Godwin Udoh
“Draws people in and gives them a literal way of touching the past. Word of Glovanni Pannini 1751,”
It is on this ground the National Commission for Museums and Monument’s Delta State chapter honoured Prince Ned Nwoko, following his collection of treasured artefacts and promotion of tourism in Nigeria.
The ceremony was part of the activities to mark the 2018 edition of the International Day for Monuments and Sites which told place at Mount Ned Nwoko Tourist Resort, Idumuje Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Presenting the award, the Curator-in-Charge, National Museum Asaba, Mr Uche Idika Kalu said the award was bestowed on the Delta North Senatorial hopeful due to his evidential preservation and promotion of our natural landscape which is an integral part of our tangible cultural heritage.
According to a citation for the awardee, the National Museum Asaba observed Prince Ned Nwoko’s contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage and tourism is exemplified in the Mount Ned Nwoko Tourist Resort with an environment adorned with diverse cultural renditions, touching on the African, Arabic, Italian and Gothic architectures.
It further noted that, the ambiance of the premises and the outstanding bespoke conservation using standard best practices is highly impressive. Stressing that, for this singular act of conservation so cullturally displayed here in such a way that generations yet unborn may have a glimpse of how we in the present, lived our lives, he has earned for himself an award of Excellence in Cultural preservation from the National Museum and Monuments.
The Iyase of ldumuje Ugboko, Chief Chris Ogwu, on behalf of Prince Nwoko, thanked the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for the recognition and assured of his sustained commitment to the preservation of culture and promotion of tourism in the country.
The International Day, with the “Heritage for Generations”, featured lectures, drama, cultural dance, various traditional competitions, display of artefacts and relics, and guided tours of the facilities at Mount Ned Nwoko Tourist Resort.
Dignitaries present at the event were Chiefs of Idumuje Ugboko, the Omu of Onicha Ugbo, HRM Dr Beatrice Anwuli Gbonoza, the Omu of Obior, HRM Omu Onyebuchibe and many others.
