Let’s explore economic benefits of Archeology, US-based don urges govt

By Mubarak Olados

A Nigerian scholar at the Arizona State University, USA, Prof Usman Aribidesi, has urged government at all levels in Nigeria to focus on Archeology as a resource that could plug the revenue gap in the economy.

Prof Aribidesi, a Fulbright Scholar, who is a Specialist in Anthropology and Archeology, noted that cultural and natural resources attract people from across the world and many African countries attract a lot of foreign exchange to their countries through tourism.

The don made this submission at the University of Ilorin Auditorium last Wednesday (June 26, 2024) while delivering the third Faculty of Arts Lecture, entitled “Unearthing the Archeological Past for Sustainable Development”.

He noted that archaeological sites like the Nok site, the Ugwuele site at Uturu, Ile Ife, and Igbo Ukwu, among others, are visited by tourists in Nigeria, lamenting, however, that visitors to the country are abysmally low compared to the available archeological resources.

Prof. Aribidesi pointed out that countries like Kenya with Olorgersaille, South Africa with Taung and Sterkfontein, Ethiopia with Hadar, and Tanzania with Olduvai Gorge generate huge sums in foreign exchange from tourism.

He said that when featured as tourist attractions, archeological sites can constitute a lucrative source of revenue for their localities, state and national governments, and also for foreign and local private tourism operators.

The don also opined that development institutions that intend to alleviate poverty and foster community economic development could encourage local inhabitants to participate in maintaining and managing archaeological sites.

Prof. Aribidesi proposed the establishment of village or community museums at the local government areas, saying that “this will help bring the museums closer to the people and their roots and encourage local people to deposit any antiquities in their care in the museums”. He added that “local people will be very willing to do this since they will feel greater connection and satisfaction doing so when the museum is in their area than when it is located outside”.

He also noted that there is high preference for Nigerian sculptures because of the quality of wood used by Nigerian sculptors. Similarly, Aribidesi asserted that bronze, terracotta, and stone objects from Nigeria are incapable of being penetrated by heat and moisture, which often destroys many other examples of African art, according to studies, and Nigerian works of art are therefore highly priced in the international market.

He revealed that in the 1970s, Benin’s artwork was sold for 34,000 Pounds while a Benin Bronze was auctioned for $2 million in 1989 as reported by Radio Nigeria.

Prof. Aribidesi noted that “Antiquities theft and illicit trade in artworks are significant problems facing cultural resource management in Nigeria today”, pointing out that “objects of artistic value, both ethnographic and archaeological, have been stolen and exported illegally while sculpture, which constitutes the bulk of Nigeria’s works of art, is often sought after”.

He also noted that Nigeria has an abundance of historic sites and monuments such as buildings of historical and architectural interest, including ancient city walls of Kano and Benin, the compound at Keffin Madaki in Bauchi State, Ilojo Bar in Lagos State, the Statutes of 19th century Kings and paramount rulers of the Niger Delta including King Jaja of Opobo, Dappa Pepple of Bonny, Chief Oshikoya of Nembe, Obu house at Elu Ohafia, Abia State, Gidan Maitama in Kano, the rock paintings in Birnin Kudu in Kano State, and the Geji Rock paintings in Bauchi State, amongst others.

Prof. Aribidesi frowned at indiscriminate construction and infrastructural development and farming, which do not take archeological sites into account. He suggested that “the Commission for Museums and Monuments must consult with state and local government officials on impending construction projects that threaten cultural resources”.

He further stated that “once cultural material is detected, archaeologists should be dispatched to the site to carry out a survey”, adding that “when sites and monuments that need to be preserved are identified, the law should be employed.”

In his speech at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, noted that sustainability should be the watch word in the development discourse, especially in Nigeria.

He noted that while only about 3 percent of Nigerians are over 65 years of age and 70 percent are under age 30, the interest of the younger generation must be the priority in the practice of development.

In his address, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof Lérè Adéyemí, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for his unwavering support to the Faculty, which has ensured that the Faculty’s French and Performing Arts programmes are fully accredited. He described Prof. Egbewole as a worthy role-model who is a pride to scholars in the Humanities.

The Dean also requested for larger language laboratories and Lecture Halls for his Faculty.

Among the guests at the event were the Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Arinde, the Commissioner for Regional Development and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Ekiti State, Dr Kareem Akande, and the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, who was represented by Prof Luqman Zakariyau, among others.

The event featured presentation of Faculty awards to distinguished personalities.