By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
In an effort to promote cultural tourism, establish Anambra State as a tourist destination and follow the directives of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, laid the foundation stone for a monument dedicated to the safekeeping of the Agulu ‘Haba’ Artefact.
The ceremony took place at Haba Oye’s compound in Ukunu village, Agulu, within Anaocha Local Government Area.
During the event, the Commissioner highlighted that globally, the world discusses culture – which reflects the way of life of the people – and that in tourism, culture plays a vital role whether in China, India, or Africa. He explained that the Federal Government, through NCMM, returned the artefact to the people of Agulu in accordance with international law, which affirms people’s right to their indigenous artefacts. They advised the state government to ensure a proper facility is available for the artefact’s protection so that when they come to Agulu for inspection, officials can see where it is kept, as the artefact have been documented both internationally and nationally.
Mr Onyenji remarked that the journey of the Haba artefact from England to Nigeria and ultimately to Agulu in Anambra State is a historic and significant event that warrants documentation for scholars in Philosophy, Religion, Theology, among other fields worldwide, to study, write about, and reference.
He clarified that Governor Chukwuma Soludo does not oppose traditional religion but is against its misuse for criminal activities, which led to the banning of ‘oke ite’ and other harmful magical practices.
“Congratulations! We pray that this will bring progress and peace in Agulu and Anambra at large,” he said. The Commissioner also thanked the community for their support during the recent governorship election.
Mrs Chioma Ifediora, the Director of Arts and Culture, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, NCMM, and the State Governor, Prof. Soludo, for their efforts in returning the Haba artefact to the Agulu people.
She noted that the artefact would boost cultural tourism in the state. “This event is historic and remarkable because the artefact has been taken since 1905 and has now been returned to its original home in Anambra State. Culturally, this artefact will attract visitors eager to view this significant piece in Agulu and across the state.”
The President General of Agulu town, Chief Oliver Afamefuna, thanked Governor Soludo for the extensive developments across the state, particularly the perimeter fencing around Agulu Lake and the dual carriageways passing through the town, as well as the efforts of Mr Don Onyenji and the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism in facilitating the return of the ‘Haba’ artefact, which spent 120 years outside Agulu.
“We are delighted that our Haba artefact has returned home where it belongs. The artefact was taken by the British government in 1905 due to its mystical powers. When they failed to decipher its mystery, they returned it to Nigeria in 1946. On 31 October 2025, the artefact was officially handed over to us, complete with the symbolic beads on its hands, legs, and waist, before it was taken away in 1905, still intact.
“We will document the full history of the artefact to promote tourism and generate revenue for the state and the people of Agulu. In Lagos, where it was stored, it attracted visitors from China, other foreign nationals, and students from various countries who came to view and study it. We appeal to the Federal and State Governments to assist in making its surroundings a magnificent site,” he said.
Prince Chigbogu Nwokoyeobata, Secretary of Ndi-Omenana Agulu Ohumba Community, along with Nze Nweke Afuecheta, one of the high priests of the Haba Deity, expressed their gratitude to the State Government for helping them recover their deity’s artefact. They recounted the dedicated efforts of their ancestors to ensure its return to Agulu.
“We are very grateful for your assistance in bringing back our deity’s artefact. We pray for your prosperity and for peace and progress in our town and across Anambra State,” they said.
The event climaxed with the laying of the foundation stone by the commissioner.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of Ministry of Information, Anambra State*
