POEM
ANCIENT TREASURES IN THE STORE
Where history breathes, In Lokoja,
Stands a treasure, the National Museum it be.
Established in '89, a beacon of old,
Where stories untold are beautifully unfolded.
Within its hallowed halls, a journey through time,
An ode to Nigeria's rich past, divine.
Colonial history, a tapestry grand,
Unveiling the complexities of this wondrous land.
Ethnography, oh what wonders it beholds,
Whispering tales of cultures, and traditions of old.
From tribes diverse, traditions unite,
Bridging the gaps, shining a cultural light.
But amidst the exhibits, one holds special clout,
The conflict has a history.
For in that sacred union, a nation found its grace,
The birthplace of Nigeria is a blessed space.
So roam these corridors, with curious eyes,
Embrace the narratives that silently rise.
For in the National Museum, blessings abound,
A tribute to Nigeria's heritage is profound.
Let the artifacts speak, let history unfurl,
As you lose yourself in this enchanting world.
In Lokoja's embrace, a poem comes alive,
An ode to the National Museum, where memories thrive.
Exploring the Soul of Nigeria: "Ancient Treasures in the Store," A Tribute to the National Museum, Lokoja
Tucked within the historic city of Lokoja, the confluence capital and heart of Kogi State, lies a cultural gem, the National Museum, Lokoja. This institution is more than a repository of artifacts; it is a living monument to Nigeria’s layered history and vibrant cultural heritage. Immortalized in the poem “Ancient Treasures in the Store”, the museum is portrayed as a sacred space where time stands still, and where the essence of a nation breathes through every artifact, exhibit, and story told within its walls.
Established in 1989, this museum sits on historical ground in Lokoja, the first administrative capital of modern-day Nigeria, strategically located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. This makes the museum not only a center of historical relevance but also a symbolic cornerstone in the birth and formation of the Nigerian state.
The poem “Ancient Treasures in the Store” paints a vivid, almost reverent picture of the National Museum, elevating it as a “beacon of old”, a place where “stories untold are beautifully unfolded.” The verses guide through the corridors of the museum, inviting them to “embrace the narratives that silently rise.” It speaks of the past not as something distant, but as something still alive, breathing within these walls.
Key themes in the poem include:
Colonial History: The museum offers a deep dive into Nigeria's colonial past, presenting not just the timeline of occupation and governance but the enduring effects and legacy that continue to shape the country. It offers a nuanced view, “unveiling the complexities” of a land once colonized, now sovereign.
Ethnographic Richness: One of the museum's standout features is its diverse ethnographic collection, an array of artifacts, artworks, tools, textiles, and ceremonial items from Nigeria’s over 250 ethnic groups. The poem describes this beautifully: “whispering tales of cultures, and traditions of old.” These exhibits not only educate but celebrate Nigeria’s vast and intricate cultural landscape.
National Symbolism: Perhaps most notably, the poem honors Lokoja’s role as the birthplace of modern Nigeria. It was here that the British colonial administration first raised the amalgamation flag, signaling the unification of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914. The poet refers to this as a “sacred union”, describing Lokoja as the place where the nation “found its grace in a blessed space.”
Why Investors and Tourists Should Pay Attention
1. Tourism Potential
The National Museum, Lokoja is uniquely positioned to become a central hub for heritage tourism in Nigeria. With a growing global interest in African history, culture, and roots tourism (especially among the African diaspora), museums like this serve as a powerful draw for domestic and international visitors.
Its proximity to other historical landmarks, such as Lord Lugard’s residence, the Iron of Liberty, Mount Patti, and the confluence point makes Lokoja an ideal tourism circuit. Investors in the hospitality and cultural sectors stand to benefit greatly from supporting and expanding the museum’s offerings.
2. Educational and Cultural Development
The museum offers immersive learning opportunities for students, researchers, and scholars interested in African studies, history, art, and anthropology. Expanding its facilities into a research or learning center could attract institutional partnerships from universities and cultural foundations around the world.
3. Heritage Preservation and National Identity
Nigeria’s youth represent a growing population with a thirst for identity and belonging. Institutions like the National Museum serve as guardians of memory, preserving indigenous knowledge systems, craftsmanship, and oral histories that may otherwise be lost. Investment in such spaces is an investment in national pride and continuity.
4. Economic Viability and Job Creation
An expanded and modernized museum complex could support employment across several sectors, from historians and curators to tour guides, event managers, artisans, and vendors. With proper management and government support, it could also become a revenue-generating enterprise, complete with gift shops, guided tours, digital exhibitions, and cultural performances.
The poem ends with a gentle but profound call:
"Let the artifacts speak, let history unfurl,
As you lose yourself in this enchanting world."
This is more than poetry, it’s a call to action.
To tourists: Come and see where the nation began. Touch the past, experience the present, and feel the pulse of a country that continues to rise.
To investors: Join in preserving and expanding a national treasure. Your support could elevate this museum into a world-class heritage center and a major cultural attraction in West Africa.
In conclusion, “Ancient Treasures in the Store” is not just a poetic tribute; it is a celebration of a living archive, The National Museum, Lokoja where Nigeria’s soul is carefully curated and shared. In a world that moves too fast, this museum offers a moment of stillness, a bridge to the past, and a light for the future.
Lokoja awaits.
The stories are waiting to be heard.
The treasures are waiting to be seen.
Let history come alive in the heart of Kogi State.
WRITTEN BY JOY AGAMAH
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