Who really owns MOWAA, what is MOWAA about and what's in it for the Edo people with MOWAA.

I have seen this question pop up when discussions or conversations are had and I think it is a genuine question that should be asked. I guess the question has not received sufficient answers and that's why there's a need to let Edo people know the Truth.

MOWAA--> The Museum of West African Arts is structured as an independent trust. An independent trust is a type of trust in which the trustee — the person or institution managing the trust — is independent of the beneficiaries (those who receive the benefits of the trust).

The trustees are drawn from the private sector including the international community and seats on the board are reserved for the Edo State Government, the Palace of the Oba of Benin and representatives of other independent organizations.

MOWAA is a not for profit enterprise, this means it is not created to be a profit making business. It's goal is to preserve, protect and share culture, history, science and arts with the global public as they come to Benin to enjoy West African Arts.

Does Edo State Government have a "stake" in MOWAA?

Edo State has a stake in MOWAA, The administration of Godwin Obaseki had made a donation of about N3.8billion to the building and development of MOWAA.

MOWAA has also received over $30million from the German Government, the US Government, the British Government, the Melon Foundation, Ford Foundation, the French Government, the Getty Foundation and several other organizations. All of these donations where charity donations to the establishment of MOWAA and since Museums are non-profit and non-governmental, none of the donors made contributions with the purpose of getting returns on investment. The funds donated are classified as outright gifts, not investments, expecting dividends or shares, no equity or returns are expected.

Just like the British Museum in London, MOWAA will operate independently and run typically on philanthropy.

So! Whereas all donors have a stake in the success of MOWAA, none has a direct financial payback except the Edo people who will benefit in the short, medium and long term. The money put in by all donors was a commitment to cultural legacy and it will create over 25,000 jobs directly and indirectly just as we will reap the entire stretch of benefits from MOWAA as it has the propensity to transform Benin into a global hub for African Arts and Archaeology.

More than just creating jobs, it will enhance our tourism potentials, improve our education opportunities and permanently elevate Benins stature on the global stage.

MOWAA is a shared public good and that's why international donors who have put in way more funds than the Edo State Government demand no control.

MOWAA's vision is to show the World what West African Arts provides and serve as a support system to all contemporary creatives all over West Africa and this transcends just Benin Artistry or a showcase of Benin Art Work.

MOWAA will not House the Returned Artifacts as they remain in the custody of the Oba of Benin, it will bring an advantage to the entire spectrum of the Benin Art and amplify what we have to offer to the rest of the world. Our local artisans, bronze casters and wood carvers will be connected to more markets and this will attract audiences to them. MOWAA espects to host events from curation to fashion designing and exhibitions on a regular basis, bringing people into the state and boosting commerce in the state.

MOWAA's preview week will start on November 11, 2025 allowing guests to visit, and the hospitality industry of Benin city will quake on that day and several days after.

Ambassadorial representatives and several High ranking diplomats will be in Benin, over 30 international media houses have signified interest and the pressure on commerce will be felt in the metropolis for a few days.

Our Art Merchants at Igun Street will be overstretched with patronage and the world of Arts will be coming to Benin City to enjoy the splendor of West African Arts.

MOWAA is more than a Museum, it is an institute, the largest and most advanced center for collection, archives and archeological sciences in West Africa, equipped with cutting edge technology for digitising artifacts, conserving heritage and conducting research. Most archeological samples gotten throughout West Africa are taken abroad for testing, all these will now happen in Benin when MOWAA is launched.

As we move forward with the development of our Kingdom and Edo State in General, let us celebrate international projects like MOWAA that won't only benefit us locally but improve our relationships with other National Governments and serve as a catalyst for more international investments in Edo State.