In a significant move to strengthen the cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkey, the Republic of Türkiye has hinted on its plan to repatriate 76 wooden and metal artifacts believed to have Nigerian origin.
The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, revealed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja on Thursday.
Ambassador Poroy said they are only waiting for the Nigerian government to confirm ownership of those Artifacts and they will be returned to Nigeria.
According to the Ambassador, the two countries have already agreed to sign a bilateral cultural cooperation agreement during the forthcoming visit of President Bola Tinubu to Turkey.
Aside from the issue of repatriation of the 76 identified Artifacts, Poroy also revealed that the Turkish government wants to establish a Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria to promote traditional arts, cultural exchange and skills development, with particular focus on young Nigerian women.
He also extended invitation to Nigerian officials to participate in upcoming cultural events, including a photo exhibition and a Turkish coffee cultural programme.
