The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Prof. Abba Tijani has stated that the Nanna Living History Museum, Koko, Delta state is a mark of honour for by the Federal Government for a selfless leader and nationalist who fought and resisted the British economic imperialism against the people of the Niger Delta.
Prof. Tijani made this remark in his goodwill message on April 15th 2023 during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Advisory Board and Management led by Mr. Henry A. Erikowa as Chairman at Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Council.
The University don stated that Nanna ‘s patriotism is worthy of emulation as a “defender of the inherited political and socio-cultural system”, even as he “implored all Nigerians to join hands with the Commission to preserve our cherished culture, inculcate the spirit of oneness and promote cultural education among our youths for unity which forms the basis of National Development”, saying that “we are working assiduously to up-grade the Museum that was built in 1910 and congratulated the new members on their appointment.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Engr. Henry Erikowa expressed regret that the “labour of our heroes past are now in vain” pointing out that notable industries of yesteryears like the paper, sugar, textiles, steel, glass, rubber/tyres, palms, timber, mining and other agricultural produces pyramids had all gone into oblivion.
Mr. Erikowa call on Nigerians to see what they can do to salvage this battered state and check into the archives and see what and how our heroes lived their lives and left us great honour and respect. He appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to make out time to visit and contribute in kind and cash towards the restoration and sustainable development of the Nanna Living History Museum.
Members of the newly inaugurated Advisory and Management Board include Mr. Anthony Nanna, Hon. Griftson Omatsuli, Chief Robinson Ariyo, Hon. Gbubemi Kpenose-Ikolo, Mr. Dalton Akperi and Dr. Chika Thankgod. Others are Ete Harriman-Ayida, Dennis Uwawah, Dr. Toju Chike-Obi, Queen Sarah Toritseju Pessu and Mr. Edon Louis Monoyo respectively.
