On Today’s episode of my waka waka STORY, we made a stop at a very phenomenal place, the CRIMMD Museum.
But before I proceed, let me quickly announce that we now have a new employee at Sagetravels. He is the PA to the CEO👩💼 .
After a few days of unproductive moments, my PA suggested we step out into the bustling city of Lagos. Maybe it would energise and motivate us. And so, we did.
That morning, as early as 9 a.m., we were already on our way to 138 Ejigbo-Idimu Road, Opposite Chrisland College, Idimu, Lagos, where the Center for Research, Information Management, and Media Development, otherwise known as CRIMMD, is located.
This institute consists of three sections: the skill centre, a free library, and the museum. Of course, as museum lovers, my PA and I quickly went in. Although this was my third time visiting this particular museum, it never ceases to wow me.
Established on October 1st 2012, CRIMMD started as a photo museum but presently it has a collection of more than 10,000 photos of Nigeria’s history and other valuable items from the pre-colonial, colonial and modern eras.
The unimaginable volume of history housed within its walls is truly impressive. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported back in time, surrounded by relics of Nigeria’s heroes’ past.
Our eyes widened as we walked through the exhibits, beginning with vintage radios, clunky typewriters, and early television sets (LOL, you remember that cupboard-size TV set which you dare not touch if you have strict parents like mine). It was a fantastic experience connecting the dots between these historical artefacts and the technology we use today.
As we walked through the currency exhibition, Dr Raphael James, the Museum owner and curator quickly boasted that he had more Nigerian currency collection than any other museum in Nigeria. Then I asked if he had Okpogo (a traditional Nigerian currency I talked about in my last post) and he quickly showed me what the real Okpogo looks like, this time not just a picture of it. I could hold it myself.
One of the things I love most about the CRIMMD Museum is the way it brings history to life. It’s not just a collection of dusty objects; it’s a narrative, a story of how Nigerians have lived earlier, communicated, shared information, and practised politics in the past. The museum is rich with photographs and portraits of Nigerian elder statesmen.
Do you remember the very popular street Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse, Abuja? The man whose name the street was named after, Chief Justice Adetokunbo Ademola was a prominent Nigerian jurist and the first Chief Justice of Nigeria. He played a significant role in the development of the Nigerian legal system, particularly during the transition from colonial rule to independence. His handsome picture hung there.
There was another whose nickname was Penkelemesi (a funny nickname but that’s a story for another day LOL)
The CRIMMD Museum isn’t just a place for history buffs or media professionals. It’s a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Nigerian culture and history. It’s a great place to take students on a field trip, spark their curiosity about the past and inspire them to think critically about the present. And it’s a fun and engaging way to spend a few hours exploring the rich heritage of Nigerian media.
After we explored the museum, we spent some time in the CRIMMD library. It’s a fantastic resource, with a wide collection of books, journals, and other materials related to media and communication. It’s a great place for researchers, students, and anyone looking to delve deeper into any subject. This library is free and I couldn’t help but admire the few teenagers I saw there seriously studying. I and my PA also seized the opportunity to read an aviation book.
If you’re in Lagos and you’re looking for a unique and educational experience, I highly recommend a visit to the CRIMMD Museum. It’s a hidden gem, a place where history comes to life and where you can gain a deeper appreciation of history beginning from pre-colonial to our contemporary time.
You can access this privately owned museum for as low as 2k. “Plan your visit to the CRIMMD Museum this weekend!”
