The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated his dedication to transforming Edo into a cultural and tourism center in West Africa. This commitment was expressed during his inspection of the ongoing construction at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
In his words, “I am pleased that we discovered partners, both locally and internationally, who shared our vision for this project and contributed significantly to its realization. We have representatives from the guilds of bronze casters and woodcarvers, as well as professionals from the tourism industry and excursion experts. They will all play a role in the upcoming cultural renaissance in Edo State. We are shaping Edo into a hub for culture and tourism. This will lead to the creation of more jobs in the State.
“The project is progressing as planned. The last time we visited, the foundation was just being laid. That was approximately three months ago. Today, the foundation is nearly complete, and the construction is advancing to the roofing stage.
“Beyond the physical edifice, you can observe the exhibition set up by the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). A significant amount of work is underway, which will aid us in comprehending Edo’s rich history and culture through various art forms. They will delve into the specifics of the artifacts unearthed from the archaeological work that has been done. This will assist us in understanding and articulating our identity, how we developed our systems, and demonstrating the greatness for which Edo is renowned.”
The governor acknowledged that the journey was fraught with numerous challenges, but the resilience and support of the project’s partners were key to the progress made. He added, “I am thankful that we have remained steadfast and ensured that this project comes to fruition. It’s a highly transformative project. It’s not just about the physical manifestation but also about educating children from various schools on how to preserve and conserve materials. They have learned about our past lifestyle and how it has evolved over several generations. This is, perhaps, the most transformative project we have undertaken since we assumed office.”
Regarding the project’s potential for tourism, Obaseki stated, “There will be a plethora of hospitality businesses such as hotels and restaurants, as this aligns with our objective of making Edo a tourism hub. It will draw a large number of people and boost the state’s economy.
“This project represents a call for economic diversification as we cannot continue to depend on Abuja for revenue to sustain our existence or manage our state. We are starting to lay the groundwork for a resilient economy for the State.”
