News
Reps Raise Concern Over Foreign Influence and Funding Secrecy at MOWAA, Order Comprehensive Probe
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has initiated a full investigation into the establishment, funding sources, and governance structure of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Edo State, amid rising concerns that the institution may be operating in a manner that grants excessive influence to foreign and private interests.
Thus resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Esosa Iyawe, and six other lawmakers from Edo State— Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, Rep. Peter Akpatason, Rep. Billy Osawaru, Rep. Omosede Igbinedion, Rep. Marcus Onobun, and Rep. Okojie Odianosen on Tuesday at plenary.
Presenting the motion, Rep. Iyawe stressed that MOWAA, envisioned as a major cultural and heritage centre for West Africa, must not evolve into a platform that allows external bodies to exercise control over repatriated Nigerian artefacts, especially those with deep historical significance.
He warned that “credible reports suggest that the ownership and governance framework of MOWAA may have created an arrangement that places excessive influence in the hands of private or foreign interests. This would be contrary to Nigeria’s sovereignty over her cultural patrimony.”
The lawmakers stressed that the Museum was expected to serve as a trusted public institution to house long-looted artefacts being returned to the country.
“The international community agreed to repatriate Benin bronzes to Nigeria with the understanding that these priceless items would be held in a public trust under Nigerian control. Anything short of that raises serious red flags,” he said.
They also expressed worries over what they described as inadequate clarity on the Museum’s legal status and donor agreements. Co-sponsor Rep. Julius Ihonvbere said the House must ensure that the nation’s heritage is not compromised.
“We cannot allow any ambiguity around ownership, land allocation, tax waivers, or foreign partnerships. Nigeria’s cultural assets cannot be traded off under the guise of development support,” Ihonvbere said.
Rep. Omosede Igbinedion added that traditional stakeholders, including the Oba of Benin and local communities, were not fully carried along.
“The custodians of the Benin heritage deserve full transparency and involvement. Their exclusion raises legitimate concerns,” she stated.
Lawmakers further warned that the opacity surrounding the project could open avenues for impropriety.
“When funding sources and governance structures are not clear, it creates room for conflict of interest and potential exploitation of our heritage,” Rep. Marcus Onobun added.
The House unanimously adopted the motion, resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to probe the Museum’s establishment, funding sources, donor involvement, and governance architecture.
The committee is expected to determine the level of government oversight, the nature and extent of donor influence, the legal and financial implications of all agreements, and the safeguards protecting Nigeria’s ownership of its cultural assets.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who presided, said the House would protect Nigeria’s cultural heritage at all costs.
“Our heritage is non-negotiable. This investigation is necessary to ensure transparency and national interest,” he said.
The committee is expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has expressed sadness over the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
Idris, a former industrialist and two-term governor of Kogi State, reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
In a condolence message, Enikanolaiye commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Kogi State Government and people of the state, as well as his associates across the country.
The minister described the death as “unexpected” and urged Nigerians to draw consolation from the exemplary life Idris lived and the legacies he left behind as a man of peace committed to the good of all.
Enikanolaiye said Idris made significant contributions to business, public service and philanthropy, leaving behind projects that defined his tenure as governor.
He said: “The former industrialist has left very bold footmarks on the sand of time in business, public service, and philanthropy. The greater Lokoja water scheme, the international market, several roads and bridges, State Secretariat phase two, and construction of housing estates across the state, in addition to prompt payment of salaries are some of the legacies that defined his public service.
“He was a very tolerant leader and a voice of unity who saw humanity in all irrespective of creed, class, and tribe.
“For me at a personal and community level, it was the late Governor that put, for the very first time, asphalt on the only road that links my communities from Iyamoye through Igbagun to Isanlu in Yagba South East District which made access and movements easier for the people.
“I have been one of the direct beneficiaries of this transformative project. The road is now overdue for rehabilitation.
“This is one death too many. It is particularly sad that his death occurred at a time when his guidance and wealth of experience were highly required in this special general election season. Nigeria will miss him.
“No one can question the Almighty God, the owner of life. I wish the former governor, Al janah fridaus, and the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
The minister prayed for strength for the family to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 66th birthday, describing her as the “Mother of the Nation”.
Kalu commended the First Lady for her service to the country, particularly her interventions aimed at empowering women, supporting families and vulnerable citizens, and investing in young Nigerians.
In a congratulatory message issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker said Senator Tinubu’s leadership had reflected compassion and brought what he described as a profoundly human face to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also praised her commitment to raising funds for the renovation and completion of the National Library of Nigeria, describing the initiative as symbolic of her vision for the future.
Kalu said: “Your Excellency, your life of service continues to demonstrate that leadership finds its highest expression in compassion. Through your interventions across the states of our federation, particularly your commitment to the empowerment of women, support for families and vulnerable citizens, and investment in the hopes and aspirations of young Nigerians, you have brought a profoundly human face to the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“Your remarkable commitment to raising funds for the renovation and completion of the National Library of Nigeria is especially symbolic of your vision for the future. A nation that invests in its libraries invests in the minds of its children”.
The Deputy Speaker further described Senator Tinubu as a source of inspiration to emerging leaders, praising her humility, quiet strength and graciousness in office.
“At 66, we celebrate not only the gift of your life, but the countless lives that have been enriched by your generosity of spirit and commitment to service,” Kalu said.
He prayed for continued strength, sound health and wisdom for the First Lady.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as a “great mobiliser and unifier”.
In a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Saturday, Abbas described the First Lady as a dependable spouse, partner and ally to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Speaker commended her “indefatigable spirit” and high level of patriotism, saying she remained an inspiration to Nigerian women.
He also acknowledged her experience in public administration and women mobilisation, describing her as an experienced political, religious and woman leader.
Abbas praised her resilience in supporting not only the President but also the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting her influence at the grassroots and her efforts to complement the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Speaker wished the First Lady many more years in sound body and mind, while praying for the success of her husband in the forthcoming presidential election.
Enikanolaiye Mourns ex-Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris
Kalu hails Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Praises Support for Women, Vulnerable Nigerians
Abbas Hails Oluremi Tinubu @66, Praises Her as ‘Great Mobilise, Unifier’
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