International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume II, Issue V, May 2018 | ISSN 2454-6186

Historic Preservation: Prospects and Challenges

Stephen Olayiwola Soetan¹, Oluwaseun Samuel Osadola²

¹PhD, Department of History and International Studies, Ekiti State University, Ado- Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
²PhD Candidate, Department of History and International Studies, Ekiti State University, Ado- Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract: – The significance of historical elements in their different forms cannot be overemphasized. They served as relics of the present which connects us with the past. They are the one providing us with insight into the past. It is the need to examine the need, prospect and the challenges facing this task that forms the focus of this paper In a place where lip service and lack of political will prevails and dictates attitudes to historical sites, the needs to highlight the importance of this sites for historical social and economic should be studied and implemented. This paper derives its data from both primary and secondary sources.

Key Words: Historical preservation, Prospects, Challenges, Culture, Heritage.

I. INTRODUCTION

The cultural elements of various ethnic groupings are peculiar to individual groups. (Okpoko and Okonkwo, 2005) They are symbols of age-long traditions that have survived several generations. Every human society has a culture. Culture includes a society’s arts, beliefs, customs, institutions, inventions, language, technology, and values. Culture produces similar behaviour and thought among most people in a particular society. Thus, the culture of a society is the totality of the way of life of its members. (Orser, 2002) Culture is a property of the society. It encompasses the ideas and habits which the people learn, share and transmit from one generation to another generation. It allows them to identify with others of similar mindsets and backgrounds. Cultural heritage can provide an automatic sense of unity and belonging within a group and allows members to better understand previous generations and the history of where they come from. (Arinze, 1990)

They therefore serve as means of identity and source of pride to the people to whom they are attributed. A large number of these elements exist more in the material aspect of culture than in the non-material aspect. (Bodam, 1998) This is partly due to the tangible form of material culture in comparison with the abstract nature of non-material culture. They have become historical materials which provide a glimpse into the past and in most cases, they have provided more than a glimpse as they have shed light on some issues and filled many gaps in historiography. The significance of historical elements in their different forms cannot be overemphasized. They serve as relics of the past, which inadvertently connect with the present. They provide an insight into the era they belong and ultimately bestow on the present, the knowledge of the civilization which they belong to. (Maduabuchi, 2006)