SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY ARC MOHAMMED NAMADI SAMBO, fnia, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA AT THE OPENING OF AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF AFRICA’S PAST ORGANIZED BY THE SOCIETY OF THE AFRICANIST ARCHEOLOGISTS (SAFA), SEPTEMBER 8^TH 2008 IN FRANKFURT GERMANY.

It gives me great pleasure to be here today at the 19^th biennial meeting of the Society of Africanist Archaeologists (SAFA) in Frankfurt, Germany.

Allow me to also welcome all other distinguished participants to this conference especially those that have travelled far and wide to come here to exchange ideas with professional colleagues on this very important topic of Cultural Diversity of Africa’s Past.

As a professional in governance, it is usually a delight to have such a rare opportunity to be part of such a meeting of respectable internationally acclaimed scientists discussing an area that is thought provoking and challenging.

Having said this, I must add that the importance of meetings such as this cannot be overemphasized. As a professional, I am well aware and do appreciate the fact that scientific exchanges at international level are a catalysts for development and for living the true creed of the phrase “Global Villiage.” These international exchanges and meetings are therefore imperative. The theme of this meeting represents a veritable vehicle between what was and what is today and what will be tomorrow. In order words, the discovery, study and exchange of ideas of the past gives us a unique opportunity of preparing and indeed predicting the future. This underscores the relevance of the theme and timing especially of this meeting and indeed the science of Archaeology very important.

Africa is not in want of evidence of a rich past. There are abundant Archeological and Cultural sites scattered across Africa begging to be excavated and studied. These can be found from Egypt in North Africa to South Africa. As a Nigerian, some of these cultures are well-known. The abundance of great past of Africa is exemplified by such archeological complexes like Nok, Ife and Benin to mention but a few.

As the Governor of Kaduna State where the nucleus and in fact, the essence of the Nok culture resides, I am privilege to note that quite a lot of work needs to be done in this area. The Nok culture situated in Central Nigeria is known worldwide for its terracotta figurines. Research has shown that the Nok culture represents about the first sculptural tradition not only in Nigeria, but in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers have discovered and are satisfied that Nok culture plays an important role in the emergence of Iron Technology, providing some of the earliest evidence of iron smelting in West Africa around 500B.C.

My delight stems from the fact that some of the world’s best brains in this field who are part of this meeting, have been in the forefront of the research on the Nok Culture. Let me add that what I have said of the Nok Culture is true of other great and ancient cultures and civilizations across the length and breadth of Africa.

One problem amongst many that researchers are usually confronted with in Africa is that this great past of Africa is endangered by looting of sites; by illegal miners and treasure hunters causing an immense loss of science, cultural knowledge and indeed the Works of Art.

In Nigeria and Kaduna State in particular, we are taking steps to reduce this menace. We have embarked on sensitizing communities and local authorities to protect valuable sites. We are also encouraging them not only to grant easy access to sites to scientist and researchers, but to give them all necessary support and courtesies. I call on all those in authority in Africa to do the same.

I should not end this address without commending the organizers of this conference for their efforts in facilitating and encouraging the research on Africa’s past. I call on you all to continue to intensify not just your research on Africa’s past but to extend its frontiers and intensify international cooperation in this area so as to truly embrace the concept of the world being a Global Village.

The Government and the good people of Kaduna State will do everything within the limits of its resources to encourage the research on the Nok Culture.

First and foremost, the State is desirous of transforming the Nok Village into a Research and Tourist center of international standard. We welcome whatever assistance and or collaboration we shall get through you in this regard. We are confident that when this is done, the next SAFA meeting will take place in Nok.

Finally, I appreciate the kind invitation extended to me to be here today and the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me and my entourage.

I wish you all a fruitful discussion and progress in considering the cultural diversity of Africa’s past

Thank you and God bless.

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