19/05/2026
The National Museum, Ile-Ife, on May 18, 2026, proudly joined the global community in celebrating the 2026 International Museum Day themed “Museums: Uniting a Divided World.”
The event featured the official address of the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, delivered by the Curator of the National Museum, Ile-Ife, Mr. Adesiyan E. Yinka. In the address, the DG emphasized the important role museums play in promoting unity, preserving culture, and fostering peaceful coexistence in society.
Royal goodwill remarks were delivered by His Royal Majesty, Oba Ojeyinka Oladejo E. (JP), Operomade I, the Olu of Saga, who commended the museum for its continuous contributions to cultural preservation and education. The monarch also led the gathering in observing a one-minute silence in honour of the late former Director-General of NCMM, Dr. Omotoso Eluyemi, for his remarkable contributions to the Nigerian museum sector.
The keynote lecture was presented by Mr. Adekunle Fatai, former Curator of the National Museum, Osogbo, and former Site Manager of the Osun Osogbo World Heritage Site. He spoke extensively on the role of museums in bridging cultural divides, correcting stereotypes, promoting education, and fostering unity in a diverse society. He further noted that museum exhibitions and guided tours have continued to positively impact visitors by enlightening them, changing misconceptions, and easing emotional burdens through knowledge and cultural understanding.
The celebration was further enriched by colourful cultural performances from participating schools including Ayo Success College of Arts and Science, Anglican Central Grammar School, Ile-Ife, and Ansarul Islam Primary School, Sabo, Ile-Ife.
Students of Ansarul Islam Primary School thrilled the audience with beautiful Fulani and Hausa cultural dances, while Anglican Central Grammar School showcased rich Yoruba cultural performances, all promoting peace, unity, and cultural appreciation.
Quasim Iretiayo of Anglican Central Grammar School, Ile-Ife, and Akindoyin Pamilerin of Ayo Success College of Arts and Science delivered outstanding presentations on this year’s International Museum Day theme, “Museums: Uniting a Divided World.” Their insightful and captivating performances thrilled the audience and earned them admiration from all present at the event.
In recognition of their outstanding presentations and contributions to the theme, “Museums: Uniting a Divided World,” two students were rewarded by the National Museum, Ile-Ife, through the sponsorship of their WAEC and JAMB examination fees:
1. Quasim Iretiayo — Anglican Central Grammar School, Ile-Ife
2. Akindoyin Pamilerin — Ayo Success College of Arts and Science
Royal fathers and dignitaries present at the occasion included:
• High Chief Omiloye J. Lowate of Ife
• High Chief Awofinraye K. — Erebese of Ife
• Chief (Mrs.) Omolajaye S. — Ekewa Iyalode
The celebration was indeed educational, inspiring, and culturally enriching, further reinforcing the role of museums as centres of unity, peace, and heritage preservation.
National Museum, Ile-Ife
National Museum, Ile-Ife
