Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has said his administration is proposing a cultural district where the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWA) would be located.
Obaseki said he is already discussing with a group of international town planners for the project, which according to him, is expected to kick start with a pavilion by the last quarter of the year.
The governor spoke at the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) management retreat held in Benin City, Edo state capital.
Obaseki who was conferred with an award of cultural ambassador said the EMOWA project would enhance preservation and safety of returning Benin artefacts.
The artefacts were reportedly taken away during the British invasion of Benin Kingdom in 1897 and the items is said to be in several museums across Europe.
Obaseki who lauded the federal government’s role in the creation of a safety structure said, “The British museum has made funds available to undertake archiological survey.
“It (fund) will serve as stepping stone and build confidence to raise funds for the building of the Museum.
“All of us must speak with one voice in other not to give them (Europeans) excuse. As a government, it’s something we are totally committed to.”
