Herrmann Parzinger, president, Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, on Thursday, said the Federal Republic of Germany is glad to return the artefact that were looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin city.
The president of the foundation, who was among a German delegation to Edo State, made the remarks to journalists in Benin.
Parzinger, while describing the delegation’s visit as historic, noted that it would open the prospect of cultural relations between Germany and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said, “I am quite touched to see how vivid this culture is. The Benin bronze is outstanding, and we are happy we can give Benin bronzes back to Benin and Nigeria.
“This museum is state-of-the-art if you compare it internationally. We are happy that the objects will go back to this museum.
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“So, we want your cooperation and we want to support you in capacity building, training, and education. We want to learn from you about the knowledge of Benin bronze. We really want to open a new chapter in our relations, especially in the area of cultural cooperation.”
He also sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in Edo State and in Nigeria at large for the return of the looted bronzes.
Earlier, Andreas Görgen, director-general of the directorate-general for culture and communications of the German Foreign Office, head of the delegation said the visit to Edo state was to testify to the joint willingness of five Federal States of Germany, the Federal government of Nigeria, and the five museums holders of Benin bronzes to proceed to the return of the looted artefact to Nigeria and Benin City in particular.
Görgen, who is the head of the delegation, commended the government of Nigeria, the federal republic of Germany in their efforts to return the bronzes.
