France To Cooperate With Oba Of Benin For Expedited Repatriation Of Looted Priceless Benin Artifacts

By Okhide Em’ya David

The French Government is to partner with the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II to expedite the repatriation of Benin priceless Artworks, which were looted from the Kingdom.

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jerome Pasquier disclosed this when he led top officials of the French    Embassy to the Palace of the Oba of Benin City, Edo State capital during the week.

Ambassador Pasquier said their  Government was determined to eliminate all forms of discrimination and as well, assist Africa in a dialogue to retrace their cultural heritage and culture.

He commended the Benin Monarch for steps taken to curb the menace of human trafficking and  pointed out that French Government is committed to his vision on eradication of  the menace. 

The Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N Edo  Ukuakpolokpolo described the partnership between the Palace and France as a panacea for eradicating social crimes in the society.

Oba Ewuare solicited the assistance of  the French Government to revamp the country’s dwindling economy through agro-allied ventures to engage the teeming youths and discourage them  from seeking greener pasture abroad.