You are here: Home Resources Events Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola felicitates Muslims as Ramadan Commences
Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola felicitates Muslims as Ramadan Commences
11 March, 2024
Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, rejoices with Muslims in Osun State, Nigeria and across the world, on the commencement of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.
Oyinlola observed that the observance of fasting during Ramadan, which is one of the key pillars of Islam, comes along with the attendant spiritual rejuvenation and blessings. According to the former governor, ” as we engage in fasting and prayers, let us remember at all times that Ramadan provides opportunity for interfaith relations, empathy and prayers for the country in at a critical time like this.”
He enjoined the Muslim Umaah to seize the opportunity of this season to do more in terms of helping the less privileged around them.
“The holy month of Ramadan should not only be about fasting, it should be a period to step up our care for the less privileged around us by helping to make the fasting period easy for them through works of charity.”
Prince Oyinlola wishes all Muslims a spiritually fulfilling fasting experience, while urging them to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan, by focusing on purity of body and mind while embracing empathy and kindness for fellow human beings.
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU CELEBRATES 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Communique at the end of the 2024 Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding Black History MONTH
01 March, 2024
Every February, Black History Month (BHM) is celebrated to reflect on the history, stories, and contributions of Blacks across the globe and in different fields. On 27th February 2024, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osun State, observed the 2024 Black History Month (BHM) titled “The Art of Blackness” in accordance with the global theme that focuses on “African Americans and the Arts.”
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding theme “Art of Blackness” focused on the diverse aspect of Art by focusing on African Visual Arts, Films and Music, which are essential to blacks identity across various epochs of African history as we reflect on the legacies and achievement of generations of the past, and the events of the presents. As the CBCIU community gathers to commemorate Black History Month, The CBCIU-BHM panel also had in attendance Dr. Oluwafunminiyi Raheem (Osun State University, Osogbo), Olawale Yemisi (University of Ilorin, Kwara State) Dr. Mojeed Animashaun (Fountain University, Osogbo), and Dr. Charles Omotayo (Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo).
The lecture under the auspices of the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Olagunsoye and the Executive Director of CBCIU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso.
At the end of the lecture, the following observations were made at the lecture:
African visual arts cover a rich and diverse range of traditions, styles, and techniques that diverge across different regions and cultures of Africa
Although globalisation has fostered greater appreciation and understanding of black cultural contributions, it has sparked deeper conversations about cultural appropriation and representation.
Films are an essential aspect of African Art that has continued to contribute deeper meaning to the identity of Africa.
African films must focus on reengineering their content and approach, presenting Africa’s history and identity in global space as a force to reckon with.
African governmental and non-governmental institutions in the field of Art must focus on investing in African Artists through the provision of sustainable and accessible finance, the provision of infrastructure and platforms for international engagements and collaborations.
African music remains a powerful representation of the Blacks’ identity across various epochs. Hence, appropriate attention to the music field will situate African identity and contributions to global affairs
At the end of the lecture, the following reductions were made:
The delegate led by 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐲𝐢 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐝𝐞, 𝐀𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐀𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐬𝐨𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 reiterate the importance of films, Africa literature, poem, oral traditions as the basis of reconstructing the identity of Africans and Blacks globally
The delegate led 𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 also emphasised the need for a change in the current narrative of the African music industry where content that promotes wisdom, knowledge and the African culture of Omoluabi are prioritised.
The Executive director of CBCIU also pledged its readiness to provide elders in African history and culture the opportunity to document important aspects of African identities fading away due to the effect of globalisation.
The CBCIU-BHM ended with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from the CBCIU Executive Director, Professor Siyan Oyeweso.
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU CELEBRATES 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
CBCIU CELEBRATES 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
28 February, 2024
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU) today hosted the 2024 Black History Month (BHM) tagged The Art of Blackness in accordance with the global theme which focuses on “African Americans and the Arts.”
Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Director, CBCIU during the delivery of his address
Chief Fakayode Faniyi during the delivery of his address as the Chairman of the Programme
The BHM welcomed four panelists in persons of Dr. Oluwafunminiyi W. Raheem (Osun State University), Dr. Mojeed Animashaun (Fountain University), Dr. Charles Omotayo (Adeyemi Federal University of Education) and Olawale Yemisi (University of Ilorin), who interrogated the place of visual arts, films, and music connected to black history, identity, and power relations with the Wider World.
Dr. Oluwafunminiyi W. Raheem
Dr. Charles Omotayo
Dr. Mojeed Animashaun
Yemisi Olawale
At the event were Curator, National Gallery of Art, Mr. Adodo Sunday and staff of the National Gallery of Art, Osogbo; Chief Faniyi Fakayode Agbongbo,Awo of Osogboland; Chief Mrs. Adedoyin Faniyi; Mr Fatai Adekunle, former Curator, National Commission for Museum and Monuments and staff of National Commission for Museum and Monuments; Omooba Wale Olayemi; Mr. Stephen Oni; students of the Department of Tourism and Department of Philosophy, Osun State University, Osogbo, and many others.
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS OF GERMANY IN THE UNITED NATIONS
CBCIU CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS OF GERMANY IN THE UNITED NATIONS
Theme: Fifty years of Germany’s involvement in the United Nations.
Date: Monday, 18 September, 2023
On Monday, 18 September, 2023, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, organised an International Colloquium to celebrate fifty years of Germany’s involvement in the United Nations.
The Anniversary Remark was delivered by the Consul General, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Lagos, Weert Borner LL.M, while the Welcome Address was given by the Director of the Centre, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso
Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Director, CBCIU during the delivery of his welcome address
Weert Borner, Consul General of Germany during the delivery of his welcome address
The event was heralded with several paper presentations by renowned international scholars whose topics were woven around the theme, Fifty Years of Germany in the United Nations. Some of the scholars who read papers at the Colloquium include Prof. Femi Mimiko, a Professor of Comparative Economy and International Relations in the Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University. He spoke on the topic, Beyond the Narrowing Confines of the UN: Rethinking Germany’s Role in a Changing Global Order; Prof. Olutayo Adesina, Professor of History, University of Ibadan, who spoke on the topic, The Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations and the Shaping of a Conflict-Free Africa Agenda: A Historical Conjuncture; and Prof. Aderemi Ajala, Professor of African/Medical Anthropology and Development Studies, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan, who spoke on 50 Years of Germany’s Contributions to International Education in Nigeria.
Others include Dr. Muritala Monsuru of the Department of History and International Studies, University of Ibadan, on Germany and Refugees from the Arab World: Promoting Humanity and Integrating the Persecuted and Displaced; Dr. Dapo Thomas of the Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University on Germany and the Price for Global Peace; and Dr. Oluwafunminiyi Raheem from the Osun State University who spoke on 50 Years of Strengthening the International Health Architecture: Examining Germany’s global vaccine initiative ACT-A in Africa.
You are here: Home Resources Events Communique’ presented at the End of the 2023 Annual Osun Osogbo Festival
COMMUNIQUE’ PRESENTED AT THE END OF THE 2023 ANNUAL OSUN OSOGBO FESTIVAL
Theme: Osun Osogbo Festival: The Past in the Living Present
Date: August 12, 2023
The One-Day Annual Celebration of the Osun Osogbo Festival organized by the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding on the occasion of the 2023 Osun Osogbo Festival, celebrated on August 11, 2023. The convener of the celebration on the platform of the center was Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Professor of History and Executive Director of CBCIU. The program was held at the Ulli Beier Auditorium, a Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding. The annual celebration under this platform incorporates both academic discourses and cultural evidence that illustrates the essence of Osun Osogbo as a Yoruba cultural, religious, and global identity.
HRM Oba Oyekanmi, Alasipa of Asipa
At the celebration, local and international participants arrived at the CBCIU Ulli Beier Auditorium on August 12, 2023. The celebration commenced with an elaborate opening introduction by the chairman and moderator of the celebration. The celebration was graced by the royal fathers among which include Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji – Ataoja of Osogbo who was ably represented by Olori Kafayat Oyetunji and the Ataoja Traditional Chiefs in Council; Alasipa of Asipa – Oba Muftau Wale Oyehan Oyekanmi Ilufemiloye Fasina VIII; Agbongbon of Osogbo – Chief Fakayode Faniyi, Iyalode Osogbo – Alhaja Chief Awawu Asindemade. Other dignitaries present include Mrs. Ajayi M.O, General Manager, Osun Tourism Board; Mrs. Toyin Ajayi, Mr. Obadare Ayodeji from the Osun-Osogbo Grove; Mr. M.O. Bashir from the National Museum, Osogbo. The event was also graced by distinguished academics among which include Dr. Saheed Amusa from the Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr. Mutiat Oladejo of the Department of History, University of Ibadan, Dr. Awoyera F.E., Bown University, Iwo, Dr. Sarafa Balogun and rs. Dara of the Department of History and International Studies, Osun State University, Dr. Raheem Oluwafunminiyi of the Department of Tourism, Osun State University; Osun Osogbo religious adherents, traditional religion and cultural experts. The event also witnessed the presence of the press which included Vanguard; Punch; The Nation; Amiloaded Media Hub and Insights Media
At this celebration, two academic lectures were presented: one by Dr. Saheed Amusa, the Head of Department, Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and one by Lena Naumann, a curator and Junior Fellow at the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies. Dr. Saheed Amusa examines the Osun and the Contemporary Greatness of Osogbo: The Myth and the Realities, while Lena Naumann discusses the New Sacred Art Perspective on the works of Susanne Wenger and the Movement in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Groove. The celebration also witnessed an address by Robin Campell titled “The Aduni Olorisha Trust and Aduni Osun Foundation: Committed to the Preservation and Performance of the Oso Osogbo Sacred Groove and New Sacred Art.”
Professor Siyan Oyeweso
All in all, the three academic papers presented interrogating the undiminishing role of Susanne Wenger in the emergence of the Osun Osogbo Groove. Susanne Wenger occupies a bridge that links the traditional and contemporary worship, religious identity, and cultural identity of Osun Osogbo. The discussion also established the realities and position of Osun in the contemporary global and national identities of Osogbo. At the end of the celebration, the following positions and conclusions were reached, among others:1. That Osun Osogbo festival is an embodiment of the totality of Yoruba cultural and religious identity and richness. 2. That the primacy of Osun Osogbo in traditional and contemporary religious celebration across Yoruba land is historically established, culturally supported, and entrenched in Yoruba’s identity Susanne Wenger enjoys primacy in Osun Osogbo history as religious, spiritual, and cultural links 3. That the greatest legacy that Susanne Wenger bequeathed to the entire world is the worship and identity of the Osun Osogbo festival. 4. That annual celebration of the Osun Osogbo festival, which featured the roles of traditional rulers, religious leaders, cultural experts, and the people, shows that Osun Osogbo and Yoruba cultural and religious identity remain sacrosanct. 5. That Susanne Wenger played key roles in the revitalization years of the Osun Osogbo Groove, and the Aduni Olorisha Trust-Aduni Osun Foundation has continued to play a significant role in upholding the legacy of Susanne Wenger and the identity of the Osun Osogbo Grove. 6. That the worship and annual celebration of Osun Osogbo must continue to experience significant growth, through which it will become a global tourist center. that the government at all levels and international organizations such as UNESCO must continue to protect the cultural significance and relevance of the Osun Osogbo festival. 7. That there is a greater task ahead for the academic and non-academic historians, archaeologists, sociologists, anthropologists, linguists, and other scholars for further research and investigations into the Osun Osogbo festival for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the important role of Osun Osogbo in Yoruba history, culture, and political power relations.
Some Practical Policy Recommendations After the annual academic-cultural celebration at the CBCIU, the following recommendations are made for improving the state and status of the Osun Osogbo festival: 1. Osun Osogbo religious and cultural identity should be incorporated into courses of study in the departments of tourism, Yoruba language, fine and applied art, and history at Nigerian universities. 2. There is a need for government at all levels to further expand the scope of commitment towards the Osun Osogbo Groove in terms of maintenance of the groove facilities and its sustainability towards global cultural best practices. 3. Cultural institutions, traditional rulers, cultural experts, and all worshipers of Osun Osogbo must unite to protect this cultural heritage. 4. We must aggregate and harness the rich cultural and religious values in the Osun Osogbo festival as tools for Yoruba’s cultural identity, growth, and development. 5. The Yoruba nation today needs a workable and practicable cultural policy rooted in our indigenous cultures and histories, which in turn will enhance contemporary and future understanding and shape relations around the Osun Osogbo festival and other indigenous religious institutions. 6. The Federal and State Ministries of Cultures, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), and other relevant agencies should provide proper platforms and policies for the promotion of indigenous cultural values. This is because our cultural values are capable of restoring our pride and providing the basis for our development, just as Paula Gomez of the Alaafin’s Palace noted that “If you preserve, you develop.” Therefore, we must know that there is no development for us without preserving our cultural heritage.
Conclusion The CBCIU-Annual Osun Osogbo Festival in commemoration of the 2023 Osun Osogbo Festival reflected on the importance of Osun Osogbo in the contemporary greatness of Osogbo and the role of Susanne Wenger in the movement towards the restoration of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Groove. Though the papers presented are sacred, their contemporary importance and future importance to Yoruba religious, spiritual, and cultural identity and development cannot be underestimated.
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU CELEBRATES THE ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
CBCIU CELEBRATES THE ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
On Friday, 17th of February, 2023, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, celebrated the annual Black History Month. The event themed; Get Up, Stand Up, Stand Up for your Rights, aligns with the globally adopted theme for the year 2023; Black Resistance.
Dr. Saheed Amusa during the delivery of the lecture
The event was marked with paper presentations by renowned scholars of African Studies woven around the theme, while there were also cultural performances and Dances. Scholars who made paper presentations include Dr. Senayon Olaoluwa and Dr. Sola Olorunyomi, both of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. Others are; Dr. Saheed Amusa Balogun, the Head of the Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife; and Dr. Temitope Fagunwa of the Department of History and International Studies, Osun State University.
The event which was held at the Fela-Kuti Hall of the Centre had in attendance members of Staff of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Osun State Tourism Board, Osun State Art Community, and other distinguished members of the public.
cross section of the participants at the Seminar
It is against this background that Fela came to play an important role. By the time his music career took a shift, basing them on an anti-establishment posture, these songs became an avenue of expression of Pan-Africanism and an antidote to the crisis of neocolonialism. Fela’s music, according to Fagunwa, targetted the international capitalist countries and their agents, institutions and structures as well as members of the African petit-bourgeois ruling class. In International Thief Thief released in 1979, Fela pointed out the ‘nefarious’ activities carried out by these groups and exposed the corrupt relationship that existed between them. He also waxed several anti-imperialists. In an unreleased album titled Movement against Second Slavery (MASS), Fela presented this song against the forces of neocolonialism.The speakers reiterated the need for Africans to take pride in their culture and enjoined governments and policy makers across all levels to always look inward for African Development, stressing that no nation can attain sustainable development without integrating its culture into its national plans.
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU HOLDS THE 2022 OSUN OSOGBO COMMEMORATION PROGRAMME, CALLS FOR INTERVENTION AGAINST OSUN DESECRATION
CBCIU HOLDS THE 2022 OSUN OSOGBO COMMEMORATION PROGRAMME, CALLS FOR INTERVENTION AGAINST OSUN DESECRATION
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, on Thursday, August 25, 2022, held the 2022 Osun Osogbo Annual Commemoration Programme tagged: Osun Osogbo across the Atlantic: Towards Preservation and Sustainability of Nigeria’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The event was held at the Ulli Beier Hall of the Centre.
The event that was in a hybrid format drew participants from stakeholders in the art and cultural sector, the traditional institution, academia, as well as members of the Osogbo community and its environs, who unanimously called on stakeholders to rescue the Osun Osogbo Sacred River from desecration that has become its lot in the past few years.In his keynote address, the Executive Director, CBCIU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, lamented the pitiable condition of the river exacerbated by indiscriminate water pollution and other reckless acts. According to him, ‘pollution and desecration of the Osun River constitute an act of aggression against one of the most important Yoruba and African heritage.The Osun Sacred River holds a place of immense significance in Yoruba cosmology and cultural belief system. The river is believed to embody the sacred Osun goddess, the Yoruba goddess of fertility, purity, and healing. This river goddess has legion of adherents who channel their supplications to her for various forms of healing. The water itself, is believed to possess healing power from various forms of problems and afflictions, hence it is being dubbed as ‘agbo’; meaning herbal drink.In addition, the Osun Osogbo Sacred Groove, which houses the shrine of the river goddess, is one of the only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nigeria. This is a place of abundant tourism potentials and a honeypot for economic rejuvenation for Nigeria if properly annexed.I, therefore, on behalf of the Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees of this Centre, call on the government of Osun State, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ataoja in Council and other stakeholders in Art, Culture and Tourism, to implement enabling policies for the protection of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Groove, Osun River and other river bodies and tourism destinations within the state from desecration.The event witnessed paper presentation by great academics, such as Professor Aderemi Ajala and Dr. Monsur Muritala, from University of Ibadan, Professor Felix Ayo-Omidire, Professor David Ogungbile, Dr. Bukola Omigbule, and Dr. Amusa Saheed Balogun, from Obafemi Awolowo University.Also, papers were presented by many foreign experts on culture, including Mrs Robin Campbell; the Chairperson, Adunni Olorisa Trustfund, Ms Lena Naumann from Iwalewa Haus, University of Bayreuth; Chief Ellias Garcia, the Baba Olosun of Brazil; as well as Nigerian Cultural experts and Osun devotees, such as Yeye Osun, Priestess Osunwende Funke Omodara, Priestess Adedoyin Faniyi, and Priestess Oyelola Elebuibon.
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU AT PARIS, FRANCE
CBCIU AT PARIS, FRANCE
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, (CBCIU) participated in the 9th Session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was held between 5th and 7th of July, 2022, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chairman of the Centre’s Board of Trustees, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, the Executive Director, and Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa a Member of the Board of Trustees and former Nigeria’s Permanent Delegate at UNESCO represented CBCIU at the Meeting.
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prince (Dr.) Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Member, Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa and the Director, Professor Siyan Oyeweso.
The representatives of the Centre include the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prince (Dr.) Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Member, Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa and the Director, Professor Siyan Oyeweso.
The 9th Session, which kicked off on July 5, saw the adoption of several resolutions related to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, including those related to operational directives, such as financial matters, as well as resolutions regarding the accreditation of non governmental organizations to act in an advisory capacity to the Convention.
After the meeting, Professor Siyan Oyeweso stated that among the most important resolution of the 9th Session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is:
Adoption of 33 non-governmental organizations to act in an advisory capacity to the Convention.
He added that Mauritania has been elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which has 24 Member States, after the expiry of the four-year mandate of the State of Kuwait. The General Assembly approved the resolution concerning the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Convention in 2023.
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU HOLDS A ROUNDTABLE AND A DAY OF TRIBUTES IN MEMORY OF ALAAFIN LAMIDI ADEYEMI III (1938-2022)
CBCIU HOLDS A ROUNDTABLE AND A DAY OF TRIBUTES IN MEMORY OF ALAAFIN LAMIDI ADEYEMI III (1938-2022)
On Tuesday, 24th May, 2022, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo holds a Roundtable and a Day of Tributes for Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III who had joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022 at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. There is no doubt that his 52-year reign witnessed phenomenal achievements in the field of education, community development, modern infrastructure, culture, effective security, peace building and recognition of the Alaafin as a global brand. Alaafin Adeyemi III was an Oba who loved Yoruba culture and made it a strong aspect of everyday life even up till his last moment on earth.
Prof. Toyin Falola, Chairman and Moderator of the event.
The programme was anchored by a US-based Professor of History, Toyin Falola, the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin. Some of the presenters are His Eminence Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (Rtd); Dr. Paula Gomes, the Alaafin Culture Ambassador; Professors Akin Ogundiran, Olutayo Adesina, Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, Isaac Olawale Albert, Yahya Imam, Oyeronke Olademo; Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, Dr. Festus Adedayo and Chief Tunde Busari, among others
The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal Laminisa 1; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin; the Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye; the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi; the Alara of Ara, Oba Olubayo Windapo; the Ona Onibode of Igboho, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adetoyese Jayeola were a delight to watch at the event in their flowing traditional costumes when they all rose in unison and hit dance floor in response to a live performance by the Alapaaro band based in Osogbo.
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, held the 2022 World Museum Day. The theme of the lecture is The Power of Museums: Recover and Imagine. The event was held at the HRM Oba Oyinlola Hall of the Centre.
The event that was in a hybrid format drew participants from stakeholders in the art, tourist, museum and cultural sector. The speakers established that:1. One of the interesting museums in Nigeria is Esie Musem, established in 1954. It was the first to be built in the country; it was established primarily to house hundreds of soapstone sculpture of Esie2. The Ife Museum, built on a piece of land within the Oba’s Palace, was established in 1954, mainly to preserve the famous bronze and terracotta objects hitherto kept in the sacred groves3.The Gidan Makama Museum, Kano, apart from being a national monument because of its intrinsic architectural excellence, has exhibits which, to some extent, tell the story of Kano4. The Benin Museum was opened in 1973 to house the collection of the royal art of Benin, representing the works of generations of artists which were originally in the custody of the late Chief Jacob Egharevba, the repository of Benin historical and cultural studies5. The Kaduna Museum is a typical example of non-purpose built museum. The building was donated by the defunct North Central State Government and was originally used as a political party secretariat for the Northern People’s Congress (NPC)The colloquium also acknowledged that museums matters to the country on so many levels. They help to educate children and adults, connect the nations with our past, help us stay in touch with our own and other’s cultures, and generate significant economic benefits for the country, attracting millions of UK and other overseas visitors and creating many jobs. It further contended that, like so many areas of our lives, the museums sector has had a tough time during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of physical visitors falling in responses to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite these challenges, there are is plenty of things to be positive about, and 2022 has seen a flurry of new exhibitions and the opening of refurbished venues.The Board of Trustees and Management of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), as part of her mandate, has put up an exhibition in honour of Duro Ladipo to showcase his personal belongings for viewers to engender better understanding of the role he played in promoting Yoruba art and culture and to serve educational values and earn respect for the late artist. The exhibition provides a good opportunity to appreciate the outstanding life of Duro Ladipo and offers an invaluable platform of showing his legacy as approved by the immediate family. Today, CBCIU hosts the Duro Ladipo Museum and Photographic Gallery.
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