US Consulate Unveils Children Public Engagement Space At National Museum Lagos

A play area and public engagement space for children to learn more about cultural preservation and explore their environment to ensure a holistic educational experience has been unveiled at the National Museum Onikan, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria

Funded by the US Mission in Nigeria, the space was constructed with recycled materials made into arts and other interesting toys for children, along with a new exhibition space within the National Museum, also funded by the US Consulate General Lagos was also inaugurated.

In a remark during the inauguration of the space, the Acting US Consulate-General, James Suor explained that
the educational space was designed to create excitement in the minds of school children, support learning, facilitate relaxation and promote shared values of democracy and robust people-to-people ties.

According to the Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Stephen Ibelli, both the play and learning area for children and the new gallery are part of the many projects the US Mission and the National Commission for Museum and National Monuments have been partnering on across Nigeria.

He said this is in the bid to promote shared values between Nigeria and the United States of America.

While expressing gratitude to the US Mission for providing the spaces, the Director-General of the National Commission for Museum and National Monuments, Professor Abba Isa Tijani, said efforts are ongoing to upgrade more National Museums across the Country.

He added that the Commission had stocked the gallery with interesting pieces to foster cultural understanding and peace.

Tijani announced that recently the Commission also won a forty thousand dollars grant from the Bank of America Art Conservation Fund to restore and conserve Igbo Ukwu Bronzes at the National Museum in Lagos.

On his part, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Olusegun Dawodu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Olugbilemiga Aina, described the provision of both the children play and learning spaces and gallery as innovative ideas which should be replicated nationwide.

The two in one event was attended by some primary school pupils from across Lagos State who took time to explore the play area.