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It is time for our looted artefacts to return home, FG to Britain

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It is time for our looted artefacts to return home, FG to BritainThe Federal Government says the British authority has taken care of its looted artefacts for so long and it is time for the cultural and historical works of art to return home.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this in London during a working visit to the British Museum.

Speaking after a meeting with officials of the museum, Mohammed, who was taken round the gallery and strong room, thanked them for their passion and for taking care of the artefacts for so long.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the minister met with Sam Nixon, Curator and Head of Africa Section, British Museum and Lissan Bolton, Keeper of the Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas in the Museum.

“Before now, they said we did not make a demand, but in October last year, almost nine months ago we made a formal request for the return of the artefacts especially the Benin bronzes for which we have not got any response.

“We made them understand that our quest and clamour is for the return of the Benin bronzes and all other artefacts that were stolen and looted to their origin.

“I said they should take a cue from Germany which was neither our coloniser nor the one that looted the artefacts but which has yielded to pressure and signed an agreement to return 1,130 Benin bronzes to us.

“We also made it clear to them that they cannot hide under legislation and no Act of Parliament will make what you have stolen to become yours,” he said.

Mohammed said he reminded  the officials that Universities of Aberdeen,  and Cambridge had respectively returned the looted artefacts in their custody.

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He added that all over the world, countries like France, Belgium, Germany were returning the artefacts in their countries while Canada had also made the promise to do so.

According to the minister, the officials who listened to him with rapt attention did not make any comment because the matter was beyond them.

Mohammed, however said they would not rest until Britain do the right thing by returning what they looted from the country a century back.

NAN reports that the artefacts, mostly Benin bronzes were looted by British soldiers when they occupied Benin city in 1887, while some were stolen by explorers.

NAN also recalls that Jesus College at the University of Cambridge was the first UK institution to restitute a Benin bronze to Nigeria,

After 124 years, bronze cockerel, known as Okukor, that had been donated to the college by the father of a student in 1905 was returned to the country last year.

This was followed by the University of Aberdeen which restituted a bronze sculpture, which depicts the head of an Oba (king).

The artefact, one of thousands of religious and cultural artefacts looted by British forces in 1897 was purchased by the University at an auction in 1957. 

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FG Continues Probe Into Civil Servants Receiving Salaries Abroad

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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investigating civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad, according to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.

Speaking during an event in Abuja marking her first 100 days in office, Walson-Jack debunked claims that the investigation had been abandoned, emphasizing the government’s resolve to address the issue. The event also served as an opportunity to review her tenure in the civil service.

The investigation, launched five months ago by President Bola Tinubu, aims to ensure that civil servants who have relocated for better opportunities no longer benefit from Nigeria’s payroll system. Supervisors and department heads who facilitate such fraudulent activities are also being held accountable.

Walson-Jack revealed that the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) is being employed to scrutinize workers’ movements.

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“You are asking about civil servants who may have ‘Japa’. We know that the issue was raised, and some verifications were carried out. Since then, some returned quickly, while others retired honourably,” she said.

“Right now, we are continuing the process, scrutinising the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are not. This will be an ongoing process to ensure that people cannot receive salaries while living abroad,” she added.

Acknowledging progress, Walson-Jack assured that the government would monitor the situation until it is fully resolved.

Reflecting on her tenure, she expressed gratitude to her team, highlighting the support of the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ as instrumental to her success.

“The first 100 days in office is a significant milestone. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made, assess progress, and set goals for the future,” she noted.

Walson-Jack also addressed job racketeering, pledging to work with the Federal Civil Service Commission to eliminate fraudulent recruitment practices.

“Where someone has obtained a job through fraudulent means, we will work with the commission to ensure that the person is sanctioned,” she stated.

This ongoing investigation underscores the government’s effort to restore integrity within the civil service system and ensure accountability at all levels.

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Driver Escapes Death As 40-Foot Container Crashes Onto Car In Lagos

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A potentially tragic accident was narrowly averted on Monday morning when a 40-foot container toppled onto a Toyota Camry with registration number LSR 293 HJ.

The incident occurred around 8 a.m. along the busy route to the Apapa Ports, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Miraculously, the driver of the car, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, survived the ordeal and was swiftly rescued by emergency responders.

Eyewitnesses commended the quick intervention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies, who ensured the driver was extracted from the mangled vehicle and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.

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Officers from the Kirikiri Police Division secured the accident scene, allowing emergency teams to work without interference. Meanwhile, efforts to remove the container and clear the road were still ongoing as of 9:30 a.m.

Speaking on the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, decried the improper securing of containers, which he identified as a recurring cause of such accidents.

“This incident underscores the critical importance of ensuring that containers are properly fastened before being transported. LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways,” Bakare-Oki said.

The crushed Toyota Camry has since been removed from under the container. LASTMA officials continued operations at the scene to restore normal traffic flow in the area.

This latest incident highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding container-laden trucks in Lagos, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of road safety measures.

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NAF Launches Devastating Strike On Terrorist Logistics Hub In Lake Chad

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully carried out a decisive strike against a terrorist enclave in the Lake Chad Basin, delivering a significant blow to militant operations.

Recall that on November 23, 2024, fighter jets from the NAF’s Operation Hadin Kai targeted the notorious Jubillaram area, a known stronghold of terrorist elements in the Tumbuns region.

In a statement issued on Monday, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed that the operation was a direct response to recent intelligence.

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“This strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts, served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters,” Akinboyewa said.

The airstrike, which followed a string of successful intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, was linked to several recent terrorist attacks, including an assault on Nigerian troops in Kareto on November 16, 2024.

“Intelligence had previously linked terrorists in this location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto,” Akinboyewa added.

During the operation, NAF fighter jets launched a precise air interdiction mission, destroying key infrastructure used by the terrorists, including food storage facilities.

This strike disrupted the militants’ logistical operations and significantly weakened their capacity for future attacks.

“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations,” Akinboyewa noted.

Following the airstrike, mop-up operations were conducted using cannons to neutralize any remaining hostile elements.

“Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements,” Akinboyewa stated, emphasizing that the operation was a comprehensive success.

The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations in the fight against terrorism.

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“This mission demonstrates the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending our nation and people, acting singly and supporting surface forces in counterterrorism operations,” Akinboyewa said.

“The NAF will sustain these robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and wellbeing are brought to justice.”

 

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