The United States has awarded Nigeria a $90,000 grant to support the preservation of Nok artefacts under the Fiscal Year 2023 Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant.
The initiative aims to safeguard and document the country’s invaluable cultural heritage.
The agreement was formalised in a signing ceremony attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, underscoring the U.S.-Nigeria partnership in cultural preservation.
The Nok civilization, known for its distinctive terracotta sculptures dating back to around 500 BCE, represents one of West Africa’s oldest cultures. These artefacts are a crucial part of Nigeria’s historical and artistic identity.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills emphasised that the grant would help ensure the necessary knowledge and skills for preservation are sustained.
Mills highlighted the importance of protecting global cultural heritage, noting that initiatives like the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) reflect America’s values and strengthen ties with nations like Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, stressed that artefacts are not just historical relics but vital expressions of cultural identity.
She praised the collaborative effort as a significant step in preserving the country’s heritage.
Chairman of the Wheyham Foundation, Yahaya Maikori, described the project as a landmark effort in securing Nigeria’s historical legacy.
The initiative will document artefacts, establish a digital museum, renovate the Nok Museum, and conduct educational outreach programmes.
The project will be implemented through a partnership between the Wheyham Foundation, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), and the Yale University Art Gallery.
