Gombe to initiate policy to promote, preserve cultural heritage – Commissioner
Gombe state Government said it would initiate policies that would encourage stakeholders in the state to promote and preserve the cultural heritage in different communities.
Mr Julius Lepes, the state’s commissioner for Information and Culture said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Thursday.
Lepes said that the present administration led by Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe was committed to the development of all sectors in the state, hence, would give priority to the cultural sub-sector.
He said that whatever had impact on the lives of the people was of great interest to Yahaya, adding that the administration would work closely with traditional rulers and the people to develop the sub-sector.
According to him, the cultural heritage which includes the sites, customs, practices, places, artistic objects and values are important and worthy of conservation.
Lepes said that the government would come up with proper plan and policy to further encourage people to own the cultural heritage and promote it in their various communities.
“We are encouraging communities to promote, as well as preserve their cultural heritages through festivals and peaceful co-existence among the people.’’
On establishment of a museum in the state, the commissioner said that the present administration was working to ensure that the heritage and pride of Gombe was preserved.
“The vision of Gov Inuwa Yahaya is all encompassing, including boosting the cultural sector and trying to commercialise it if need be.
“Gombe state is made up of historic communities with different cultural objects that needed to be preserved and so we feel the best thing to do is to establish a museum.
“This will help complement what the traditional rulers are doing to preserve these artifacts through festivals and other activities to preserve our history for posterity.
“So, I can tell you that as soon as we are able to free ourselves from the implication of COVID-19, establishing a museum would be a priority.’’
The commissioner said that the role of the arts and culture to emerging economy was such that if properly harnessed could help in economic diversification agenda of government as well as employment creation through tourism.
He added that in view of the above, the state government would invest in the sub-sector as soon as the economy recovers fully from the impact of COVID-19.
Lepes commended the traditional leaders in the state for preserving their cultural artifacts while urging parents and grassroots leaders to imbibe the culture of storytelling to foster unity, peace and promote good cultural values.