John Kachikwu, the Curator, National Museum of Unity, Enugu, has described the loss of interest of governments, corporate organisations, and individuals in the nation’s museums as unfortunate.

Mr Kachikwu stated while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Enugu on Tuesday.

According to him, many residents in Enugu do not know that a museum exists though situated in the state capital.

He identified poor funding as the main hindrance to the effective management and operation of the museum in the state.

“The governments have lost interest in museums, and there is a lot we can do to revive it. It is only when the government develops an interest in museums that it will listen to us when we cry for help.

“Our culture is our identity, and when we lose it, we lose our identity. We need to preserve and keep alive those things we are known for,” Mr Kachikwu said.

According to him, individuals sponsor museums in advanced countries, unlike in Nigeria.

“We need sponsors to help us create awareness so that people in the state will get to know about it. If we appear three or four times in a year on a television or radio programme on museums, people in Enugu and the South-East will begin to develop an interest in it.

“We are doing International Museum Day next week, but when we go to the private sector for partnership, they will say how can a federal government department be begging them for money.

“Just imagine their sense for value; they are only interested in what they will gain.

“We are looking unto God for intervention,” he lamented.

(NAN)