Once established, national museums in Nigeria became solely the responsibility of the government, making them synonymous with government patronage. Other attempts to establish museums occurred at various government levels, but these non-national museums have had a marginal collective impact and often receive little to no recognition even within their own local areas.
Until 1983, indigenous efforts to support the visual arts were scarce and lacked coordinated attempts to re-educate audiences, focusing their interest on both heritage and contemporary art. On May 11, 1983, the DIDI Museum was officially inaugurated in the private home of its founder, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, in memory of his late sister Edith Jibunoh (DIDI), who died at a young age. The institution was inaugurated by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano, who also served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
The inaugural exhibition featured painters Kenny Adamson and Adam Ajunam, showcasing over 75 works during the five-day event, which attracted around 1,200 visitors. Dr. Ekpo Eyo, then Director-General of the National Commission of Museums and Monuments, praised it as an excellent first attempt at such a venture by a private citizen.