Curators of Museums in the African continent and Nigeria in particular have been tasked to embrace digital innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement in order to be relevant with the spate of rapid development in the continent.
The Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, (NCMM), Mr Olugbile Holloway, gave the advise on Monday in his address to this year’s International Museums Day celebration in the National Museum Oyo.
Represented by a Deputy Director in the Commission and the Curator of National Museum Oyo, Mrs Afolayan Oyeronke, the Director General said “Museums of the future must be interactive, participatory, and accessible to all. They must represent the voices of youth, marginalized groups, and the dynamic realities of our times. In Africa, where oral tradition and community memory remain vital, museums must continue to be custodians of both tangible and intangible heritage.”
The Director General stressed the need for Museums to move with the trend of development in the society.
According to him, “In this dynamic environment, museums must adapt and innovate to remain relevant and impactful. Museums are not merely buildings that house antiquities. They are living institutions – spaces for learning, dialogue, and cultural continuity. They reflect our past, engage with our present, and help us shape our future. In rapidly changing communities, museums serve as anchors of identity, offering context and understanding in times of uncertainty.
”For us in Nigeria, where our cultural heritage is rich and diverse, museums play a critical role in preserving indigenous knowledge systems, promoting intercultural dialogue, and fostering national unity. They help us connect with our roots, educate our children about their history, and empower communities through cultural pride and awareness. As change sweeps through our societies, museums must not remain static.”
The Chairman of the occasion, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Bond Chemical and Pharmaceutical, Awe in Oyo State, Asiwaju Chief Debo Omotosho, had commended the National Museum Oyo for her laudable efforts at preserving the cultural heritage of the ancient Oyo town and promised to keep supporting the Oyo Museum in their activities.
He challenged all the stakeholders to rally round and come together in promoting and sustaining “What we call our heritage especially National Museum Oyo.”
The Guest lecturer, Dr Alatise, spoke extensively on this year’s International Museum Day’s theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”.
The Chairman Planning Committee of the 2025, International Museum Day in Oyo Museum, Elder A. Aderibigbe, lauded the staff of the station for their cooperation for the success of the ceremony and appreciated all the Guests who graced the occasion.
Highlights of the International Museum day celebration in Oyo Museum included special presentations by Faith International School, Kosobo Oyo and Mind Builder Group of Schools Mabolaje Oyo as well as Sango performance.
Mrs Oyeronke had in company of the staff of the Museum conducted dignitaries at the ceremony on a guided tour of Oyo Museums.
DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS reports that the International Museum Day, a significant event celebrated globally every 18th of May. This annual celebration was established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) during its 12th General Assembly in Moscow in 1977, aims to raise awareness about the important role museums play in the development of society.
