The President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, Berlin, Herrmann Parzinger, has assured that the Republic of Germany will return the bronze artifacts looted during the 1897 invasion of Bini Kingdom.
Parzinger, who is also the chairman of Museums Holders of Benin bronzes said this when he led a five-man delegation to Edo State.
He said the visit has opened a vista of cultural relations between Germany and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I am quite touched to see how vivid this culture is. The Benin bronze is outstanding art. We are happy to give Benin bronzes back to Benin and Nigeria.
“This museum is state-of-the-art if you compare it internationally. We are happy that the objects will go back to this museum.
He said Germany would support Benin Museum in capacity building, training, education, adding “We want to learn from you about knowledge of Benin bronze as it has opened a new chapter in our relations specially in the area of cultural cooperation.
He however sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in Nigeria and in Edo state for the return of the looted bronzes, assuring that the foundation will support the country in the area of capacity building, education among others.
Earlier, head of the delegation, Andreas Görgen, Director General of the Directorate General, Culture and Communications of the German Foreign Office, said the visit to Edo state was to testify to the joint willingness of five Federal States of Germany, the Federal government of Nigeria and the five Museums holders of Benin bronzes to proceed to the restoration of the artifacts to Nigeria and Benin in particular.
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