The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Firm unveils 2023 MAPs selection process

    Firm unveils 2023 MAPs selection process

    Moores Energy, an indigenous gas company in Nigeria, on Saturday, May 27, 2023, concluded the selection process of this year’s edition of Moores Awards for Public Schools (MAPs).

    The selection process saw 40 students in Lagos public schools, and seven teachers from different districts across the state, jostling for the highly-reputable Moores Awards.

    Witnessed by a representative from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, the nominated students and teachers were treated to commendable reception.

    While only six students, according to the awards organisers, would become recipients of MAPs, only one teacher among those selected, would be awarded.

    Speaking on MAPs 2023, which is scheduled to hold on Friday, June 23, Bola Tom-Jones, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Moores Energy, stated that the awards seek to celebrate outstanding students and teachers in Nigeria.

    “The dedication and passion demonstrated by our educators and students are truly remarkable. They are the ones shaping the future and laying the foundation for a better tomorrow. For this, they deserve to be celebrated and recognised, and that’s what we are doing with Moores Awards for Public Schools,” Tom-Jones stated.

    Addressing the nominated teachers and students, the Moores Energy CEO congratulated them all, saying: “It doesn’t matter who wins, or not. To be here today is a proven fact that you are outstanding individuals.”

    Read Also: Firm unveils health plans for critical illnesses

    Emphasising the importance of highlighting the positive impact of education on society and expressing their commitment to continue promoting excellence in education, Tom-Jones said the forthcoming awards ceremony shines a spotlight on exceptional teachers and students.

    “We hope to inspire others and encourage everyone to appreciate and support the field of education,” she added.

    The MAPs convener, however, thanked supporters of the awards, including the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State ministry of education, Abayomi Abolaji.

    On their part, the nominated students and teachers expressed gratitude to Tom-Jones and other organisers of MAPs, for contributing to the development of the Nigerian education sector.

    Amongst them is Adedeji Adekunle, a teacher of Education District 4, who said he’s excited to be part of those nominated for the recognition.

    “I’ve been teaching for over 10 years now, and this award nomination gave me a feeling of fulfillment. I felt that definitely the works I’ve put in all these years are not in vain,” he added.

    Like Adekunle, Ambrose Adenike, a teacher with Bolade Senior Grammar Oshodi, noted that the education sector in Nigeria needs more of MAPs.

    Her words: “Both teachers and students need to be given utmost attention. It’s important we get celebrated regularly and I’m happy Mrs Bola Tom-Jones is doing that with MAPs. I’ve been teaching for 21 years now and this feat looks great already.”

  • Coalition pleads with Tinubu on NSA appointment

    Coalition pleads with Tinubu on NSA appointment

    … Hails President for an impressive early start

    President Bola Tinubu has been advised to ensure that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is not used to repay political favours, but reserved for a competent professional, considering its critical nature.

    The Coalition of Civil Society on National and Community Security gave the advice yesterday at a news conference in Abuja.

    The group, according to the Executive Director of the People’s Care and Advocacy Initiative (TPCAI), Danladi Garba Isaac urged President Tinubu to consult widely to enable him settle for the right person in his choice as National Security Adviser.

    According to Isaac, the coalition had decided to draw the President’s attention because of the imperative to avoid mistakes, saying the current realities around the nation’s security requires pragmatic attention.

    “The NSA serves as the chief adviser to Mr. President on matters of national security. In other words, he manages national security on behalf of the President and serves as his chief adviser on all matters that are vital to the very survival of the state. In normal times, national security looks to just protect citizens from internal and external threats.

    “But this is no normal times. Nigeria’s present security challenges are daunting. The new NSA must be a knowledgeable, innovative, and experienced personality that understands the security architecture of Nigeria.

    “There is no time for theoreticians and office workers. It is urgent and critical. There is a crying need for complete transformative change in the security architectures in Nigeria.

    “In the last five years, the issues of banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herdsmen clashes, illegal mining and oil bunkering have reached astronomical and intolerable heights that must be handled by not just a competent man in just military security, but a proactive, bold, calculative, well respected, and that will be accepted.

    “Apart from the aforementioned military security challenges, there are issues of economic security, involving multi-national agreements, mutual inter-dependence and availability of natural resources, with the freedom to exercise choice of policies to develop a nation’s economy in the manner desired by the exigencies of the market forces.

    Read Also: Akpabio: we’ll partner Tinubu to provide for, protect Nigerians

    “We cannot also forget cybersecurity. Electronic information systems are vital for maintaining the national security of any Nation. Possible unauthorized access to the critical Governmental infrastructures by state and non-state entities can create a serious threat and have a negative impact on the entire security landscape of the Nation. Mr. President Sir.

    “This is not the time to use the appointment of National Security Adviser for political compensation, but for National re- architectures and engineering of security systems.

    “President Tinubu is a vastly experienced politician, who judging by his utterances and actions in the last two weeks and more importantly who knows the gargantuan security challenges we presently face as a nation, would not be easily cowed by politically-induced influence but pragmatic consideration in the appointment of his NSA.

    “We urge and appeal Mr. President to shun politics in this vital appointment and consult widely for a logical conclusion by putting a round peg in a round hole in his choice as National Security Adviser”, he said.

    The coalition, however, expressed confidence in the ability of Tinubu to deliver, noting that his first two weeks in office has provided the foundation for dialogue and consensus building.

    “It is exactly two weeks since the Tinubu’s administration came into being. It is two weeks in which most Nigerians have adopted a let-us-wait-and-see attitude for now. This is largely due to the handling of topical national issues by President Tinubu.

    “The removal of the subsidy on petrol, was an issue that could easily have ignited fire amongst the populace, but President Tinubu doused the tension when he promptly intervened by physically having meetings with the stakeholders in the oil industry as well as with the Labour Union, to calm agitating nerves.

    “He was also able to convince the health workers to sheath their swords by suspending their strike. He also signed into law the harmonisation of judiciary officers across all levels in terms of their retirement age and pension.

    “And just on Monday, June 12, the Democracy Day, he also signed into law, the student loan bill, which basically provides interest-free loans to indigenous Nigerian students to pursue their education with less stress.

    “All these in two weeks. While this period is definitely nothing in the assessment of Tinubu’s administration, it is a pointer that he is ready to provide platforms for dialogue and consensus building”, he said.

  • Aare Adetola congratulates Yayi, Daniel, other members

    Aare Adetola congratulates Yayi, Daniel, other members

    The Head honcho of Adron Homes and Properties Limited; Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King has congratulated the newly inaugurated members of the 10th National Assembly from across Ogun state after they were inaugurated on the 13th of June while they took their oath of office in a bid to commence their legislative business for the 10th senate; swearing an oath to serve and represent their constituents by upholding the tenents and pledging their allegiance and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Aare Adetola specially congratulated Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi of Ogun West, Senator Gbenga Daniel; Ogun East and Senator Salisu Shuiab Ogun Central after their inauguration at the floor of the senate chambers where he wished them a fruitful sojourn in their legislative odyssey. In his goodwill message to the recently inaugurated senators, the real estate mogul disclosed that; the senators who have been given the mandate to represent the three Ogun senatorial districts need to use their platform and clout in the senate to attract development to the state and also deliver to their constituents the dividend of democracy.

    “I want to specially felicitate my dear brother, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, my elder brother, His Excellency; Senator Gbenga Daniel and Senator Salisu on their inauguration. I am sure that they will bring their experience into play in ensuring that Ogun State gets quality representation at the Red Chambers. I am happy Senator Yayi played a pivotal role in the emergence of Senator Akapabio as President of the Senate.

    I wish all the elected senators the best in their sojourn at the 10th Senate. I want them to attract positive development that will directly improve the wellbeing of their constituents and also consolidate on the efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun in bringing Ogun state an accelerated development in all sectors.”

    Read Also: Tinubu’s presidency will benefit SMEs – Yayi

    The Otun Onigbagbo of Remo Land also used the opportunity to congratulate all inaugurated members of the House of Representatives from Ogun State who were also inducted into the Lower National Assembly. He also enjoined them to ensure they do everything within their power to ensure that Ogun state is on the map in terms of sponsoring people-oriented bills and also constituency projects and human empowerment programmes.

    He congratulated Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga; Ikenne/Sagamu, Remo North, Hon. Adegbesan Joseph; Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside, Hon. Olufemi Adeleke Ogunbanwo; Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North East, Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka; Ifo/Ewekoro, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka; Imeko Afon/Egbado North, Hon. Olumide Osoba; Abeokuta North/Obafemi- Owode/Odeda, Hon. Abiodun Isaq Akinlade; Egbado South and Ipokia, Hon. Afolabi Afuape; Abeokuta South and Hon. Tunji Akinosi; Ado-Odo/Ota.

    While celebrating them on their inauguration, he however implores them to work in synergy with the Governor, senators and other critical stakeholders and put the Ogun State project as a collective effort that must be actualized to the fullest.

    He also implores them to use this opportunity of serving as an avenue to transform their various constituencies and also use their influence to attract a series of life-changing projects to the constituencies

    . “This is an opportunity to serve the people and also show that the mandate that gave each and every one of them will be put to good use. Regardless of our party differences, we must work together to ensure our dear state soars higher in terms of social amenities and capacity building. I wish them a hitch-free legislative sojourn. Let them put Ogun state first in anything they do and Almighty God will make it a smooth ride for them.”

  • Akpabio’s victory excites kinsmen

    Akpabio’s victory excites kinsmen

    Kinsmen of Godswill Akpabio, under auspices of Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, has hailed his victory as Senate president.

    Converner, Okon Mkpafit in a statement, said Akpabio’s victory was divinely arranged and he will bring his experience into the position.

    Mkpafit said with the election of Akpabio,  the Senate will experience dynamism and professionalism.

    According to him, there will be inclusion, and the process of lawmaking will produce results to would galvanise nation building.

    “We the kinsmen of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio under auspices of Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, celebrate his victory today.

    Read Also: NASS Leadership: Gov. Sanwo-Olu congratulates Akpabio, Jibrin

    “We believe his election is a game changer for the Senate, National Assembly, and Nigeria because he is a progressive that puts people’s welfare and well-being first.

    “The Senate will experience dynamism and professionalism in the process of lawmaking, and he will carry every senator along.

    “Akpabio’s Senate presidency will fast-track national development as the executive works with the National Assembly.

    “We state that Akpabio and leadership of 10th National Assembly will justify the confidence reposed in them by senators and the party.”

  • APC Germany pledges support for presidency, National Assembly

    APC Germany pledges support for presidency, National Assembly

    • •Hails seamless Senate, Reps’ leadership election

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Germany has hailed the seamless election of leadership of 10th National Assembly.

    Senator Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abass were elected  Senate president and Speaker of House of Representatives.

    The former Akwa Ibom State Governor secured 63 votes, while his opponent and former Zamfara state Governor, Abdulazeez Yari got 46 votes.

     Abass won with 353 votes to defeat former Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, who got just three votes.

    Read Also: Senate president: Presidency clarifies Shettima’s remarks

    In a congratulatory message, Chairman of APC  in Germany, Jide Fashakin, Secretary, Akintunde Akerele, Secretary and party leader, Olalekan Oyadiran, urged Akpabio and Abass to ensure a united Nationl Assembly.

    They stressed the need to embrace colleagues, irrespective of political divide and relate with the executive to fast track good governance.

    According to them, the 10th National Assembly must prioritise laws to curb insecurity, and improve the economy.

    They expressed their readiness to work with the Bola Tinubu Presidency and National Assembly to   boost power generation and agriculture.

  • Nigeria, others urged to stop illicit financial flows

    Nigeria, others urged to stop illicit financial flows

    Nigeria and other African countries have been advised to check the alarming rate of corruption and Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) across the continent.

    Putting an end to corruption and IFFs will engender development and meet the Sustainable Development Goal targets.

    The Head of Secretariat of the African Union High Level Panel on IFFs and the Working Group on Common Africa Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR), Mrs. Souad Aden-Osman, spoke yesterday at the opening ceremony of the Conference on “Addressing IFFs and Asset Recovery” in Dakar, Senegal.

    The IFFs and Asset Recovery conference is being held on the sidelines of the Global Conference of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

    This is the first EITI global conference to be held in Africa, despite African countries being in the majority among the EITI’s 57 member-states which meet every three years.

    In her presentation entitled: “Tracing the Journey Towards CAPAR and Progress So Far”, Aden-Osman stated that Africa would have access to the resources for her development if the continent was able to stop corruption and IFFs.

    She explained that the CAPAR was a policy advocacy tool and bedrock for negotiating the return of African Assets consigned in foreign jurisdiction, including tracing, identifying, repatriating and effectively managing the continent’s assets as well as cultural heritage assets.

    Aden-Osman further noted that the African Union High Level Panel (AU HLP) had facilitated the mobilisation and bringing together of various African governmental and intergovernmental agencies, civil society organisations, and advocacy groups to implement the directives of the Assembly incorporating the recommendations of the Panel.

    “The AU HLP on IFF and Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA) will continue to advocate for more inclusive and transparent international financial and trade governance systems that are fairer for African countries, established the necessary platforms for presenting a unified African voice in this regard, and strengthen partnerships with continental and regional organizations, think tanks and research institutions.

    “The AU HLP on IFFs from Africa began implementing Phase II of its work, which focuses on national level actions by African Member States. Ongoing effort to assess the status of implementation of the HLP on IFFs recommendations cover the following African Union Member States – Algeria, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania and Tunisia,” said Aden-Osman, who is also the Executive Director of CoDA.

    The Chairperson of the AU Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABAC), Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate, said “most of the IFFs are from the extractive industry and you will feel like crying if you see the impact of IFFs and corruption on the continent.

    “Fighting corruption and IFFs are not a task for any institution. We need to be united and coordinate our activities in order to have impact and achieve our goal”.

    She was represented by the Executive Secretary of the AU Advisory Board Against Corruption, Mrs. Charity Nchimunya.

    A member of the African Union High Level Panel on IFFs and the Working Group on Common Africa Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR), Barrister Akere Muna, stressed the need for Africa to get rid of corruption and IFFs from the continent.

    According to him, “the poorest and weakest suffer most anywhere corruption and IFFs thrive. At EITI, we have seen the complicity between government officials and extractive companies, multinational corporations, to the detriment of the citizens.”

    He queried that, “how is it possible that a private jet is loaded with cash and flown to some countries in Africa just to pay bribes?”

  • NCS recruits over 700 officers, cadets

    NCS recruits over 700 officers, cadets

    The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), said about 774 new personnel and cadets joined the organisation from the recent recruitment.

    Ali, who spoke yesterday after observing a parade of cadets at the Customs Training College (CTC), Ikeja, Lagos said the exercise was rigorous with candidates drawn from each of the 774 local government areas across the country. He said the exercise was transparent and followed the federal character.

    It was gathered that 3,200 officers and cadets have been employed by the Service between 2019 and this year.

    Some of those that were recruited, investigation showed, were professionals like lawyers and engineers

    Ali said he was at the CTC for knowledge transfer to the cadets and to advise them on how to be successful Customs officers.

    He said: “Everytime we keep innovating and this time around since we recruited these people, the Commandant came up with a process that he needed our support by allowing each and everyone of us at the top management level to visit and share our experience with these young recruits to know that there’s a lot to do in the service as well, as the service having a lot to offer.

    Read Also: Edo NCS boss: better days ahead

    “Part of the knowledge transfer is for the officers to know certain things they must keep doing to get to the top, and the Commandant called that mentorship.’’

     We are all scheduled for it and today is my own time that I need to come and see our children, talk to them and most importantly, put into their heads what they are up to.

    “It’s okay to say I want to be a Customs officer but there are ground rules that make you survive as an officer. I got feedback from them and am highly encouraged with their confidence and the questions they asked.

    “This is the most rigorous recruitment we have and this is the one that complied with Federal character in its whole entirety, whereby, we have representatives from 774 local governments in Nigeria.

    “Every local government produced an officer and three other cadets. I am proud of it and as management we hope it will continue this way,” he said.

  • NSIA shortlists 25 semi-finalists for Innovation Prize

    NSIA shortlists 25 semi-finalists for Innovation Prize

    The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has begun the second phase of its NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI) programme of selecting the top 25 semi-finalists to participate in a three-week accelerator programme.

    The NPI is aimed at supporting innovators, technopreneurs, and start-ups in technology-enabled businesses across various sectors  with the potential to drive growth, create jobs, and yield other positive economic and social outcomes.

    The NSIA opened the application portal for the inaugural edition of the NPI on March 8, following a last December 10,  launch.

    After a review, the NSIA shortlisted the start-ups from over 2,000 applications received during the Call to Application stage.

    The startups have started the Accelerator Boot camp, which began on May 29 and will culminate in a one-week  training boot camp, that will end on June 16.

    Among the shortlisted start-ups participating in the boot camp are: Money Africa, Capsa Technology, LegitCar Africa, Boost Power Technologies, Acceede, Creditchek, Apace Technology Solution, Truq, CDIAL AI, Kobopay, and Extension Africa.

    Other participants include Nafarm Foods, Nigenius, Periculum Technology, Quadloop, BrandDrive, Waste Bazaar, Vella Finance, Yalo Technologies, Chekker, Aqualife Ifarms, BetaLife Health, Jise, Esusu Africa, and Oncopadi.

    The selected start-ups operate within vital sectors of the  economy, such as healthcare, financial services, agriculture, education, logistics, e-mobility, e-commerce and digital marketplaces. 

    NSIA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Umar-Sadiq expressed delight at the calibre and quantity of applications received.

    The agency chief restated the significance of staying at the forefront of innovation and disruption in an era of digital transformation.

    “The world is undergoing a digital transformation and it is crucial for us to stay at the forefront of innovation and disruption.

    “By investing in promising technology start-ups, we can unlock new avenues of growth, enhance our competitive advantage, and future-proof our businesses.

    Read Also: NSIA Group acquires four SANLAM insurance subsidiaries

    “Through the NPI programme and our planned investments in technology, we gain access to cutting-edge solutions, disruptive ideas, and exceptional talent. Collaborating with these start-ups allows us to stay ahead of the curve, harness new market opportunities, and deliver unparalleled value to our great nation,” he said.

    In collaboration with its technical partner, Lofty Inc., the NSIA has designed a comprehensive programme that includes modules on strategy, finance and investment, marketing, communications, and technology.

    Over the three-week duration as the Accelerator Bootcamp progresses, participants will receive entrepreneurial training and learn investment practices to enhance their business processes, strengthen their value proposition, promote sustainability, and bolster their scalability.

    After the Accelerator Programme, the 10 most successful and committed applicants will advance to the final stage, called Demo Day, scheduled for June 24, 2023.

    The upcoming Demo Day will provide a platform for the top 10 finalists to showcase their progress and present their pitches to an esteemed panel of judges.

    The event will demonstrate these start-ups’ growth potential, facilitate valuable connections and partnerships within the tech ecosystem.

    The NSIA has assembled a panel of distinguished judges for the Demo Day event to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of the start-ups.

    The panel comprises respected professionals in the tech space, including Juliet Ehimuan from Google Nigeria, Olatunbuson Tijani from CCHub, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji from Future Africa, Andela & Flutterwave, and Amal Hassan from Outsource Global Technologies.

    Over the past decade, the NSIA has implemented various strategies to fulfil its vision and has played an increasingly significant role in driving investments for Nigeria’s economic development.

    The NPI programme is another vertical within its overall strategy, aimed at empowering Nigerian techpreneurs and emerging innovators.

    The NPI programme not only exemplifies the NSIA’s dedication to support the nation’s digital economy but also demonstrates its commitment to nurture entrepreneurship and foster economic development.

    By providing a platform for innovative start-ups to flourish, the NSIA aims to position Nigeria as a hub for technological advancements and attract investments that propel sustainable growth.

  • FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Coleman seek N35b short-term capital

    FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Coleman seek N35b short-term capital

    FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and Coleman Technical Industries Plc have fixed today as the funding and settlement date for the issuance of up to N35 billion commercial papers (CPs), after the two companies closed application lists yesterday.

    FBNQuest, which is rated ‘A’ by Agusto & Co and ‘A-’ by Global Credit Rating (GCR Ratings), is offering Series 25 and Series 26 CPs under its N100 billion CP issuance programme.

    Under Series 25, FBNQuest seeks to raise N12 billion through 181-day CPs with discount rate of 11.6817 per cent and implied yield of 12.4000 per cent. It is also offering simultaneously N8 billion worth of 267-day CPs under Series 26, with discount and implied rates of 11.7883 per cent and 12.9000 per cent respectively. 

    Coleman Technical Industries Limited is raising up to N15 billion under its Series 9 & 10 CPs issuance. The latest issuances are part of the company’s N30 billion CP issuance programme.

    Coleman is offering 182-day CPs at discount rate of 14.39 per cent and implied yield of 15.50 per cent while also offering 268-day CPs at discount rate of 14.72 per cent and implied yield of 16.50 per cent.

    Both companies will use the net proceeds from the issuances to fund short-term working capital requirements.

    Read Also: FBNQuest Funds divests $15m stake in MainOne

    Coleman, a wholly indigenous private limited liability company, was established on July 1, 1975 with primary focus of manufacturing of electrical wires and cables that meet international standards for various industries such as power, oil and gas, real estate, and infrastructure.

    According to the offer documents, from its inception, Coleman has been dedicated to developing local industries that would in turn create employment opportunities through the production of high-quality products.

    “Over the course of its 47 years of operations, Coleman has become the largest producer of cables and wires in West Africa, solidifying its position as the industry leader in Nigeria. This achievement is attributed to its strong management team, which boasts over 150 years of combined industry experience.

    “With the completion of its state-of-the-art fibre-optic cable factory, which required an investment of USD70 million, Coleman has expanded its operations to include the production of fibre-optic cables. This factory, the first of its kind in West Africa and the fifth on the entire continent, is expected to drive the digital economy of Nigeria and the West African region. It positions Nigeria as the fifth-largest producer of fibre-optic cables in Africa.

    “With an impressive production capacity of 162,000 metric tons per annum, this factory enables Coleman to actively participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (“AfCFTA”), leading to increased earnings, foreign exchange conservation, technology transfer, and the generation of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local population,” the documents stated.

    According to the company, the resurgence in the oil and gas sector and the drive for local content has also become a catalyst for Coleman’s growth, which is evident from the contract of $65 million annually secured by Coleman for the supply of cables to the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), $10 billion project for the next five years. The contract spans across multiple products including instrumentation cables, fibre optic cables, low and heavy-duty electrical cables.

    Coleman holds a long-term issuer rating of “BBB-” by GCR Ratings and “BBB-” by Agusto & Co. These ratings were supported by the company’s well-established market niche, diverse product portfolio, stable earnings, and cash flows.

  • World-class museum: ‘Why EMOWAA is now MOWAA, Edo’

    World-class museum: ‘Why EMOWAA is now MOWAA, Edo’

    The Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) is now a world-class Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Edo, and according to its Director of Pavilion, Research and Collections, Ore Disu, is to emphasise the scope of the initiative, being West Africa.

    She said that MOWAA, Edo, a non-governmental and non-profit-making organisation, promoting West African arts and culture, would create world-class art, culture and heritage complex in Benin, the Edo State capital.

    Disu said that Nigeria, and then Edo State, were chosen to build the befitting museum, in order to upgrade conservation efforts in the country, and ensure that surviving remains of artworks were protected, besides generating numerous employment opportunities for the people.

    She gave an assurance that the massive pavilion, when completed, would be a centre for education, research and conservation.

    Disu, who was accompanied by other top officials of MOWAA, Edo, reseachers and academics from across the globe, spoke yesterday in Benin at a parley with reporters.

    She stressed that the previous week’s three-day “Open Day” held at the expansive site of MOWAA, Edo, near the popular Ring Road, Benin, provided informative tours of the future pavilion centre and educated visitors on the benefits it would offer the city and its environs, in terms of investments, jobs and educational opportunities.

    MOWAA Edo’s director said: “We have decided to update our brand identity to emphasise our focus. So, going forward, we will use the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Edo. This signifies a new chapter for our organisation.

    Read Also: CBN, Google partner on currency museum

    “The pavilion, when completed, will host state-of-the-art storage facilities, and the best equipped laboratories for conservation, digital production, archaeology and applied material science in West Africa. It will also provide year-round professional training, internships and outreach activities to sustainably grow relevant skills for heritage and creative economies.

    “We are thrilled to open our doors to the community. We are excited to get more cultural practitioners and residents in touch with the pavilion’s work, which is already proving to be a dynamic space for research, education, and community outreach. None of these would be possible without our local and international partners, who are as committed as we are, to serve communities in Nigeria.

    “MOWAA, Edo hopes to upgrade conservation efforts in Nigeria, ensuring that any construction work that could damage surviving remains are properly protected and training specialists to professionalise heritage practice.”

    The Director of MOWAA, Edo Trust, Philip Ihenacho, in his remarks, stated that the team was already being approached by organisations in West Africa about potential collaborations.

    Ihenacho said: “We are very proud about the work we are doing. It is a first facility that will be dedicated to research and conservation for West African arts and artefacts, including modern, contemporary and ancient. The foundations have been laid and we are on course to complete the building around the middle of 2024.

    “We have already been approached by organisations in West Africa about potential collaborations. In future, we hope to establish other centres of creativity and learning across Nigeria and beyond, to grow our global presence.”

    The Director of the Commission for Archaeology of Non-European Countries (KAAK) Dr. Jörg Linstädter, while also speaking, noted that it was a real privilege to join MOWAA, Edo on the journey of digitally mapping historic buildings and archaeological landscapes of historic Benin.

    Linstädter pointed out that with the work the joint team had been doing in deploying technology, such as photogrammetry, it had enabled the top officials to work towards detailed records of the great moats for the Nigerian people, and the world, to study and appreciate for years to come.