President Bola Tinubu has expressed pride in Olugbile Holloway, director-general of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), for his inclusion in the inaugural TIME100 Art list, which recognizes 100 individuals influencing the global art landscape. The announcement, made via a statement from Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that Holloway’s recognition underscores the NCMM’s efforts to reclaim Nigeria’s cultural heritage and revitalize institutions tasked with its preservation. Tinubu highlighted the DG’s role in advancing Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, particularly through collaborations with traditional leaders and international institutions.
Since assuming his role in March 2024, Holloway has partnered with His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, to establish protocols for the repatriation, conservation, and display of Benin Bronzes. This framework has bolstered Nigeria’s negotiations with foreign governments, universities, and museums. Under his leadership, the NCMM secured the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands and 116 from the University of Cambridge, alongside 18 Benin Bronzes and four Ikom monoliths from Switzerland. These efforts, Tinubu noted, reflect a commitment to historical justice and the restoration of cultural dignity for affected communities.
The NCMM, under Holloway’s direction, also launched Nigeria’s first digital museum of antiquities, featuring over 200 artifacts from the National Museum in Lagos. These items are available through a 3D-scanned, immersive online platform. Additionally, the National Museum in Lagos underwent significant renovations, including upgraded galleries, modern display systems, and enhanced preservation facilities. Tinubu commended the Commission’s work in making Nigeria’s history more accessible to younger generations, calling it a vital step in cultural education and national identity preservation.
Tinubu urged the NCMM to continue its repatriation efforts, expand museum infrastructure nationwide, and ensure broader public engagement with Nigeria’s heritage. The President’s remarks underscore the intersection of cultural preservation, diplomatic strategy, and national pride, positioning the NCMM as a key player in global conversations about art and historical restitution. The recognition on the TIME100 Art list highlights the growing international acknowledgment of Nigeria’s cultural reclamation initiatives.