The National Commission for Museums and Monuments has described funding as a major challenge to the development of monuments and museums in the country.

The Direction of Museums, Mr Peter Odey made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kaduna State.

Odey said that lack of funds had affected most of the museums, which had limited their ability to carry out most activities.

“There are so many activities needed to develop our museums and monuments but due to inadequate funding, most of our activities are on hold.

“Museums are institutions that are involved in the development of the society.

“They are nonprofit institutions that contribute to the development of the society, which enable people know the difference between the past and present.

“But with the little funds we have, we are trying to upgrade some museums like the one in Kaduna which has been shut down for the past three years. ’’

Odey said that one of the plans of the government was to develop tourism through well-equipped museums to attract tourists.

He commended the ongoing effort by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to develop the tourism through collaboration with private sector.

“Tourism master plan has been developed and is waiting for implementation.

“The minister is collaborating with private sector and state governments to develop some sites.

“This is because museums are the first place of visit when people come visiting because they want to know about the culture of the people.

“Also Lagos State government is collaborating through the state ministry with commission to build a new museum in the state.’’

Culled from: The Nation Newspaper