The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has announced plans by the Federal Government to honour the legendary King Jaja of Opobo with the establishment of the King Jaja of Opobo Historical and Cultural Centre.

Recently, the minister inaugurated the Technical Committee responsible for implementing the historical and cultural centre in Opobo, Rivers State.

At a ceremony on Monday, August 5, in Abuja, Musawa highlighted the project’s significance in advancing Nigeria’s art and cultural heritage.

“The establishment of the King Jaja of Opobo Cultural and Historical Centre is a testament to our commitment to immortalizing past heroes and promoting our cultural identity,” Musawa said.

“I am delighted to address you at this epoch-making event, inaugurating the Technical Committee to oversee the implementation of a project key to preserving our cultural heritage—the establishment of the King Jaja of Opobo Cultural and Historical Centre in Opobo, Rivers State.”

The minister also emphasized the project’s objectives and the importance of partnership and collaboration.

“One of the Ministry’s core mandates is immortalizing past heroes by promoting national heritage and values. Today’s event is a testament to our readiness to partner with any state, community, individual, or group that desires to immortalize persons of proven capabilities, whose immense contributions have helped shape and project the uniqueness of our cultural values, norms, and artifacts as a people.

“This project is designed to be a historic tribute to cultural renaissance and a clarion call for cultural preservation. It encourages our nation’s quest for cultural tourism and boosts diplomacy in international affairs. The establishment of the Centre aligns with Nigeria’s vision of utilizing the Art, Culture, and Tourism sectors to create job opportunities for the youth and contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.”

Musawa called on the Technical Committee to view their selection as a national assignment and to provide regular updates to stakeholders on the committee’s activities and progress.

“Let me remind you that you are expected to play critical roles in realizing this onerous task. Your assignment will require you to serve as a liaison between the Federal Government (represented by the Ministry), the State Government, and the host community. You will also need to develop a work plan for the project and draft the strategy for implementation, detailing the timeline and suggesting other terms of reference critical to the project’s success.”

The minister expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Rivers State, the Amayanabo of Opobo, and the people of Opobo Kingdom for their vision and commitment to sustaining cultural heritage and immortalizing King Jaja of Opobo.

Earlier, His Royal Majesty, King (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Treaty King, Natural Ruler and the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, who led a delegation of Opobo Kingdom indigenes to Abuja, thanked the Federal Government for their willingness to partner with the people of Opobo to establish a historical and cultural centre and immortalize King Jaja of Opobo.

A member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, praised the Federal Government for moving towards immortalizing King Jaja of Opobo.

“As a servant of the people, anytime you’re sent to do a job and it succeeds, you should be very happy and elated. That’s exactly how I feel today. This is a project that has taken us seven years, with previous administrations not sharing the same vision. We are very happy that a minister has embraced our vision, and today, we are starting the actual journey to expand beyond our initial conception. We are glad.”