The Turkish government has identified 76 wooden and metal artefacts believed to belong to Nigeria, raising fresh hopes for their eventual return.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was disclosed by Mehmet Poroy, Turkey’s Ambassador to Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, in Abuja on Thursday.
“Our minister of culture and tourism has identified 76 wooden and metal objects that they think might belong to Nigeria. We received information about these artefacts last May, and we are eager to see them returned to Nigeria,” Poroy said.
The ambassador explained that discussions on repatriating the artefacts would begin once the Nigerian government formally verifies and claims ownership.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Turkey next week on a state visit. Ahead of the trip, he appointed Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi State, as ambassador-designate to Turkey.
Poroy said the two countries hope to sign a cultural cooperation agreement during Tinubu’s visit.
“We hope to sign a cultural cooperation agreement during the upcoming visit of Nigeria’s president to Turkey. We are committed to promoting cultural understanding and cooperation between our nations,” he said.
The envoy also revealed plans to establish a Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria to promote traditional arts and support the education of young Nigerian women.
In her response, Musawa stressed the importance of finalising the agreement, noting Nigeria’s interest in working with Turkey on film industry projects, cultural exchanges and women empowerment in fashion.
She said a stronger partnership would enhance cultural understanding and economic growth between both countries.
“This is a golden opportunity for both countries to strengthen cultural diplomacy. Nigeria is the gateway to talking to the black global community, purely because of our numbers and strength of expression,” Musawa said.
The minister urged relevant officials to fast-track the cultural cooperation agreement between the two nations.
