The marking of the International Day for Monuments and Sites 2011 has come and gone leaving behind a lingering memory of the annual event being the maiden edition to be held by National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) on April 29th at Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Abuja with the theme: "The Cultural Heritage of Water". The Commission joined Museums all over the world to mark the annual global event.

The Hon. Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed was represented by Mr. George Ufot, the Director of Culture, Ministry ot Tourism, Culture and National Orientation. The Minister in his remark did reiterate his warmest dream to have a Museum of National Unity built in Abuja, he said efforts are on to make it a reality.

In his welcome address, the DG, NCMM, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman who was represented by Dr. Musa Hambolu, Director Research, Planning and Publication, gave highlights of the occasion which is focused on the importance of Monuments and Sites to the development of society and cited proactive emphasis to strengthen the awareness of protecting monuments as they remain the nation and proples identity.

The guest lecturer, Dr. O. J. Eboreime former DG - NCMM, gave a historical and academic insight in his presentation showing monuments as it enlivens man and its society-social, political, economical and in the realm of spirituality. Other presenters include: Arch. Ahmed Yar'Adua (MD/CEO) of National Inland Waterway, Lokoja, Mr. S. A. Liasu, former Director, Monuments Heritage and Sites who served as rapporteur, professionally and expertly summarizing the essence of the event. Today Nigeria has 65 declared National Monuments and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The event was well attended by the Commission's Directors, staff and friends of the museum. The program was rounded off as the Ministers' representative declared open the pictorial exhibition of Nigeria National Monuments which was conducted by Mr. Oluremi Adedayo, Director of Monuments, Heritage and Sites.

Some of the dignitaries present were Ambassador Mario Susana Pataro of Argentina, Deputy Ambassador Mario Ferreira of Brazil, Madam K. Melchisalem, former president of International Women of African Displaced Suffrage (IWADS) based in Washington DC, USA Mr. Tayo Fadile, DGM (Corporate Affairs) of National Inland Waterways, Lokoja.