Digitalization of Museums Will Open Up New Frontiers For Development” – Kadiri, DG, NCMM

The Acting Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abdulkarim Oshioke Kadiri has affirmed that digitalization of museums provides security for priceless objects as well as references and research for conservation of those objects. He stated this at the opening of a three-day workshop on digitalization of museum collections at the National Museum, Ibadan on Thursday.

In the address, which was read on his behalf by Mrs. Edith Ekunke, Kadiri noted that “as salient as digitalization is, it is still new to the third world clime, Nigeria inclusive”.  He was however quick to point out that “the training will open up new frontiers for the Commission to develop the inventory of our collections and also train the trainer that will pass on the digitalization knowledge to others in their various stations”.

While stressing that the National Commission for Museums and Monuments was at the forefront of the return and restitution of African objects illegally taken abroad, he described the digitalization workshop as the first milestone towards building a world class, robust and independent database of the Commission’s collections.

Dr. Amos Olorunnipa, the Curator, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, described the workshop as an added advantage as he disclosed that it would create a platform for participants to interact with facilitators towards the preservation of unique cultural items for future generations.

While speaking at the event, Mr. Rusell Brooks, a Public Affairs Officer at the United States Consulate, said it was imperative for the US to support Nigeria as part of its commitment to help preserve Nigerias history, especially its cultural institution. He also pointed out that the internet provides opportunities for museums to see beyond just being museums. For the workshop, he confirmed that the US Mission has “engaged some of the best minds from the US in heritage preservation”.