Recently, some journalists from the People's Republic of China and officials of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria visited the Museums headquarters, Abuja. CHIKA OKEKE highlights the essence of the visit.
The seven-man delegation led by Mr. Shu Jianping was at the National Commission for Musuems and Monuments, Abuja in preparation of the 5th Ministerial conference on China and Africa Cooperation billed to hold in China.
“This is the most important set of journalists China ever sent to Africa. They are here as part of the preparations to attend the 5th Ministerial conference on China and Africa cooperation, which will take place in China. The objective of their visit is to cover interesting stories of friendship between China and African people and also to interview persons of authority on cultural interests.
Jianping informed that: “The relationship between China and Africa dates back to the year 2000 when the first forum on China-Africa cooperation berthed in Beijing and since then, the Sino-African ties has waxed stronger resulting into rapid trade volumes, making China, Africa’s largest trade partner.
On his part, the Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman noted that the Nigerian government would enter into an agreement with Chinese government to prevent continuous pillage of the cultural objects in Nigeria.
“In the areas of protecting our cultural heritage, we hope the ministry will sign an agreement with Chinese government to stop illicit trafficking and desecration of our Monuments and heritage Sites”.
According to him, the national Museum is a house of treasures that houses Museum objects which are three dimensional; for learning, teaching and research. They are charged with the responsibility of preserving the tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The need for this preservation is hinged on the fact that cultural heritage, is a non-renewable resource and if damaged, cannot be replaced.
He recalled that the national museum started its operation in 1943, when it was inaugurated as the Federal Department of Antiquities before it was transformed to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments saying that it has become one of the most important tourist centers for both the nationals and foreigners, literate and illiterate as well as the young and old people in the society.
The DG stressed that Nigeria has diverse ethnic groups just like China though with 36 states and six geo-political zones but each zone is enriched with different cultures.
“We have 36 states and six geo-political zones but there are lots of similarities in our different ethnic groups and geo-political zones. Though we seem different, we have a number of variables that unite us”.
He emphasised: “Nigeria and China have come a long way in their bi-lateral relations, The Chinese government has graciously trained some of our staff in China while sponsoring some of us on a working visit and tourism based training in China. They have also, through their embassy in Nigeria; given us some grants to assist us in the protection and restoration of the Kano city gates”.
Yuan Xin We from People’s Daily China said that she was excited to visit Nigeria and possibly get acquainted with her cultural heritage.
Kusugu Well Makes The National Heritage List
The Director-general, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman has disclosed that the Kusugu Well is one of the sites proposed for scheduling as a national monument currently awaiting the assent of the National Assembly.
He stressed that the historic monument is a non-flowing artesian well dated to 7th century and was discovered during the reign of Queen Daurama of Daura.?
According to him, oral tradition has it that a local herdsman from Daura? kingdom discovered the well and it led to the relocation of the capital city from Tsohon Birni to the present day Daura town due to its potential as a more reliable source of water for the growing population. The well was occupied by a large dangerous snake called “Sarki” which denied the people access to the water except on Fridays.
Recalling how the six Hausa states were formed, Usman says, “Abu Yazid, the son of Abdullahi, the ruler of Baghdad in present day Iraq at that time was on a journey from Dala Hills in Kano requested for water for his horse but was informed about the snake which he eventually killed. The Queen, however, rewarded Bayajidda by marrying him.
They had a son named Bawo, whose six sons founded the original seven Hausa states; Daura, Katsina, Zazzau, Gobir, Kano, Rano and Biram. The towns were ruled by Bayajidda’s descendents and credited with the establishment of the Hausa Saurata system.
Presently, the well is preserved in a modest building while the rim is lifted with blocks and plastered with cement to prevent it from collapsing. The interior of the building is neat, while the wall is painted with portraits of Bayajidda, a snake as well as some pictures of past Emirs of Daura.
The Kusugu Well which is locally called Rijiyar kusugu is located in Daura, Katsina State. It is currently owned and managed by Daura community in conjunction with the state government.