First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has been conferred with the award of Grand Patron of National Museum, as the National Museum, Owo, marked its golden jubilee anniversary.
Indeed, she joined others across the globe to mark this year’s celebration of World Museum Day and the 50th Anniversary of Owo Museum at a colourful event at the Palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba David Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi.
In her speech, she re-affirmed the need to position Owo as number one destination for cultural tourism.
While stressing that Owo is a town with impressive cultural heritage yet to be maximised, Mrs. Akeredolu stated that many of the artefacts discovered are rare gems that can boost the economy of the town.
She declared that the event not only celebrates the 50th anniversary of the museum but would also birth a non governmental organisation – Owo Heritage Foundation, which would continue to promote and preserve Owo cultural heritage.
She called on Owo indigenes home and abroad to come together, establish and fund the foundation that will put Owo on the world cultural tourism map.
“You can be assured that the international community will salivate over our beautifully knitted seghosen materials and the remarkable artefacts that populate our museum.”, she added.
In his remark, the Olowo thanked all those who in no small measure made the programme a success most especially Mrs. Akeredolu.
In his welcome address, the Acting Director General, National Museum and Monument, Mr Emeka Onuegbu, affirmed that in line with the year’s theme, the focus is on advancement in technology, communication and internet connections in order to make museum products more enticing and fulfilling.
Onuegbu, who stressed that as museum landscape in the 21st century is redefined, it stands a better chance to reach beyond the core audience as more people will get the opportunity to share experiences on social media.
The Curator, Owo Museum, Mr. Adeoye Oluwasola Akanni in his speech, expressed gratitude to all that have been providing support while also assuring the public that the museum will rejuvenate and become more relevant to the host community.
Other highlights of the event included cultural exhibitions of seghonsen fabric made into different items such as handbags, travelling bags, laptop bags, purses, hair ornaments, shoes, and chairs to mention a few.
The event rounded off with a tour of the Museum.
