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Looted Benin Artefacts: Netherlands to repatriate 119 bronzes to Nigeria
The Nigerian government is looking forward to the repatriation of 119 Benin bronzes from the Netherlands.
A formal request for the return of these artefacts, which were acquired during the British assault on the Benin Kingdom in 1897, has been made.
It has been reported that an agreement regarding their repatriation was signed yesterday by representatives of both countries.
Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of them were among the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining six were returned by the Municipality of Rotterdam.
The signing ceremony took place at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the Benin bronzes were previously displayed.
Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Mr. Eppo Bruins, and the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed for their countries.
A statement by Anneloes Hoff of the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands said the artefacts are expected to arrive later this year, according to the agreement.
The statement reads: “The Netherlands will return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, following a request from the Nigerian government. The transfer agreements were signed today by the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science and the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).
“The objects are expected to arrive in Nigeria later this year. The restitution underscores the strong partnership between The Netherlands and Nigeria.
The Netherlands is returning the Benin Bronzes unconditionally, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897 and should have never ended up in The Netherlands.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unearthed loads of vaccines, including those for Yellow Fever, Diphtheria, Dano Anti-Tetanus, and Measles, hidden under a staircase in the popular Idumota Drug Market in Lagos State.
According to NAFDAC, the vaccines were uncovered on Thursday during an operation carried out as part of a routine surveillance exercise targeting illegal drug distribution networks.
The Agency noted that the suspect was supplying the vaccines to neighbouring West African countries including Liberia
In a post on its X page on Friday, NAFDAC said, “Yesterday at the Idumota Drug Market, NAFDAC officials discovered a stash of vaccines, including Yellow Fever, Dano Anti-Tetanus, Measles, and Diphtheria vaccines, hidden under a staircase.
“Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect was supplying these products to neighbouring West African countries like Liberia.”
The agency added that the premises where the vaccines were uncovered was equipped with CCTV cameras, suggesting active monitoring.
“The suspect has been apprehended and is currently in detention,” it added.
Dr. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, had condemned the reckless handling of sensitive vaccines, stressing that the agency would intensify crackdowns on unauthorised drug dealers.
Recently, NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and urged Nigerians to report suspicious drug distribution activities to authorities.
The agency has also promised to continue its efforts to rid the country of fake drugs.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a strong advisory urging the Osun State Government to immediately suspend the upcoming Local Government elections due to credible intelligence indicating high security threats and potential violence.
This is just as the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has announced the the LG polls across the state are holding.
He also ordered the restriction of vehicular movements in the state during the election.
In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police warned that various groups, including political elements, are allegedly mobilizing to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace, and undermine democratic stability. Given the volatile security situation, the police emphasized that allowing the elections to proceed could lead to widespread unrest, endangering lives and property. “The Force has assessed the current security landscape and determined that proceeding with the elections under these volatile conditions could escalate into widespread unrest.
The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, is fully prepared to take decisive action to prevent any breakdown of law and order. However, to avert unnecessary confrontation and safeguard the democratic process, it is in the best interest of all stakeholders that the elections be stood down,” the statement read. Beyond security concerns, the police also cited legal complexities, referencing the recent clarification by the Attorney-General of the Federation. The Court of Appeal judgment delivered on February 22, 2025, reportedly nullified a previous Federal High Court ruling, raising further questions about the legal foundation of the planned elections. “In light of the combination of heightened security threats and the existing legal complexities, the Nigeria Police Force advises the Osun State Government to reconsider and suspend the planned elections immediately,” the statement concluded. The police urged all stakeholders, including political parties, to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety and stability of the state.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has stated that none of the 31 requests submitted for state creation met the constitutional requirements.
Kalu, who also serves as Deputy Speaker, made this known during a two-day retreat organised by the 10th House in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, supported by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
The retreat which holds from February 20 – 23, 2025, provided a platform to assess pending amendment bills and plan the next steps in the constitutional review process.
While acknowledging the significance of state creation in Nigeria’s governance structure, Kalu noted that the submitted requests did not meet the legal criteria for consideration.
He said the committee has extended the deadline for submissions to March 5, 2025, to allow for further input and possible revisions and that further extensions might be considered, depending on the retreat’s outcome.
Kalu also disclosed that the committee was currently reviewing 151 constitutional amendment bills, reflecting lawmakers’ ongoing efforts to refine governance in Nigeria. While some bills have advanced to the second reading, others remain at the initial stage.
Deputy Speaker also identified duplication of bills as a key challenge in the ongoing amendment process, and noted that some bills covered similar issues under different sponsors, while others overlapped in subject matter. To streamline efforts and avoid redundancy, the committee categorized the bills into key thematic areas:
- Federal Structure and Power Devolution
- Local Government Autonomy
- Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation
- Nigerian Police and Security Architecture
- Comprehensive Judicial Reforms
- Electoral Reforms
- Gender Issues and Human Rights
- State Creation
According to Kalu, this classification will help lawmakers focus on amendments that align with national interest and legislative priorities.
RRecognising the link between constitutional amendments and electoral laws, the committee invited the leadership of the House and Senate Committees on Electoral Matters to the retreat.
Kalu stressed that any proposed changes to the Electoral Act requiring constitutional amendments must pass through his committee to ensure a smooth legislative process.
As part of the next phase, Zonal and National Public Hearings have been scheduled across the six geopolitical zones to allow Nigerians to contribute to the amendment process. These hearings will hold in:
- North Central: Nasarawa and Niger States
- North East: Borno and Gombe States
- North West: Kaduna and Sokoto States
- South East: Enugu and Imo States
- South South: Bayelsa and Cross River States
- South West: Lagos and Ondo States
Kalu therefore urged lawmakers to engage diligently, ensuring the final amendments reflect the will of Nigerians.
He reiterated the committee’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive process, expressing confidence that their work would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and governance.
The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Mr. Clement Nwankwo, commended the committee’s efforts and reaffirmed PLAC’s support for the review process.
NAFDAC Uncovers Loads Of Vaccines For Yellow Fever, Others Hidden Under Staircase In Lagos
Police Call for Suspension of Osun LG Elections, As Adeleke announces poll for tomorrow
No New States as House Committee Rejects 31 Creation Requests – Deputy Speaker
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