The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has highlighted the importance of museums as platforms for national unity, cultural preservation and tourism development at the 2026 International Museum Day celebration in Abuja.
Director-General of the NTDA, Mr. Ola Awakan, stated this at the 2026 International Museum Day celebration held in Abuja, which brought together government officials, cultural stakeholders and development partners under the theme, “Museums: Uniting a Divided World.”
The event was attended by the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, and other stakeholders in the culture and tourism sector.
Delivering a goodwill message as Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Awakan described museums as more than repositories of historical artefacts, saying they are living institutions that preserve national identity, inspire creativity and foster social cohesion.
He stressed that museums also serve as strategic tourism assets capable of driving destination development, promoting cultural exchange and supporting Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy through tourism.
The NTDA Director-General outlined the Authority’s plans to strengthen heritage tourism through collaborative initiatives, including the development of digital museum experiences, establishment of heritage tourism circuits, youth engagement programmes and enhanced public-private partnerships.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a performance by eight-year-old Inioluwa Taiwo, whose rendition of “Uniting a Divided World” received widespread applause from guests. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Mr. Awakan announced that she would be honoured with the title of Tourism Ambassador.
The NTDA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, celebrate its diversity and position the country as a globally competitive tourism destination.