The National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, on Thursday celebrated its 50th anniversary alongside the 2026 International Museum Day, with stakeholders emphasizing the role of museums in promoting peace, cultural preservation, and national development.
The colourful event attracted cultural ambassadors, museum enthusiasts, traditional leaders, government officials, and members of the public who gathered at the museum premises to commemorate the historic milestone.
The celebration featured cultural displays and captivating performances by various dance troupes, showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, the Curator and South-West Zonal Director of the National Museum of Unity, Mrs. Pamela Otuka Oriyomi, described the museum’s achievements over the past five decades as a testament to its commitment to excellence and service.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 International Museum Day, “Museums: Uniting a Divided World,” Holloway noted that museums remain vital institutions for fostering peace, understanding, and social cohesion across communities.
He explained that the theme reflects the concern of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) over increasing global conflicts, crises, and disruptions in human relationships.
According to him, museums possess unique resources capable of promoting dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation among individuals and societies.
“Through museum collections, archival materials, monuments, historical artifacts, and cultural narratives, people can gain a deeper appreciation of their shared humanity and collective responsibility toward peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The NCMM Director-General called on government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private institutions, and individuals to collaborate with the commission in leveraging museum resources to address social divisions and promote unity.
He also highlighted recent innovations introduced by the commission to improve visitor experiences across museums nationwide.
Among the initiatives, he said, were the launch of Nigeria’s first digital museum and the upgrading of exhibition facilities in Lagos to international standards through sponsorship support from IHS Towers.
He added that plans were underway to modernize selected museums across the country, stressing that museums belong to the public and should be protected and supported by all stakeholders.
Guest lecturer, Prince Tunde Odunlade, underscored the importance of museums as repositories of historical artifacts and monuments.
He noted that while Nigeria has several notable museums, the National Museum of Unity in Ibadan remains one of the country’s most significant due to its educational impact and active engagement with the public, just as he commended the positive impacts and immense contributions of the Curator and South West Zonal Director, of the National Museum of Unity, Mrs Pamela Otuka Oriyomi.
“What makes the museum in Ibadan unique is that it is functional and continues to provide valuable education and cultural enlightenment to the people,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, described the museum’s 50th anniversary celebration as a remarkable achievement.
He commended the Curator, Mrs. Oriyomi for her leadership, innovation, and dedication, which he said had contributed significantly to the institution’s growth and visibility.
The commissioner expressed optimism that future leadership would build on the achievements recorded during her tenure and further elevate the museum’s status.
He also praised members of staff for their cooperation and commitment to the museum’s success.
Dr. Olatunbosun used the occasion to offer prayers for the safe release of the abducted teachers and pupil recently kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Also speaking, International Museum Ambassador, Ambassador Rahmat Romoke Ayinde, described museums as custodians of collective memory, cultural heritage, education, and innovation.
She commended museum professionals, researchers, historians, curators, and volunteers for their efforts in preserving history and inspiring future generations.
Ayinde urged communities, institutions, and governments to support heritage preservation initiatives and ensure that museums remain vibrant centres of learning, creativity, and cultural dialogue.
A Muslim cleric, Alhaji Mudashiru Bada, also addressed participants, encouraging Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage while recognizing the positive role of religion in society.
Among dignitaries present at the event were Chief Yemi Folajoye, former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII); Oloye Lekan Alabi; Mrs. Oyeronke Afolayan; Mrs. Adekunle Adetutu; Lukman Fasasi, Oyo State Peace Commandant; Mrs. Amba Sijuade; Mr. Fatai Alli; and Dr. Kola Lawal, among others.
The celebration climaxed with entertaining cultural performances by renowned groups, including Asantiwa Cultural Group and the Oyo State Performing Troupe, which thrilled guests and added colour to the golden jubilee festivities.
The event reinforced the enduring relevance of museums as institutions that preserve cultural heritage, promote education, and foster unity in an increasingly divided world.
