Tinubu hails NCMM DG for making TIME100 Art list

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, on his inclusion in the inaugural TIME100 Art list of the 100 most influential people shaping the future of art.

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The President said the recognition reflected the work Holloway and the commission had undertaken to recover Nigeria’s cultural treasures and renew institutions responsible for preserving them.

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According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended Holloway’s efforts in securing the return of stolen Nigerian artefacts and strengthening the country’s cultural institutions.

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The statement noted that since his appointment in March 2024, Holloway had worked with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to establish a framework for the retrieval, conservation and exhibition of returned Benin artefacts.

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It said the understanding had strengthened Nigeria’s position in negotiations with foreign governments, universities and museums.

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Under Holloway’s leadership, the commission secured the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands and the legal transfer of 116 Benin Bronzes from the University of Cambridge.

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The statement added that 18 Benin Bronzes and four Ikom monoliths were recently returned from Switzerland.

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Tinubu also commended the commission for launching Nigeria’s first digital museum of antiquities, with more than 200 objects from the National Museum, Lagos, scanned in three dimensions and made available through an immersive online platform.

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The President further praised the renovation of the National Museum, Lagos, which included upgraded galleries, modern display systems and improved facilities for preserving and presenting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

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According to the statement, Tinubu described the return of Nigeria’s cultural property as an important act of historical justice and a restoration of the dignity and memory of the communities from which the objects were taken.

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He applauded Holloway for the diplomacy and institutional leadership he had brought to the commission and congratulated its staff on the international recognition of their work.

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The President urged the commission to sustain its efforts to recover Nigeria’s cultural property, improve museums across the country and make the nation’s history more accessible to young Nigerians.

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