A cultural sensitization and exhibition on Nok Culture was recently organised by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nok, Kaduna State.

The Commission consider this sensitization very significant as it provided the opportunity to focus attention on this important Cultural Heritage of Nok, dated (900BC - 200AD), to the people.

The Nok Culture which has become a great cultural watershe since discovery of the terracotta remains of Nok civilization has provided a high political, socio-economic development of a people with a cultural past.

The sensitization and exhibition on Nok Culture was meant to create awareness for the Nigerian public, especially the Nok people on the implications and dangers of illegal excavation which has become rampant in the area.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Commission, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman said the sensitization programme would not have come at a better time than now as Nigeria is faced by various challenges of looters of antiquities from foreign countries and their local agents, he solicit the support of all and sundry to put an end to this act.

The Director-General used the occasion to appreciate and commend the State Government, the German research group, the host community and the NCMM staff who participated in putting Nok museum on the spotlight. He thanked the Kaduna State Government for releasing their building in Nok to the museum to serve as official museum complex.

The Museum boss indicated the intention of the management to open the Nok Museum to the general public for the pupose of research, exhibition and the presentation of the Nok Culture civilization.

The Director-General however called on visitors, school children and the general public to patronize the museum when it is officially opened. He also inform the gathering that a management plan is been developed for other heritage sites in Nok in conjunction with official of the state and Local Government as well as members of the community.

In his contribution, Prof. Peter Breunig who is the Head of the German excavators in Nigeria, described Nok as a place endowed with abundant terracottas and objects of interest.

He cautioned the people on the illegal activities of escavators and urged them to report such people to the relevant authorities.

Prof. Peter Breunig disclosed that one of the implications of this illegal excavations is that, it will make the soil not to be fertile for farming ,which could also cause errosion.

He thanked the host communities of all the areas escavation has been carried out by this team for the cooperation and support givento them.

High point of the sensitization and exhibition programme was the official opening of the exhibition by His Royal Highness (HRH) Yohanna Akaito, the Ere-Koko I of Koro-land in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The well attended senstitization programme was witnessed by the District Head of Nok, Alhaji Ibrahim Nok, title holders, pupils and students from different schools in the area, as well as the genera public.