve predicted that you would hit the ground running and you have done so, even faster than we thought,” the royal father said.
He noted that the President’s actions since taking office on May 29, 2023, have restored Nigerians’ optimism and put the nation on the path to progress and development.
President Tinubu was urged by the Oba to assist the Benin Palace in preventing theft of or appropriation of the artifacts from the Benin Royal House.
Additionally, Oba Ewuare II expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for appointing him as the provost of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
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