Richard Kuba, a German scholar and a professor of Archeology and Anthropology, has called on the federal government to revive museums and monuments across the country in order to attract foreign tourists and generate foreign earnings.
Kuba, who presented the 13th Distinguished Public Lecture at Federal University Lokoja, with the title “The Middle Niger: A historic trade and a cultural crossroad”, expressed shock on how the federal government has refused to tap its vast rich cultural heritage to generate huge resources for the country.
“Nigeria is such a great nation with so many natural resources, tourists’ centres, talents and potential, but lacks the ability to harness them for the development of the country.
“There is a National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the government can inject more funds to develop the art councils and museums across the states to create awareness of these institutions so that people will see and know their importance. I believe it will go a long way to promote the culture and also pave ways for tourism,” Kuba said.
He also called on the federal government to dredge the necessary portions in the River Niger and make it navigable again for commercial activities as it used to be in the 1950s and 1960s.
“River Niger has been a huge asset to Nigeria and Africa in the past; it brought trade and culture together. The River Niger was a tremendous boost to the commercial activities in the country, especially the northern part.
“On a very serious note, River Niger is not fully developed; the government should ensure that the navigable parts of the river are dredged for economic activities to spring up again.
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“The river in the past was a veritable boost for trade and other activities capable of moving the nation forward. The authorities should look into how possible they can utilize the river for the betterment of the country and its people.”
He encouraged Nigerians to study Archeology, which has many prospects, and that they should not listen to people who say the course is not marketable.
“I am appealing to people to stop undermining the opportunities that abound in archeology because some people will say why don’t you study law, medicine, engineering and the host of others.
“Without the knowledge of where things started from, it will be difficult to know where you are going. Archaeology tells you about your ancestors, what they have done and this knowledge will help you to gain the future.
“Academic excellence in every aspect or field of study needs financial support, so I am appealing to the Nigerian government to support universities in the area of grants and financial aid for research works.
“As part of a plan to assist Archeology students of FUL, I am in talk with the vice chancellor of the institution for a possible exchange programme with our university, so that through that means, the students can get enough exposure in their course of study.
“I saw how motivated and fantastic the students in this university are, they are enthusiastic with a strong spirit studying the course and they see Archeology as other courses being studied in the university”.
Earlier in his remarks, Olayemi Akinwumi, vice chancellor of the university, said that the topic, “The Middle Niger: A Historic Trade Hub and Cultural Crossroads,” was both timely and significant.
“Lokoja, where our university is located, has long been at the heart of commercial, cultural, and historical exchanges along the Middle Niger,” he said.
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