TWENTY-six years after the idea was mooted and the foundation stone laid by the Gen. Yakubu Gowon administration, the first in the Museums of National Unity to be built all over the country was opened in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, yesterday. The colourful inauguration was performed by the Oyo State Governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, who represented President Olusegun Obasanjo. The project is the first in the series billed for every state capital as Museums of National Unity by the Gowon administration shortly before it was overthrown. Since then, succeeding military administrations had abandoned the project before the present administration took over and completed the Ibadan museum. According to Adesina, the project is one of the much-expected dividend of democracy, adding that the military ignored the project which was meant to promote the various cultural values of Nigerians. To him, "it is a sin for our scholars to go abroad and study the culture of others," expressing the hope that the museum would quench the thirst of culture enthusiasts. He urged scholars to write books on the nation's cultural heritage for benefit of the children and generations yet unborn so that the culture would not be extinct. Promising materials and other support of the state government to all the agencies saddled with the responsibility of promoting the rich Nigerian culture, Adesina would want the museum to ensure adequate security for all the artefacts kept in them. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and all the people who contributed to the successful completion of the project. According to Mrs. O. Awoseyila, who represented the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ms Boma Bromillow-Jack, the Museums of National Unity are being built to promote the culture of Nigerians, adding that to destroy the cultures of the people is tantamount to destroying the people. The minister too expressed the hope that the museum would provide an avenue for culture scholars, visitors and others to satisfy their curiosity for culture. Awoseyila added that a craft village could be built in the museum where craftsmen would display their wares. Eminent personalities in the culture sector witnessed the event. They included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism; Dr. Akinola, who represented Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Prof. Bolanle Awe, Chief Moses Adejumo (a.k.a. Baba Sala), wife of eminent historian, Prof. Ade-Ajayi; Director of Institute of African Studies, Prof. Mosunmola Omibiyi-Obidike and Mr. Duro Oni, director, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC). Others were Prof. Bisi Sowunmi, Chief Alarape Busari, who represented the Olubadan of Ibadan; Chief A.O. Fabunmi and Chief C.O. Awoyefa, who represented the Ooni of Ife; Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Chief Akanni Oyaniyi; his health counterparts, Dr. Gbola Adetunji and Dr. Morohunkola Thomas (education), among others.