Sights and sounds of Nigeria @ 50

Celebrating Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee was one of great fanfare with a line-up of activities involving Nigerians and tourists alike. Three major events were the regal display of horses in the durbar at the Eagle Square, Nigeria’s National Cultural and Historical Exhibition at the Velodrome of the National Stadium, and the National Gallery of Arts (NGA) […]

Celebrating Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee was one of great fanfare with a line-up of activities involving Nigerians and tourists alike. Three major events were the regal display of horses in the durbar at the Eagle Square, Nigeria’s National Cultural and Historical Exhibition at the Velodrome of the National Stadium, and the National Gallery of Arts (NGA) pictorial exhibition of Nigeria’s March to nationhood which took place at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

The durbar drew participants from various states, local councils of the federation including the Bornu and Niger Emirates, Nasarawa, Enugu and Rivers states. The event also played host to various traditional rulers such as Etsu Nupe and the Shehu of Borno. Also at the event were members of the diplomatic community.

A large number of well decorated horses and camels, horse riders and masquerades performed at the event. Subsequently, the younger generations of Nigerians were entertained later that day by musical artists.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, who was the Special Guest of Honour, told the gathering that the performances were aimed at showcasing the nation’s great cultural heritage and creative enablement as well as share in the joy and excitement of the golden jubilee celebration of the nation.

He said that durbar, which is one of the key festivals in the northern part of the country, has enormous significance attached to it as various groups are identified by the communal stock-in-trade such as warriors, hunters and farmers.

“In celebrating Nigeria at 50 with this cultural fiesta, we have decided as a ministry in charge of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, to use our creative abilities to further build the bridges of understanding, harmony and peace that will strengthen and bind us as one strong and indivisible nation.”

While pledging not to relent in the bid to transform the nation’s abundant cultural and tourism potentials to meet the socio-economic challenges of the time, the minister commended the royal fathers for gracing the occasion.

The pictorial exhibition by the NGA was split into over sixteen categories which include photographs of all involved in the Pan-African and nationalist movements; constitutional development; the various regimes of government; civil war and the effects the war had on society; tourism; religion; transportation evolution and agriculture when they were thriving sectors, as well as culture and the arts. It also showcased Nigeria’s first time achievers in various fields like sports, mathematics, amongst many other features of the country’s fifty year metamorphosis.

The National Stadium Velodrome was transformed into a mega exhibition arena to accommodate the displays. According to Mr. George Ufot, Chairman of the Exhibition Sub-Committee, the exhibition strategy includes a central space specially designed for the expected 200 masterpieces from the National Commission of Museums and Monuments (NCMM). The upper level platform displayed a mélange of different kinds of exhibits from the country including items by the Nigerian Navy which dated as far back as the 50s.

With a concept based on the historical narrative about the achievements, challenges and aspiration of our country, the exhibition tells the story of Nigeria’s cultural freedom as it presents the actual works in physical and virtual formats.

Housing terra cotta heads and other classical art masterpieces from the Nok, Cross River monoliths, Ife and Benin art world, was a ‘temple’ set in the middle of the exhibition bowl showcasing these relics from the collection of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments (NCMM) as well as from private and educational institutions. The exhibition is on until October 31st.