society

JK Randle Museum in the hands of a caveman By Duke of Shomolu

Published

3 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Sahara Weekly

JK Randle Museum in the hands of a caveman

By Duke of Shomolu

I have just watched a video where somebody resisted the Hon. Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism at the JK Randle Museum.

While the matter is still unfolding, let me quickly say something.

The JK Randle Museum located at the Onikan intersection of Lagos Island has been announced by international media as one of the must see places to be visited in the world for 2025.

It was built by renowned architects on behalf of the Lagos State Government and has within its bowels some very rare and priceless artefacts.

At its opening, I went and walked around the edifice and marvelled at its beautiful ambience.

But even at that, I was quite worried as to the capacity and qualifications of the man that was said to have been appointed by the State Government to run the place.

His antecedents didn’t give me any confidence that he understands what was expected of him, viz this historic assignment.

The carnage he fostered at the historic Glover Hall at Tinubu Square was still fresh in our minds.

So seeing him prance in his kembe that night looking lost within the giant edifice only served to heighten my apprehensions.

Today, my worst fears have crystalized.

I have learnt that on a working visit to the monument by the hardworking Commissioner Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, it was discovered that this person had sublet a portion of the edifice to his wife to run a canteen.

I have seen pictures of mundane items like deep freezers, pots and pans and other such paraphernalia used in such bukas littering the multi-billion naira edifice.

I have also learnt that this person had also sublet other parts of the edifice for fees which he has collected privately.

Sadly, he is a non state actor but a mere appointee, appointed to oversee the edifice on behalf of the Government and by extension the people of Lagos State, but turned around to convert significant portions of the structure into a money making venture for himself.

That space was initially offered an international QSR for $150,000 but I learnt that this person sublets government property at N600, 000 without recourse to authority and with the funds not going anywhere near Alausa.

During the said inspection, the Honourable Commissioner discovered these anomalies and decided to take action which was resisted very boldly as could be seen in the videos that have gone viral.

The wrong narrative has been spurned by those who understand how to spin self-serving narratives and the actual happenings may have been blurred, thereby giving the public an opaque view of what transpired.

I have seen more robust images, pictures and have received official explanations on what transpired and I must say that I remain in shock as to the audacity of this young man.

He not only was said to have resisted authority but has been alleged to have involved non state actors who now assaulted Government officials who were in the process of carrying out their legitimate duties.

I have learnt that an investigation into the matter is ongoing with a view to getting to the bottom of the matter

But let me say something while we await that report.

The Lagos State Government cannot run away from blame on this matter.

The JK Randle Museum is a multi-billion naira centre dedicated to the curating and studying of the Yoruba culture amongst others.

I know for a fact that it is a highly driven edifice with the best of technology deployed to ensure that it justifies its rating as a global centre of excellence, almost at par with the British Museum.

It has in its collections some of the rarest artefacts worth millions of naira. Artefacts that cannot be trifled with.

Now appointing this kind of person out of a sea of well qualified people beats my imagination.

It is no wonder that the Centre did not play any significant role in the last visitations, festivities where it was reported that over one million tourists entered Lagos.

One cannot be surprised when the Centre Director was busy running his wife’s canteen instead of positioning the Museum as a main destination for visitation during the festivities.

This is a wake up call for the Lagos State Government to take this establishment with the seriousness it deserves by getting well tested hands to run the place instead of this caveman who seems not to even know his left from his right.

If the Government in themselves are confused as to what to do with it, then it can hand it over to an international body who could run it on their behalf along with globally accepted standards.

The JK Randle Museum has the full potential of turning into an international hub as we continue to see interest from as far afield as Cuba, Brazil and other Caribbean centres on the Museum.

It’s not too late to kick this caveman out, he can go run his canteen at Ebute Ero while we salvage what is left of this beautiful ode to our collective heritage.
Come and beat me

–The Duke of Shomolu writes from Lagos

society

“Young Billionaire” Scam: Court Jails Fraudster, Orders Forfeiture of $345,000 Loot

Published

4 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Sahara Weekly

“Young Billionaire” Scam: Court Jails Fraudster, Orders Forfeiture of $345,000 Loot

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a self-styled socialite, Chima Nkwocha, popularly known as “Young Billionaire,” to two years in prison for defrauding an American citizen of $345,000.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed on Wednesday that Nkwocha was arrested in August 2024 and arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on charges of impersonation and fraud. The convict, who operated under aliases such as Frank Nils, Frank Cobert, and Frank Brown, pleaded guilty to the charges.

Nkwocha was accused of impersonating various individuals using fraudulent Gmail and Google Voice accounts. According to court documents, he swindled Linda Wheeler, a United States citizen, out of $345,000. The funds were funneled through Ginux Global Nigeria Limited, a company where he was the sole signatory.

The prosecuting counsel, Lanre Olanrewaju, presented incriminating exhibits, including:

A black Mercedes Benz ML 350
Two gold necklaces, a gold bracelet, and $2,200 in cash
Bank account balances totaling N90,280,934
Properties in Lagos, Abuja, and Lekki, including a three-bedroom terrace duplex, a three-bedroom bungalow, and two self-contained apartments
Two Zenith Bank drafts worth N8,000,000
Assorted phones and electronic devices

Justice Nwite sentenced Nkwocha to two years imprisonment but offered an alternative fine of N2,000,000. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of all assets linked to the fraud, declaring them proceeds of crime.

The court’s ruling mandated that the following items be handed over to the Federal Government of Nigeria:

The Mercedes Benz vehicle
Gold jewellery and cash recovered
The N90 million in the Ginux Global Nigeria Ltd Zenith Bank account
Real estate properties in Lagos and Abuja
The Zenith Bank drafts and other electronic devices

“The court was satisfied with the EFCC’s submissions and ruled accordingly,” the EFCC stated.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of cyber fraud, as the government intensifies efforts to curb such crimes in Nigeria.

society

Breaking News: Chad in Chaos as Gunfire Erupts Near Presidential Palace; Coup Attempt Foiled, 19 Killed

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Breaking News: Chad in Chaos as Gunfire Erupts Near Presidential Palace; Coup Attempt Foiled, 19 Killed

N’Djamena, Chad — On the evening of January 8, 2025, a violent confrontation broke out near the presidential palace in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, after armed fighters attempted to storm the presidential complex. The gun battle, which lasted for several hours, resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, including 18 of the attackers and one security personnel. In addition, several others were injured, including three members of the Chadian security forces.

According to Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, the situation has since been brought under control, with soldiers successfully repelling the attackers. Koulamallah appeared in a video shortly after the incident, standing alongside soldiers and stating, “The destabilisation attempt was put down. The situation is completely under control.” Despite this assurance, residents of the capital remained on edge, having witnessed a heavy military presence and hearing gunfire in the area.

The attack occurred just hours after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi completed an official visit to Chad, where he met with President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and other senior officials. Reports suggest that President Déby was present at the presidential complex during the attack, though he was unharmed. The timing of the attack, coinciding with an official visit from a foreign dignitary, has raised questions about the stability of the Chadian government.

Political and Military Context

The attempted assault comes amidst a backdrop of increasing political tensions in Chad. In December 2024, Chad announced the termination of its defense cooperation agreement with France, signaling a potential withdrawal of approximately 1,000 French troops stationed in the country. This move has been seen as part of Chad’s efforts to assert greater sovereignty and reduce its historical ties with its former colonial power.

Additionally, Chad and Senegal’s recent decisions to expel French troops from their territories reflect a broader regional shift, with countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger also distancing themselves from French influence. These developments mark a significant realignment in the region, challenging France’s longstanding military presence in West Africa and the Sahel.

Chad’s Political Landscape and Military Stability

The attack on the presidential palace follows Chad’s recent parliamentary elections, which were marred by opposition boycotts and allegations of irregularities. The elections, intended to restore democratic processes, have been widely criticized for their lack of credibility. President Mahamat Idriss Déby, who assumed power in 2021 following the death of his father, is expected to further consolidate his power as he faces mounting domestic and regional challenges.

With tensions running high and the future of Chad’s political stability uncertain, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation. The government’s quick response to the coup attempt has shown a significant military presence, but it remains to be seen whether Chad can maintain peace amid growing discontent and regional shifts away from French influence.

The situation in Chad remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days.

society

Public Outrage as Lagos Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Three-Year-Old Pupil

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Public Outrage as Lagos Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Three-Year-Old Pupil

Nigerians have expressed widespread outrage following the emergence of a viral video showing Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael. The incident reportedly occurred during a writing lesson where the pupil struggled to write as instructed.

Details of the Incident

In the video, Nwadigo is seen repeatedly slapping Abayomi while instructing him to write the number six. The footage, shared widely on social media, has drawn condemnation from Nigerians across various sectors, with many calling for justice for the young boy.

The shocking display of abuse has also raised concerns about child protection and the conduct of educators in Nigerian schools.

Official Response

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has confirmed Nwadigo’s arrest. In a phone interview on Wednesday, the agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, assured the public that appropriate measures were being taken to address the matter.

“The teacher is in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The government is committed to ensuring justice for the young boy,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.

The Lagos State Ministry of Education also weighed in, with spokesperson Kayode Sutton confirming that the incident had been escalated to relevant authorities for further investigation. “This matter has been forwarded to the appropriate quarters, and we are working to ensure that due process is followed,” Sutton stated.

Public Reaction

The video has sparked an uproar on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the teacher’s actions and demanding accountability. Prominent social commentator, VeryDarkMan, was among those who voiced their outrage.

“To the owners of Christ-Mitots, you have just 24 hours to explain why the teacher treated that child in such a way. I’ve never been to Ikorodu, but I’ll fly to that school,” he declared in a video shared online.

He further threatened to organize a protest at the school, urging Nigerians to rally around the case to prevent similar incidents. “Imagine if the child had fallen and gotten injured; they would have likely fabricated a story to cover up the abuse,” he said, suggesting that this might not be the teacher’s first offence.

Broader Implications

The incident has reignited conversations about the state of education and child welfare in Nigeria. Many critics have called for stricter vetting and training processes for teachers, as well as enhanced monitoring systems to safeguard children from abuse in schools.

Child rights advocates have also demanded that the Lagos State government impose severe penalties on schools and educators involved in such acts, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children.

Next Steps

The DSVA and Lagos State Ministry of Education have assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with further updates expected in the coming days. In the meantime, Nigerians are watching closely to ensure that justice is served and measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.