by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Culture has been described as a symbolic communication in which some of the symbols include a group’s skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, and motivations. The meaning of these symbols are learned and deliberately perpetuated in a society through its institutions.
This remark was highlighted recently, during the celebration of the International Museum Day 2025, in Jos.
International Museum Day was celebrated for the first time 40 years ago. All around the world, more and more museums participate in International Museum Day. Last year, more than 37,000 museums participated in the event in about 158 countries and territories.
Celebration of the International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness about the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples,” which is usually organised on 18 May each year or around this date. The events and activities planned to celebrate International Museum Day can last a day, a weekend or an entire week.
This year, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), in collaboration with the Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA), has celebrated the 2025 International Museum Day in Jos, with the theme: ‘The Place of Museum in a Rapidly Changing Economy.’
Speaking at the Museum Day, Prof. Victor S. Dugga, who was the Guest Speaker, said, Eggon Cultural values are communalism, environmental wisdom, and adaptive resilience, which are vital for sustainable development.”
According to him, “By leveraging these traditions, Nigeria can foster inclusive growth, while preserving cultural identity.” He called on government, NGOs, and local leaders to take action to collaborate to document and revitalize indigenous knowledge.
He said, “Nigeria’s SDG framework should recognise and incorporate indigenous cultural capital, and community-led initiatives should strengthen the Eggon Cultural Development Association (ECDA) to promote indigenous system of conflict-resolving and reconciliation,” while stressing that, “Encouraging structural interfaith dialogue will help in addressing tension between Christianity, Islam and traditional practices.”
Also, Chairman of the State’s Traditional Rulers, Da. Jacob Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos of Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, the Nasarawa State counterpart, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage, and the Aren Eggon, Justice Ubangari, observed that the rich and diverse cultures of the people in Nigeria are gradually fading away in the name of ‘civilization.’
They called on government to reinstate history in schools curriculum, saying, “If not, the nation is gradually losing its roots, and we fear for the next generation.” They also called for preservation of the diverse and rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Another participant at the occasion, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, said, “Nigeria is blessed with diversity, but Plateau State, Nasarawa State and Benue State are blessed with very, very rich diversity and culture; and we must do everything to ensure that we take care of those ones.
“We must go and solve our problem by ourselves, because nobody is going to be looking forward to say, ‘I’m waiting for federal government to solve my problem.’ No! Solve your problem by yourself. You know, and that is why we do that.”
While speaking on the growing insecurity in the zone, Governor Abdullahi Sule noted that, “It is the responsibility of a zone to fight it and that they must fight it.”
He commanded the Eggon Nation for showcasing one of the rich cultures of Nasarawa State to the world, and assured them of his administration’s support as always. Our correspondent observed that, the event featured cultural display by the popular Anzalu Dancers of the Eggon Nation, traditional dishes, public lecture and display by other tribes.