By Ndahi Marama
MAIDUGURI—THE Borno State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Mallam Isa Benisheik, has called on the National Commission for Museum and Monuments to give adequate protection to our artifacts and historical sites.

Sanda made the call, yesterday, when officials of the Commission paid him a courtesy call in his office at the Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.

He said, “it is disheartening that our artifacts are being stolen and sold to foreign museum in Europe and other parts of the world and our cultural values are being eroded either due to ignorance, nonchalant attitude or outright negligence of our culture.”

The Commissioner described as unfortunate a situation whereby shoes belonging to the legendary Yamtarawala, the founder of Biu dynasty were sold by an indigene to foreigners which were later traced to a foreign museum in Europe.

He said it is a shame and unfortunate that we have neglected our culture and values and copied the life styles of foreigners which are not only detrimental to our societies but have negative impact on our children and generations yet unborn.

Isa Sanda also advised the commission to promote our culture rather than importing foreign culture, adding that, it is the duty and responsibilities of the people of the state to enlighten others especially the locals on the importance of preserving our artifacts.

He also called on the commission to always identify cultural and historical sites with a view to assessing them.

In his speech the Curator, National Commission for Museum and Monuments, Mallam Fori Sambo said the aim of the visit is to partner with the state government on how to enhance and promote our cultural heritage.

The Curator said the national museum Maiduguri was established in 1989 and since then the museum has expanded. He therefore commended the state government for the cordial relationship existing between the government and the museum staff, which according to him, has assisted tremendously in creating awareness among the people.