The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Eme Affiah, has declared Cross River State a "living museum," arguing that the State's rich tapestry of untold stories and deep historical roots makes it a natural beacon of cultural preservation.
Speaking at the 2026 International Museum Day celebration hosted by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) at the Old Residency Museum, Calabar, yesterday, Affiah noted that the State's ubiquitous history perfectly embodies this year's global theme: "The Museum Uniting a Divided World."
"Everywhere you go in Cross River State, there is a story to tell and history to share," Affiah stated, emphasizing that the region's heritage serves as a powerful tool for connection in an increasingly fractured society.
The event, which brought together cultural stakeholders, government officials, and youth, focused heavily on the evolving societal responsibilities of cultural institutions.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Mr. Joseph Dien Udiba, the Chief Public Relations Officer, echoed the call for unity, warning that the global community is currently navigating a precarious era marked by deep division and uncertainty.
Udiba challenged modern museums to step into dynamic, bridge-building roles that actively connect a decolonized world through shared cultural narratives. "A divided community segregates its people," Udiba cautioned. "When we are constrained by rigid communal allegiances, it leaves very little room for the cross-cutting interaction necessary for peace."
Reiterating the International Council of Museums (ICOM) definition, Udiba reminded attendees that museums are not-for-profit, inclusive institutions designed to research, conserve, and exhibit both tangible and intangible heritage. By remaining accessible and communicating ethically, he noted that they possess an immense capacity to foster diversity, education, and reflection.
The celebration concluded with a strong focus on community engagement and youth participation, featuring guided museum tours, interactive exhibition viewings, and lively brain-teaser competitions among local schools.
By Carolyn Ugbor
