National Museum Akure

NATIONAL MUSEUM, AKURE HOSTS 2026 EID EL-FITR CELEBRATION, CALLS FOR SUSTAINED UNITY AFTER RAMADAN

National Museum, Akure, on Tuesday 31 March, 2026 organized a ceremony to mark the 2026 Eid el-Fitr celebration, bringing together Muslim faithful, community leaders, and members of the public in a demonstration of unity and cultural appreciation.

The event, which was first introduced in 2025, has now become an annual programme of the museum, aimed at promoting interfaith harmony and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Speaking at the event, the Curator of the National Museum, Akure, Mrs. Adegboye Janet Yemisi, described Eid el-Fitr as a period of joy, reflection, and gratitude following the completion of Ramadan. She emphasized that the museum’s role goes beyond the preservation of artefacts to fostering cultural values and encouraging peaceful coexistence among diverse groups.

She urged participants to sustain the virtues of discipline, compassion, and devotion cultivated during the holy month, citing Qur’an 2:185 on the importance of gratitude to Allah.

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of the Deji’s Palace, Sheikh Abdulfatai Idera, commended the museum for organizing an inclusive programme that promotes religious tolerance.

He offered prayers for peace and unity in Akure, Ondo State, and Nigeria at large.

A lecture titled “What Next After Ramadan?”, presented by Ustadh Ahmed Danlami Muhammad, highlighted the need for Muslims to maintain spiritual discipline, uphold good character, continue acts of charity, and promote peaceful coexistence beyond the Ramadan period.

The event also featured participation from pupils of four Muslim primary schools, who engaged in recitations, drama presentations, and a quiz competition. Al Bidaayah Centre, Igoba emerged first with 48 points, followed by Al Mutmainnah School with 45 points, Al Dab Scholar School with 42 points, and Al Qu'raa Scholars Academy with 33 points. The winners were presented with prizes.

Dignitaries at the event included Imam Sheikh Abdul Fatai Idera (Deputy Chief Imam), Mallam Sa’ad Salihu (Head of the Hausa Community, Deji’s Palace Road), Alhaji White Adamu, and Alhaji Idris (BDC Akure). Also present was Omotosho Abdul Khoofid, President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), who served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The programme also featured a lecture on the role of national museums in celebrating Eid el-Fitr in Nigeria, with emphasis on cultural preservation, public education, and the promotion of national unity.

The event, organized by a committee led by Mr. Shaka Abdulrahman, concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and continued development in the country. Other members of the committee included Mr. Ahmadu Zekeri Mohammed, Mr. Abu Sanni, Mr. Saliu Lucky Rashidu, Mrs. Ologunowa Anike, and Mrs. Agboola Grace.

EDUCATIONAL VISIT TO NATIONAL MUSEUM, AKURE

On 16 March 2026, the National Museum, Akure, had the pleasure of hosting pupils from Grace and Mercy Model Schools, Oba-Ile, for an engaging and educational excursion.

The pupils, accompanied by their teacher, Mr. Ajayi Oluwatosin Emmanuel, participated in an interactive session led by the museum’s Educational Officers. The visit featured hands-on learning in Nigerian art, with a focus on pottery, calabash, and their cultural significance.

From start to finish, the pupils showed great enthusiasm and curiosity as they explored Nigeria’s rich heritage. It was truly inspiring to see young minds actively engaged in preserving and appreciating our culture.

We appreciate Grace and Mercy Model Schools for the visit and look forward to welcoming them again—especially for their planned tour of the Old Deji’s Palace during their Founder’s Day celebration.

National Museum, Akure
Preserving the past. Educating the future.

SKILL ACQUISITION OUTREACH BY NATIONAL MUSEUM, AKURE

On 11 March 2026, the National Museum, Akure, organised a skill acquisition programme at Vidat Nursery and Primary School, Igoba, Akure, empowering pupils and teachers with practical knowledge in the production of liquid soap and disinfectant (bleach).

The outreach programme, held at the request of the school, forms part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural awareness and practical life skills within the community.

Before the practical session, participants were introduced to the meaning, types, and functions of museums, as well as their vital role in preserving cultural heritage and educating society.

The highlight of the day was the hands-on training session, where pupils and teachers actively participated in producing essential household cleaning products an experience that was both educational and impactful.

The training was facilitated by dedicated resource persons: Mrs. Salako Ebun, Mrs. Adanlawo Florence, Mrs. Ologunowa Anike, and Mrs. Okankiri Bosede (Exhibition Officer).

A total of 22 participants, including pupils and teachers, benefited from the programme, which was met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the school community.

National Museum, Akure
Promoting knowledge. Preserving heritage. Empowering communities.

Eid Mubarak! 🌙

May the blessings of Eid al-Fitr bring joy to your hearts, peace to your homes, and happiness to your lives.
Warm greetings to all our friends and visitors.

National Museum Akure

NATIONAL MUSEUM AKURE CONDUCTS SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAMME AT ROYAL JEWELS NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL

As part of its mandate to promote cultural awareness and heritage education among young learners, the National Museum Akure conducted a School Outreach Programme at Royal Jewels Nursery and Primary School, Akure, on 27th February, 2026.

During the programme, pupils and teachers were enlightened on the meaning, types, and functions of museums, with emphasis on the vital role museums play in the preservation, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage. The session also featured a lecture on Indigenous Cosmetics, where participants were introduced to traditional cosmetic practices and natural materials historically used within Nigerian communities.

The outreach lecture was delivered by the Museum Education Officers: Mrs. Salako Ebun, Mrs. Adanlawo Florence, Mrs. Ologunowa Anike, and Okankiri Bosede, who presented the topics in a clear and engaging manner suitable for the pupils.

A total of 69 pupils, comprising 34 boys and 35 girls, alongside 6 teachers, were in attendance during the programme.

The session was highly interactive, as pupils actively participated by asking questions and contributing to discussions. Both the teachers and pupils described the programme as educative, enlightening, and impactful.

At the conclusion of the programme, the Proprietress of Royal Jewels Nursery and Primary School expressed her appreciation to the Education Officers of the National Museum Akure for bringing such an informative and enriching educational experience to the school.

The outreach programme forms part of the Museum’s ongoing efforts to extend heritage education beyond the museum environment and foster early appreciation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage among young learners.

NATIONAL MUSEUM AKURE HOLDS IMPACTFUL SCHOOL OUTREACH

On February 25, 2026, the Education Department of the National Museum Akure visited Adegbola Memorial Grammar School for an engaging and educative School Outreach Programme.

A total of 1,240 participants including 1,200 students and 40 teachers benefited from the interactive session focused on the meaning, types, and importance of museums in preserving our history, culture, and national identity.
Our Education Officers highlighted key museum activities such as exhibitions, research, educational services, cultural preservation, and community programmes that promote learning and self-reliance among young people.

The outreach team Mrs. Salako Ebun, Mrs. Adanlawo Florence, Mrs. Ologunowa Anike, and Mrs. Okankiri Bosede delivered insightful presentations that kept the audience fully engaged.

The school community described the programme as enlightening and impactful, while the Principal expressed sincere appreciation for the initiative.

Together, we continue to promote cultural literacy and heritage education among the younger generation.

NATIONAL MUSEUM AKURE CONCLUDES THREE-PHASE SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMME AT HANDEF

The National Museum Akure has successfully concluded its three-phase Skill Acquisition Programme, with the final phase held at the Handicapped Education Foundation (HANDEF) in Akure, Ondo State.

HANDEF, founded in 2007 by Olufunke Agagu, wife of former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu, is dedicated to empowering and supporting persons with disabilities through education and vocational initiatives.

The concluding phase of the programme, themed “Creativity in Disability,” was organized by the Museum’s Educational Services and Training Department and held on 26 February 2026 at the Foundation’s facility in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The initiative was designed to equip participants with practical vocational skills that promote self-reliance and sustainable economic development.

The training was led by the Head of Educational Services and Training, Mr. Ayodele Victor Olaleye, supported by a team of education officers: Mrs. Williams Omotunde, Mr. Idiare Kehinde, Mrs. Salako Ebun, Mrs. Omopemi Fausat, Mrs. Adanlawo Florence, Mrs. Alawiye Catherine, Mrs. Ologunowa Anike, Mrs. Olatejuwoye Rachael, and Mr. Faloye Ifedayo.

A total of 52 adults living with various disabilities including physical impairments, albinism, and hearing challenges participated in the hands-on sessions. Participants received practical training in cutting and sewing bags and purses using both sewing machines and hand needles.

The skills imparted are expected to enhance employability, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster personal development. The programme recorded notable success, with participants displaying enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment throughout the exercise. Many beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the opportunity to acquire practical skills capable of supporting self-employment and improving their standard of living.

The Coordinator of HANDEF, Mr. Philip Joel, commended the National Museum Akure team for what he described as a timely and impactful intervention. The Foundation also expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Museum on a larger scale in the near future.

Other dignitaries present included the State Chairman, Albino Cluster, Hon. Prince Fagorola Ayodele; State Chairman, Physical Cluster, Comrade Falayi Mayowa Emmanuel; State Chairperson, Hearing Impaired Cluster, Akinyemi Patricia; State Women Leader, Physical Cluster, Mrs. Adesanmi Temilade; JONAPWD Women Leader, Hon. Ademeko Busayo; JONAPWD Assistant Women Leader, Mrs. Yisa Toyin; and JONAPWD Treasurer, Mr. Abimbola Segun.

The successful completion of the three-phase Skill Acquisition Programme underscores the National Museum Akure’s sustained commitment to inclusive community development and the advancement of sustainable vocational training for diverse segments of society.

SECOND PHASE OF SKILLS ACQUISITION PROGRAMME: PRACTICAL AND CULTURAL TRAINING

Day Two – 23rd February 2026

On 23rd February 2026, the Education Officers of the National Museum Akure continued the Skills Acquisition Programme organized in commemoration of ASA DAY 2026 with pupils of Boyln Nursery and Primary School, Akure.

The day’s activities combined both cultural education and practical vocational training, reinforcing the Museum’s commitment to holistic learning.

As part of the cultural component, Education Officers engaged the pupils and teachers in selected folklores and folktales, emphasizing the importance of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage from one generation to another.

The interactive storytelling sessions enhanced the pupils’ appreciation of indigenous knowledge systems and moral values embedded in traditional narratives.

The practical training focused on the continuation and near completion of the bar soap production process.

Activities carried out included:
Mixing of the second stage of the bar soap chemicals
Combining the first and second stage mixtures
Pouring the processed soap into boxes/cartons
Cutting the cooled soap into appropriate sizes

Participants also received comprehensive training in liquid soap production, which involved:
Introduction to the chemicals used in liquid soap making
Proper mixing of ingredients
Filling bottles with the finished liquid soap

The resource persons for this phase were Mrs. Salako Ebun, Mrs. Adanlawo Florence, Mrs. Ologunowa Anike, and Mrs. Okankiri Bosede, who ensured effective coordination and hands-on supervision throughout the sessions.

The school authorities and pupils expressed profound appreciation to the Museum for the initiative, describing the training as practical, educative, and highly impactful.

The programme further strengthened the Museum’s role in promoting cultural awareness and entrepreneurial skill development among young learners.

Photographs from the event further capture the enthusiasm and active participation of the pupils and facilitators

SECOND PHASE: TWO-DAY SKILLS ACQUISITION PROGRAMME FOR BOYLN NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL IN COMMEMORATION OF ASA DAY 2026

As part of activities marking ASA DAY 2026, the National Museum Akure organized a two-day Skills Acquisition Programme for pupils of Boyln Nursery and Primary School, Akure.

The initiative forms part of the Museum’s continued commitment to promoting practical knowledge, cultural values, and entrepreneurial development among young learners.

The programme was specifically designed to equip pupils with foundational vocational skills, with emphasis on bar soap and liquid soap production as viable entrepreneurial ventures capable of fostering self-reliance at an early age.

Day One, held on 20th February 2026, commenced with an introductory session highlighting the history, mandate, and core functions of the Museum. Pupils and teachers were sensitized on the vital role of museums in cultural preservation, education, research, and community development.

This was followed by an introduction to the chemicals and materials used in bar soap production, alongside a practical demonstration of the initial stage of mixing the soap ingredients. The hands-on session enabled participants to observe and understand the scientific and safety procedures involved in the production process.

The resource persons, Mrs. Salako Ebun and Mrs. Okankiri Bosede, provided step-by-step guidance using clear demonstrations and interactive teaching methods to ensure effective understanding and active participation.

A total of one hundred and forty-eight (148) participants were in attendance, comprising seventy-three (73) boys, sixty-three (63) girls, and twelve (12) teachers.

The training session was widely described as educative, practical, and engaging. The Headmistress of the school commended the resource persons for their professionalism and expressed profound appreciation to the Museum for the initiative. She noted that exposing pupils to vocational and entrepreneurial skills at an early stage significantly enhances creativity, confidence, and self-sufficiency.

It is noteworthy that a few years ago, the Museum carried out a similar skills acquisition exercise at the same school, focusing on tie-and-dye production. The impact of that training remains visible, as the school adopted the finished tie-and-dye fabric as their official Friday wear. Pupils also proudly wore the outfits during the last Christmas funfair hosted at the Museum, demonstrating the sustainability and long-term value of the initiative.

The second day of the programme will feature advanced practical sessions, including the completion of the bar soap production process and comprehensive training on liquid soap making, as part of the broader ASA DAY 2026 celebration activities.