The Federal Government has inaugurated a technical committee to immortalise the late King Jaja of Opobo in Rivers State.
The committee will oversee the establishment of King Jaja of Opobo Cultural and Historical Centre in Rivers State.
Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who inaugurated the committee in her office yesterday in Abuja, said Nigeria’s history cannot be complete without legends like King Jaja of Opobo.
At the event, the lawmaker representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for taking concrete steps to immortalise the late traditional ruler.
Abiante said the centre would give exposure to and immortalise the late leader through deeper research and letting the world know the heritage of the people.
The lawmaker said his constituents and other Nigerians stood to gain a lot from the project.
“That axis will now become a hub of tourism in Rivers State and even in the Southsouth, if we harness the things that are there properly.
“We have the aquatic splendour behind the oceans; we have a neighbouring local government area which has elephants. If those elephants are conserved at this period, you can imagine what that could bring to us.
“There’s the wide beach beside the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a lot. What about the blue economy? It’s going to be a part of it”, he enthused.
Inaugurating the technical committee, Musawa said: “This project signifies a milestone in our collective resolve to take Nigeria’s Art and Culture to enviable heights. Permit me to add that one of the ministry’s core mandates is immortalising past heroes by promoting national heritage and values.
“Therefore, today’s event is a testament to our readiness to partner with any state, community, individual or group that desires to immortalise persons of proven capabilities whose immense contributions had helped in shaping and projecting the uniqueness of our cultural values, norms and artifacts as a people”.
Commenting on the essence of the centre, the minister stressed that “it is a step to encourage our nation’s quest for cultural tourism and a boost for diplomacy in international affairs”.
She added: “I would like to reiterate that the establishment of the centre is in tune with Nigeria’s vision of utilising the Art, Culture and Tourism sectors to create job opportunities for the teaming youths as well as contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP).
“Similarly, the establishment of cultural and historical centres engenders peace, unity, and national cohesion as well as mutual understanding among Nigerians and the International Community resident in the country”.
To members of the technical committee, Musawa said: “Let me remind you that you are expected to play critical roles in the realisation of this onerous task at hand. Your assignment will require you to serve as liaison between the Federal Government (represented by the ministry), the state government and the host community.
“You will also be required to come up with a work plan for the project and draft the strategy on the implementation, detailing the timeline as well as suggest other terms of reference that are considered germane to the success of the project”.
Leader of the Rivers State delegation and paramount ruler of Opobo, His Royal Majesty, King (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V (Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom) said: “…We’ve been agitating for the Federal Government to do something to immortalise King Jaja of Opobo for all his contributions to the emancipation of the Blackman and especially the independence of this country.
“…This is the first time the Federal Government is taking steps to do something concrete in his name – build a centre where people will come, read about his contributions to commerce, his contributions to the defence of his kingdom, and the impact on Nigeria’s history…”
