WORLDS GREATEST ARCHEOLOGICAL WORK GOES EXTINCT

WORLDS GREATEST ARCHEOLOGICAL WORK GOES EXTINCT BY ENO LOUIS ENOBAKHARE

The Benin moat, the largest archeological single feature on the planet, 4 or 5 times longer than the wall of China, 100 times more materially intensive than the pyramids of Egypt is going extinct. The united Nations who naturally should be in the forefront of the preservation of such a world class relic is looking the other way and placing hurdles on the path of its classification as a world heritage site and thus attract some funds.
The level of poverty in Nigeria, a country too rich to be poor and too poor to be rich, has put museums and monuments at the bottom of its priority list. But when you consider the fact that 70per cent of world tourists world heritage sights , the money that Nigerian people will make with the influx of tourists must make government divert funds put into events that put little or nothing back into the its coffers like the 600,000million naira on the Abuja carnival. This carnival should be handed over to the private sector solely. Every year we hear sermons about diversification of the economy through tourism, but according to house of reps, billions have gone down the drain with not even a one per cent result.
Various seminars have been held to rub minds and draw a road map. Recently, an agenda for stake holders meeting was held at the Benin museum. A presentation (Preparation of Benin walls and moat for nomination into world heritage list) by the director, heritage sights, national commission of museums and monuments. Discussions now followed. I was asked to speak first.
The walls and moat was first constructed before the year 1274.Oba oguola, ewuare, ozolua, esigie all added value to this relic. Thus, been a tradional initiative, the traditional institution must first, with traditional instruments stop any further encroachments. The first thing the British did during the 1897 expedition was to burn the shrines in Benin kingdom. This means that their effectiveness has never been in doubt. A 100 year plan can then be put in place. A monument almost a thousand years cannot be restored in 10 years. A concise map of this monument should be put together. This will necessitate a visit to Europe, who by the way know more about us than we know about our selves. This
committee must comprise of men and women of integrity. Traditional means must be embraced in the swearing in of the members.
My interaction with certain embassies revealed they have funds that can, to a large extent move us from point A to point B. The Germans have the cultural funds which must pass through parliament. Consent from a world power like Germany, will rub off on other decisions in the United Nations.
T he role of the local communities cannot be ignored. The councilors of the affected wards must be carried along. Owners of property that might have to be pulled down must have their frayed nerves calmed.
The moat apart from being for protection and prevention took care of the flood problems .Today flooded areas in Benin are areas that the moat was tempered with. The comrade governor while searching for a solution to perennial flooding in the city must go back in history. In this great future you cannot forget the past. The moat must be allowed to perform its traditional role, commercial role, through tourism, security role, in case of robbery of kidnapping, the bridges to be built over the excavated portions could be shut.
The financial gains cannot be calculated.1000 tourists spending $1000 every month gives us $12,000,000 per annum. This is 1.8billion naira. This eye popping figure should wake us up from our slumber once and for all. Finally, we might be getting our tourism potentials on the move.