Osogbo — The Federal Government has eamarked an initial take off grant of $500,000 under the Nigeria/United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) memorandum of understanding self - benefiting grant for the establishment of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo, Osun State.

Besides, the Osun State Government has effected the payment of a sum of $680,000 to Professor UlliBier for the acqisition of his works and achives.

The state governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola disclosed this in Osogbo at the weekend while playing host to the UNESCO officials led by Nigerian Ambassador to the UNESCO Professor Michael Omolewa.

Oyinlola said his administration had been doing all within its reach to ensure that the opportunity of having the Center in the state did not slip by. Apart from the temporary site already designated for the centre which had started operation, he said efforts were being made towards the completion of the permanent site.

"Only last week, I approved the release of N150million for work to continue at the permanent site for the Center in Osogbo. We have approched the issue of the establishment of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding with every sense of responsibility as well as commitment to the goal of having the project here," he said.

Construction work on the permanent site of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, has commenced.

"When completed, the Centre would boast of some of the best facilities available in such institutions in the world. The design would reveal her structures at the sites include a conference centre, archive, office complex, hotel of international standard, libraries and auditorium.

Responding, Professor Omolewa commended the zeal with which the state government was pursuing the issue of the centre.

According to the Ambassador, the state governor had clearly demonstrated its seriousness, advising that the tempo be sustained.