National Museum Akure

07/10/2026

NATIONAL MUSEUM AKURE CELEBRATES NIGERIA’S 66TH INDEPENDENCE WITH CULTURAL SHOWCASE

National Museum, Akure, on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, celebrated Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day with a colourful cultural and educational programme themed “Building, Rising Together.”

The event, which marked the second edition of the Museum’s Independence Day celebration, brought together students and teachers from seven schools, staff of the Museum and other invited guests.

Declaring the event open, the Managing Curator, Mrs. Adegboye Janet Yemisi, called on Nigerians to embrace unity, responsibility and respect for the country’s cultural diversity. She urged the students to take their education seriously, acquire useful skills and uphold values such as discipline, honesty, integrity and respect.

In his keynote lecture, Dr. Jide Lawrence Ajayi, CLN, Head, Department of Library and Information Science, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, emphasised that nation-building is a continuous responsibility. He urged the students to reject bullying, examination malpractice and cybercrime, while using technology responsibly and developing skills that would contribute to Nigeria’s development.

He also encouraged the students to visit museums and learn about Nigeria’s history and heritage, noting that understanding the past is essential to building a better future.

The Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Mrs. Williams Folasayo, described the celebration as a day of gratitude and hope, stressing the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Nigeria’s past leaders and heroes. She reaffirmed the Museum’s responsibility as a custodian of history to educate younger generations about their heritage.

A major highlight of the celebration was a cultural fashion parade and performances by seven schools, including Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Ijapo High School, Hapa College, Mosco Pragmatic College, Adeyemi College of Education Model School, The Kingdom Dominion College and Gloryland Community Primary School.

The schools showcased various Nigerian cultures through dances, choreography and historical presentations on Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Participants received certificates of participation and gift items from the sponsors.

The introduction of Miss Independence 2026 also added glamour to the celebration.

The event reaffirmed the commitment of the National Museum, Akure, to promoting historical awareness, patriotism, cultural appreciation and responsible citizenship among younger Nigerians.

05/10/2026

NATIONAL MUSEUM AKURE CELEBRATES NIGERIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH EAGLE NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL

National Museum, Akure, on Thursday, 1 October 2026, celebrated Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day with pupils and teachers of Eagle Nursery and Primary School, Akure, through an educational programme designed to promote historical awareness, patriotism and appreciation of Nigeria’s heritage among young learners.

The programme, facilitated by officers from the Education and Exhibition units, took participants through Nigeria’s historical development, from the Pre-Colonial Era and Colonial Era to the attainment of independence on 1 October 1960, as well as the country’s successive leaders from independence to date.

The resource persons, Mrs. Salako Ebun, Mrs. Okankiri Bosede and Mrs. Olatejuwoye Rachael delivered interactive presentations on traditional systems of governance, the establishment of British colonial administration, the struggle for independence and Nigeria’s political leadership since independence.

The session was engaging and interactive, with pupils actively participating in discussions while teachers also contributed to the learning experience. A total of 38 participants attended the programme, comprising 14 boys, 13 girls and 11 teachers.

The proprietor, teachers and pupils expressed their appreciation to the National Museum, Akure, for the initiative and the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Nigeria’s history and independence.

The programme reflects the Museum’s commitment to heritage education, public engagement and the promotion of historical consciousness among younger generations, in line with its mandate to preserve, promote and educate the public about Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Tomorrow, we take the celebration a step further! Join us as we commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day in grand style. It promises to be a memorable celebration, and you won’t want to miss it. Keep the date with us!

28/09/2026

NATIONAL MUSEUM AKURE ORGANISES SKILLS ACQUISITION PROGRAMME FOR FUTA STUDENTS

The National Museum, Akure, on Thursday, 24 September 2026, organised a skills acquisition programme for nineteen (19) students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), who are currently undergoing industrial training at the Museum.

The programme, organised by the Departments of Educational Services and Training and Exhibition, was designed to provide the students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the production of whitening, oil perfume and air freshener.

The training provided an opportunity for the students to complement their academic knowledge with practical skills that could be applied beyond their regular classroom and departmental activities. The students were introduced to the various stages involved in the production processes and actively participated in the practical sessions.

The demonstrations were facilitated by Mrs. Okankiri Bosede and Mrs. Salako Ebun, who guided the students through the processes and responded to their questions during the interactive session.

The students participated enthusiastically throughout the programme and expressed their appreciation to the resource persons and the Museum management for providing them with the opportunity to acquire useful practical knowledge and skills.

The initiative reflects the National Museum Akure’s commitment to promoting practical learning, skills development and meaningful educational engagement with students undergoing industrial training at the Museum.

27/09/2026

NATIONAL MUSEUM AKURE PARTICIPATES IN WORKSHOP ON ENHANCING HERITAGE SITES FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

National Museum, Akure, on Thursday, 24 September 2026, participated in a post-research workshop on the policy brief titled “Enhancing Heritage Sites for Sustainable Tourism Development in Nigeria”, held at the Postgraduate Conference Hall of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

The workshop followed a research project undertaken by the Heritage Research Group, Department of Architecture, FUTA, with funding support from the TETFund Research Intervention Grant. The research, which commenced in 2024, examined the challenges and opportunities surrounding heritage sites across Nigeria and proposed a framework for harnessing them for sustainable tourism development.

The National Museum Akure delegation comprised the Managing Curator, Mrs. Adegboye Janet Yemisi; retired Deputy Director and former Curator/Heritage Manager, Elder (Dr.) Olorunnipa E. Amos; retired Deputy Director and former Curator/Site Manager, Osun-Osogbo Grove; Mr. Makinde Olakunle, Head of Department, Monuments and Sites; Mr. Odutola Christian; and Head of Department, Heritage Services, Mr. Saliu Rashid Lucky. The Director, Monuments and Sites, NCMM, Mrs. Rahina Garba, participated virtually from Abuja.

Presenting the research findings, the Principal Investigator, Prof. Dorcas Aina Ayeni, disclosed that the research team visited over 20 heritage sites across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, despite challenges including insecurity and poor road networks.

She identified inadequate funding, institutional disparities, gaps between policy and practice, limited community participation and stagnation in UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription as some of the major challenges affecting heritage management in Nigeria.

The research proposed key measures including a national heritage site audit, improved documentation, stronger community participation and benefit-sharing, better infrastructure and accessibility, digital documentation, public-private partnerships, policy harmonisation, increased investment, and the integration of modern technology and sustainable practices.

During the stakeholders’ discussion, the Managing Curator, Mrs. Adegboye Janet Yemisi, noted that despite funding constraints, the NCMM continues to protect and manage heritage sites while engaging local communities through employment and other opportunities.

Other contributors, including Elder Dr. Olorunnipa Amos, Mr. Christian Odutola and Mr. Olakunle Makinde, highlighted political will, international lobbying, budgetary allocation, policy continuity and digitalisation as important considerations in advancing Nigeria’s heritage sector.

The Yeye Oge of Idanre Kingdom, Chief (Mrs.) Wemimo Olufolaju, also emphasised the need for greater involvement of local communities in decisions concerning the conservation and management of heritage sites.

The workshop concluded with the official handover of the policy brief to key stakeholders, including FUTA, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), and the Ondo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, followed by a group photograph.

The National Museum Akure remains committed to supporting research, collaboration, heritage conservation and initiatives that promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage as a resource for sustainable development.

23/09/2026

NATIONAL MUSEUM AKURE ATTENDS MAIDEN BOARD GAMES COMPETITION IN OWO TO CELEBRATE 2026 IGOGO FESTIVAL

National Museum, Akure, on Tuesday, 22nd September 2026, joined dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, scholars, students and members of the Osabiya Ogunmolawa family in Owo for the maiden Board Games Competition, featuring Scrabble, Chess and Monopoly, organised as part of activities marking the 2026 Igogo Festival.

The Managing Curator, National Museum Akure, Mrs. Adegboye Janet Yemisi, led other staff members to the event, sponsored by Mr. Olayemi Durojaiye Ogunmolawa.

Speaking during a press interview, Mrs. Adegboye described the over 600-year-old Igogo Festival as an important platform for preserving Owo's cultural heritage, promoting unity and engaging younger generations. She noted that the board games would also help develop students' critical thinking, strategic reasoning and emotional skills, while encouraging them to embrace sportsmanship and learn from both victory and defeat.

About ten schools participated in the competition, with outstanding participants receiving trophies and cash prizes. The Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, congratulated the participants and commended Imade College, Owo, for its outstanding performance. He also encouraged other participants to prepare for future editions and commended the Ogunmolawa family for promoting Owo's culture and heritage through the initiative.

In her Vote of Thanks, Mrs. Ogunmolawa appreciated the Olowo, the Akowa of Iloro Quarter, Chief S. Ogunleye, the Osabiya Ogunmolawa family, National Museum Akure, participating schools, Dinamico Consulting and other stakeholders for their support.

The sponsor, Mr. Olayemi Durojaiye Ogunmolawa, who is the husband of the Accountant of the National Museum Akure, has been supporting the Museum's International Museum Day activities and other cultural and educational initiatives.

The event further demonstrated the National Museum Akure's commitment to community engagement, cultural promotion and youth development.

Before leaving Owo, the Museum team visited the National Museum, Owo, where they interacted with colleagues and embarked on a guided tour of the gallery, anchored by Mr. Rotifa Ayobami, further strengthening inter-museum collaboration.

10/09/2026

09/09/2026

NATIONAL MUSEUM AKURE HIGHLIGHTS SITE IDENTIFICATION AS KEY TO HERITAGE PRESERVATION

National Museum, Akure, has emphasized the importance of systematic identification and documentation of monument sites as essential tools for effective heritage development, preservation and management in Nigeria.

The position was highlighted in a paper titled “Site Identification as a Tool for Monument Development in Nigeria,” presented on Wednesday, 9th September 2026, by Mrs. Makanjuola J. Kehinde during the Museum’s in-house seminar.

The paper noted that Nigeria is endowed with diverse cultural and historical monuments that serve as tangible links between past and present generations. However, inadequate documentation, particularly in rural areas, limited access to information and the absence of a comprehensive national monument database remain major challenges to effective heritage management.

According to the paper, proper identification of monument sites provides vital information on their location, characteristics, condition, historical significance and tourism potential. Such information is essential for conservation planning, research, monitoring and heritage tourism development.

The presenter explained that monument identification should go beyond simply recognizing a site to include systematic documentation and verification. She highlighted modern tools such as Global Positioning System (GPS), digital photography, photogrammetry and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as means of improving the accuracy and efficiency of monument documentation.

The paper also stressed the importance of combining modern technology with local knowledge and professional expertise, noting that communities possess valuable traditional knowledge that can complement the work of heritage professionals.

It called for the establishment of a national digital database of monuments, regular monitoring and verification of heritage sites, increased application of digital technologies and stronger collaboration among government agencies, museums, heritage professionals and local communities.

In her remarks, the Managing Curator, National Museum, Akure, Mrs. Adegboye Janet Yemisi, encouraged staff members to continue writing and presenting professional and academic papers as part of their professional development.

She urged staff to embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve the quality of their work, adding that regular participation in the Museum’s seminars would enhance their capacity to deliver effective presentations.

While appreciating the presenter, the Seminar Coordinator, Mr. Adefisoye Sunday Olalekan, described the seminar as part of the Museum’s continuous staff development programme aimed at ensuring that personnel operate in line with the standards of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).

The seminar concluded with the Museum’s regular object identification exercise, which gave staff members an opportunity to apply their knowledge and strengthen their practical skills in the identification and interpretation of museum objects.

The seminar highlighted the importance of strengthening monument identification and documentation as a foundation for effective conservation, research, heritage education and sustainable cultural tourism in Nigeria.

02/09/2026

CHILDREN SHOWCASE CREATIVE TALENTS AS NATIONAL MUSEUM, AKURE CONCLUDES 2026 LONG HOLIDAY PROGRAMME

Children participating in the 2026 Creative Long Holiday Programme at the National Museum, Akure, have showcased an impressive range of handmade creative works, including decorated hand fans, tote bags and liquid soap, at the conclusion of the two-week practical learning programme.

The programme, themed “Bringing Out Creativity in Children,” commenced on Wednesday, 19 August, and ended on Friday, 28 August 2026, providing the participants with opportunities to transform simple materials into useful and creative products.

The first phase of the programme focused on the production of hand fans using cardboard and Yeye wool. Guided by facilitators, the children learned how to work with the materials, design their fans and decorate them according to their individual ideas. The finished hand fans reflected the participants’ creativity, attention to detail and ability to turn basic materials into attractive functional items.

In the second week, the children expanded their creative skills through the making of tote bags and liquid soap. The practical sessions enabled them to learn new production techniques while encouraging them to think creatively and work independently.

The programme recorded 10 participants during the second week, comprising three males and seven females. Throughout the sessions, the children participated actively, displaying enthusiasm and creativity as they developed their products.

The highlight of the programme was the exhibition of the children’s finished works, which provided an opportunity for their creative efforts to be displayed and appreciated. The exhibition demonstrated the progress made by the participants and showed how the skills acquired during the programme could be applied to create useful products.

Beyond acquiring practical skills, the programme encouraged the children to experiment with ideas, make creative choices and take pride in producing something with their own hands. Their finished works served as tangible evidence of the knowledge and creativity developed during the programme.

Participants expressed happiness and satisfaction with the experience, particularly the opportunity to learn through practical activities in an engaging environment.

The successful conclusion of the programme reinforces the National Museum, Akure’s commitment to nurturing creativity, practical skills and cultural learning among children, while providing a platform for young participants to discover and showcase their creative potential.

22/08/2026

NATIONAL MUSEUM, AKURE KICKS OFF LONG HOLIDAY PROGRAMME TO UNLOCK CHILDREN’S CREATIVE POTENTIAL

National Museum, Akure, has commenced its 2026 Long Holiday Programme for schoolchildren in Akure and its environs, as part of its efforts to promote creativity, practical learning and cultural engagement among young people.

The creative holiday programme, scheduled for Wednesday, 19 August to Friday, 28 August 2026, is themed “Bringing Out Creativity in Children.” It is designed to provide children with meaningful educational and practical activities that will help develop their creative abilities during the long vacation.

The programme officially commenced on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, with an opening ceremony conducted by the Managing Curator, National Museum, Akure, Mrs. Adegboye Janet Yemisi, in the presence of the Head of Education Department, Mr. Olaleye Victor Ayodele, and Education Officers of the Department.

While declaring the programme open, Mrs. Adegboye emphasised the importance of exposing children to creative and productive activities from an early age. She noted that the programme would enhance their creative capacities, encourage productivity and equip them with useful skills that could contribute to Nigeria’s development while helping to discourage involvement in criminal and other negative activities.

Activities on the first and second days focused on the production of hand fans using cardboard and Yeye wool. The participants were introduced to the materials and guided through the various stages of designing, assembling and decorating the hand fans.

The practical sessions provided the children with opportunities to develop their creativity, manual dexterity, problem-solving abilities and confidence in working with different materials. The participants actively engaged in the activities and displayed considerable enthusiasm and interest throughout the sessions.

A total of twelve (12) children participated on the first day, while thirteen (13) participants attended on the second day.

The Long Holiday Programme continues to provide an interactive and stimulating learning environment where children can discover their talents, acquire practical skills and appreciate the value of creativity and cultural learning.

Through the initiative, the National Museum, Akure, continues to demonstrate the important role museums can play in education, skills development, youth engagement and the preservation of cultural heritage.

12/08/2026

EXPLORING THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ORI IN YORUBA COSMOLOGY

The National Museum, Akure, today, 12 August 2026, held its in-house seminar on “The Cultural Significance of Ori in Yoruba Cosmology,” as part of its continuous staff development and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

The paper, presented by Mr. Adenibuyan Olatunde of the Antiquities Protection Unit, explored the profound meaning of Ori (the inner spiritual head) in Yoruba philosophy, cosmology, destiny, character and human existence.

The seminar highlighted the relationship between Ori and Iwa (character), Ifa divination, traditional worship, leadership, kingship, morality, naming ceremonies and Yoruba artistic expressions. It emphasized the Yoruba belief that while destiny is significant, individuals must complement it with good character, hard work, wisdom, perseverance, prayer and personal responsibility.

Speaking at the seminar, the Managing Curator, Mrs. Adegboye Janet Yemisi, described the programme as vital to staff professional development and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to object identification, interpretation, documentation and research.

The seminar concluded with a practical Object Identification Session, further strengthening staff knowledge and skills in museum object interpretation.

The National Museum, Akure remains committed to research, professional development, cultural education, and the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.