Abuja, Nigeria — The United States and Nigeria have signed a $90,000 grant agreement to protect and promote Nigeria’s Nok cultural heritage.
The initiative, executed by the Wheyham Foundation in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and Yale University Art Gallery, aims to document and safeguard Nigeria’s archaeological treasures.
Speaking at the grant signing ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Mrs. Hannatu Musawa, emphasized the importance of preserving Nok terracotta artifacts, which date back to 500 BCE.
“This grant ensures the careful protection of our cultural heritage for future generations,” she stated. The project includes digital documentation, museum education workshops, and specialized training for NCMM staff, led by Yale University experts.
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills, highlighted the initiative’s significance in deepening global appreciation of the Nok civilization. “This project supports a digital inventory, museum education programs, and exhibition enhancements at the Nok Museum,” he noted.
Chairman of the Wheyham Foundation, Mr. Yahaya Maikori, described the partnership as a testament to the US’s commitment to cultural preservation in Nigeria. “This initiative strengthens US-Nigeria ties in protecting and celebrating shared human history,” he remarked.
The Nok civilization, one of West Africa’s earliest, is renowned for its terracotta sculptures, a crucial element of Nigeria’s artistic and historical legacy.
By Taiwo Olatinwo|February 7, 2025.
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