Niger Delta Digital Museum Unveiled in Abuja with Calls for Tech Transformation
Art enthusiasts, historians, and development advocates have officially launched the Niger Delta Digital Museum in Abuja, marking a significant step toward redefining the region's future through technology and culture. The event, held on Wednesday, featured strong calls for establishing artificial intelligence laboratories, technology hubs, and a permanent world-class history museum in the Niger Delta.
Reconnecting Historical Roots with Technological Future
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mr. Edward Brisibe, founder of Project-Delta and curator of the Niger Delta Digital Museum, emphasized that the initiative aims to reconnect the Niger Delta with its historical roots while positioning it for future opportunities. Addressing dignitaries including senior officials from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), diplomats, and journalists, Brisibe stated that the region's relevance predates crude oil and will extend beyond it.
He recalled that the Niger Delta was once globally recognized as the Oil Rivers due to its dominance in palm oil exports, noting that at one point, it exported more palm oil than the rest of Africa combined. This historical truth underscores that our significance began long before crude oil and will persist after it, Brisibe remarked, quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on the importance of history.
Digital Museum to Inspire Youth Innovation
Brisibe highlighted that as the world shifts away from fossil fuels, the Niger Delta remains rich with opportunities, including gas reserves, a long coastline, fertile land, and a youthful population. The digital museum utilizes artificial intelligence and modern technology to preserve the region's history while inspiring creativity and innovation among young people.
This project is about preparing a generation that will export not just raw materials, but refined intelligence, digital skills, and global solutions, he added. Brisibe proposed the creation of AI laboratories and technology hubs across Niger Delta states, along with a permanent history museum to document the region's struggles, innovations, and triumphs. He mentioned that proceeds from book sales linked to the project would fund the proposed tech hubs.
International Praise and Cultural Storytelling
Switzerland's Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Patrick, praised the exhibition as a valuable opportunity to learn about the Niger Delta through culture, art, and storytelling. Although he has not yet visited the region, the ambassador noted that the project offers an entry point into understanding its history and diversity.
Nigeria is an incredibly diverse and fascinating country. This is part of my learning journey as ambassador, he said. He added that Switzerland maintains strong diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian ties with Nigeria, including investments by Swiss companies and partnerships in migration and peace-building.
Highlighting Human Cost and Development Needs
Mr. Jere Adesewo, Artistic Director of Arojah Royal Theatre and a book reviewer, stated that the project serves as a reminder of the human cost of the Niger Delta crisis. He emphasized that the accompanying publication captures the lived experiences of the people in an emotional and accessible manner.
This initiative is a call to those in power to remember that there is a place called the Niger Delta that deserves sustained attention. A peaceful and developed Niger Delta benefits Nigeria as a whole, Adesewo said. While acknowledging existing interventions like the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, he stressed that sustained development must be matched with accountability at state and local government levels.
Tourism and Culture as Tools for National Unity
Mrs. Anne Nenadi, Director of Tourism at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, highlighted the importance of tourism and culture in preserving community stories, strengthening national unity, and projecting Nigeria's rich heritage globally. She noted that initiatives like the Niger Delta Digital Museum demonstrate how culture and technology can collaborate to tell Nigeria's stories in compelling and enduring ways.
The unveiling event underscored a renewed push to leverage technology and innovation for the Niger Delta's transformation, with stakeholders advocating for:
- Establishment of AI laboratories and technology hubs across the region
- Creation of a permanent history museum to document local heritage
- Use of digital tools to inspire youth creativity and skills development
- Enhanced accountability in development efforts at all government levels
This initiative represents a strategic shift from reliance on crude oil to embracing a technology-driven future, aiming to position the Niger Delta as a hub of innovation and cultural preservation in Nigeria.
