Preservation of Urban Historic and Cultural Heritage Site in Delta State, Nigeria

Preservation of historic and cultural heritage is still an issue in the developing world, despite several reasons to embark on it. The study focused on four important areas of preservation of historic and cultural heritage in Delta State. Primary sources of data include, site visits and interview, and secondary data such as Archive and internet search engine were utilized. Using purposive sampling technique, four study sites were selected and 20 community elders were interviewed. Identified historic and cultural heritage site were Araya Bible Site, Ekumeku Monument, Ojife Statue and Mungo Park House. Araya Bible Site was in good shape, but the original bible was long taken away by the British. A structure had been erected on the spot where the bible was found and the heritage had become a famous pilgrim site for Christians. The status of Princess Ojife and Ekumeku Monument are currently in good shape while the Mungo Park House is in a dilapidated state. The study inferred that these statues and building were of great historic and socio-cultural significance to the people and the country, and recommended proper preservation of the historic and cultural heritage.