Opinion

Maximising Museum Potentials In Cultural Heritage Tourism

Published

4 years ago

March 21, 2022

Nigeria is endowed with enormous mineral and human resources which have rich cultural heritage, even though the nation has concentrated more on petroleum as her crucial and major means of income. Nevertheless, Agriculture and trading also play a role in the economy of the nation. The honest truth is that being referred as “Gaint Of Africa” means that Nigeria is great particularly, in the sphere of human population, human resources, diverse cultural heritage and tradition, among others.
In the aspect of cultural heritage, Nigeria has three major ethnic groups (Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba) and over 200 minor ethnic groups like Ijaw, Urhobo, Itshekiri, Igala, Tiv, Fulani, etc each of which has distinct cultural patrimonies and indigenous art and craft works.
The people of Nigeria did not abandon their tradition and values completely during their interaction with the colonial masters, realising that it is their identity, although some aspects of their practice was affected, like their dressing, marriage pattern, family structures and some others as well as the introduction and existence of museums for adequate preservation and protection of tangible cultural heritage items of great value which were originally kept in shrines, palaces, homes and were used as items of religious worship, daily existence, protection, warfare, cults, healing, security and so on.
The existence of museum in Nigeria has created an avenue for social interaction, cultural heritage tourism, cultural and creative enterprises establishment, all for the essence of national development.
Heritage is known as those things passed on to us from our forefathers to preserve and keep for the future generation to enjoy and appreciate.
Culture is referred to as the belief, custom, practices and social behaviour of a particular nation or place (Encarta; 2009). It is also a social inheritance, that gives structure to our lives (Nwabueze; 2004). This is to say that there is no future without a past (Lawuyi and Ukpokolo 2012:211). According to Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), the concept “Culture” encompasses the way of life, language, oral and written literature, music and song, nonverbal communication, religion or believe system, rites and ceremonies, sports and games, method of production or technology, natural and manmade environments, arts, clothing and shelter, food where communities and individuals build their existence, give meaning to life and express their humanity.
Cultural heritage, according to International Cultural of Museum (ICM; 1950), is the sum total of wild life and scenic parks, sites of scientific or historical importance, national monuments, historic buildings and works of art, literature and music, oral tradition, and museum collections together with their documentation.
Cultural identity constitutes those attributes, behavioural patterns, lifestyle, social structures and norms that distinguish the people from other people. This is as observed by Omekwu (2003).
Museum has been defined as a public institution that collects, studies, exhibits and conserve objects for cultural and educational purpose (Okpoko, 2011:1). Hoffman (2006:44) said museums are dedicated to preserving the past for the future.
Tourism is a journey, a passage through time (UNESCO; 2006). It is the act of travelling for a short term from one nation or place to another for recreation, education or rest. Frankline (2003:11) opined that tourism is not synonymous with travel, it is a modern stand to the world. According to Lickotich and Jenkins (1997:10), tourisms is a recent invention of which the word was unknown in English language until the recent century. Free and white (2011:181) stated that tourism can be important to a people’s sense of national identity because it serves to operationalise the stories, the history and the linkage with the land.
Cultural heritage tourism, according to United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), is the movement of persons for essentially cultural motivations such as study tour, performing art and culture tour, travel to festival and other cultural events, visits to heritage sites and monuments, travel to study nature, folklores and arts, and pilgrimages. It is also defined by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) as “traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes cultural, historic and natural resources. (NTHP 2008).
Tourism development is the process of establishing and maintaining a tourism industry in a particular location. It can also be the process of developing strategies and plans to increase/develop courage tourism in a particular destination.
National development is the capacity of the country to raise the standard of living of its residents, which could be achieved by providing basic livelihood requirements and supplying them with employments, to create growth, bring progress and positive change.
Nigeria is endowed with historical and archaeological sites, which have the potential to be an important heritage destination, which tourists are most interested in worldwide. Being a nation with colourful cultures and traditions, of which most of its tangible evidence lies in the museum for public education and enjoyment, makes it a tourist destination.
Museum is an attractive economic development institution which is enriching public centres that can promote national economy through tourism by its ability to influence positively the capacity to reflect both continuity and change while preserving cultural and natural heritage of the nation, which is the nation’s pride and identity.
The Federal Government instituted four national unity museums in Maiduguri, Sokoto, Ibadan and Enugu after the Nigeria – Biafra War which raged from 1967 – 1970, in a bid for unity and further expansion.
The aim of these museums was to encourage national unity and development through cultural awareness and orientation. Presently, museums are located in almost all the states of the federation under the nation body NCMM (National Commission for Museum and Monument) which sees to the well being of the museums in Nigeria. The body is led by a Director General as the chief executive, who is assisted by other Directors.
The management of the body, NCMM has seven departments, namely, Administration and Supplies; Finance and Accounts; Museums; Monuments, Heritage and Sites; Research, Planning and Publication, Educational Service, and Legal service.
The museum being an institute set out to collect rare valuable objects of human existence, are dedicated to help people understand the history of human civilization, a nation’s cultural differences and similarities, technological advancement, indigenous crafts and styles of the people, from generation to generation.
Museum as a relevant entity, houses the nation’s pride, thereby preserving the cultural identity of the nation, through which people become aware of the relationship with their environment, their past and the need to infuse certain basic values of the past into the various elements of contemporary practices where such past values are still relevant to the present day needs and aspiration (Okpoko 2011: 11).
In maximising and revitalising Nigerian museum potentials development, most of the challenges hampering the life and existence of the museum like inadequate power supply, poor funding, theft and insecurity should be harnessed urgently.

Ogbuebue is a staff of National Museum, Port Harcourt.

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”

Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.

Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.

Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.

Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.

Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.

The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.

By; Confidence Adoo

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”

The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.

Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,

when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.

Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?

Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.

Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi