A group called Benin artifact repatriation campaign organization, BARCO has call on the government, and community in the state to value what they have in history.
the group stated this in Benin city, Edo state capital at the meeting organized by BARCO USA Assistant coordinator, Richard iyasere, and hosted by Lancelot imasuen, they stated that they are to creat awareness in the grassroots especially to the bronze casting community on the culturally important and preservation of the industry.
BARCO advocates how they are to preserve IGUN street, protect BRONZE casters, and preserve bronze casting.
In an opening remark Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen welcomed the gathering to his office and detailed efforts he has put in place to project the importance and relevance of the famous Igun street to the outside world in his Film making industry, he said that in the time past he had advocated the Igun street be designated as a walk through Thoroughfare with the enabling laws set by either the State or Local Government Authorities.
On his part, the assistance coordinator USA chapter Richard iyasere, decried the competition being faced by the Bronze Casters of Igun in the sourcing and procuring of materials needed for Bronze Casting due to the activities of foreigners who are ready to pay much higher prices for these materials that they can afford. He advocated the sensitization of the people to the importance of Igun street cum Quarters and the protection and preservation of Bronze Casting and the Casters.
according to Professor Osadolor who took the members on a historical journey and talked about the cultural significance of Igun street. He mentioned the delineation of Igun street into three separate sections namely Igun Ne Eronmwon, Igun Ne Igbosanmwa, and Igun Ne Ematon.
he stated that These separate groups were responsible for the various cultural wonders in Bronze Casting and Ironworks that made the Benin Kingdom great.
Professor Osadolor, therefore, suggested that there should be an Awareness campaign at the grassroots, especially for the bronze casting community.
BARCO also agreed on Teaching the elements of cultural preservation in schools across the land and also BARCO as an advocacy body will actively participate in the effort to save Igun Street/Quarters and the Bronze Casters within the domain from impending demise.
The Ohen-Osa, Mr igbinoghodua Edebiri, was mandated on his promise, to interface with the Bronze Casters and residents of Igun street cum Quarters on the challenges they are facing with a view at proferring solutions by BARCO. He was encouraged to report his findings and observations to the house so that it can form the basis for further actions by BARCO.
meanwhile, Ambassador Lancelot Oduwa was to dialogue with the government and prominent Benin persons that can be of help in BARCO’s quest at saving, improving, and adding value to the Igun street cum Quarters and the Guild of Bronze Casters in Benin.
