BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has announced plans to rehabilitate the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre in Benin City as part of efforts to restore the facility as a major cultural landmark and hub for arts and heritage activities in the state.
Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, disclosed this while receiving executives and members of the Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide and the Coalition of Benin Socio-Cultural Organisations during a courtesy visit to his office in Benin City.
Ikhilor said the planned intervention would also include renovation works at sections of the Palace of the Oba of Benin that require attention.
According to him, the rehabilitation of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre had been proposed last year after Governor Monday Okpebholo directed the Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency to assess the facility. However, the project was delayed due to the absence of budgetary provisions.
“The agency carried out an assessment and developed a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of the cultural centre, but the project could not commence because there was no budgetary allocation. We are now reviewing that plan for implementation,” Ikhilor said.
He added that Governor Okpebholo is also committed to renovating parts of the Palace of the Oba of Benin, noting that both projects are receiving the government’s attention.
The SSG described the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre as a historic venue that once hosted major cultural and social events in Edo State, stressing that the government is determined to restore its status as a public monument and centre for cultural activities.
“Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre should be a public monument and a hub for cultural activities. This administration is committed to reviving it because of its importance to our cultural heritage and tourism potential,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Chris Okaiben, described Edo’s cultural heritage as one of Nigeria’s richest assets, saying the government is leveraging the creative sector to boost tourism, create opportunities for young people and promote the state’s cultural identity.
He disclosed that about 1,700 people have indicated interest in the ministry’s planned creative content initiative, which is aimed at expanding opportunities within the creative industry.
Okaiben further revealed that the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has scheduled the Edo Festival as the opening event for activities marking the 10th anniversary of his coronation.
Earlier, the Coordinator-General of the Coalition of Benin Socio-Cultural Organisations, Mr. Amas Osazee, commended Governor Okpebholo for his handling of the returned Benin artefacts and efforts to improve security in the state.
He appealed to the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, describing its current condition as unbefitting of its historical and cultural significance.
Similarly, President of the Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, Iyamu Osaro Culture, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to preserving Benin culture and supporting initiatives that strengthen the traditional institution.
He said the organisation’s support for the Okpebholo administration is rooted in its belief that the government is working to restore and preserve the cultural identity and heritage of the Benin people.Alternative SEO headlines:
Okpebholo Moves to Restore Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, Renovate Benin Palace
Edo Govt Targets Cultural Revival with Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre Renovation
Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, Benin Palace to Get Major Facelift — Edo Govt
Edo to Restore Historic Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre as Cultural Tourism Hub
Edo Govt Revives Plan to Rehabilitate Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre After Budget Delay
