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

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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.

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

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

Education

COMR. YUSUF TOBI JAMIU ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR SUG WEEK 2026, CALLS FOR MASS PARTICIPATION

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COMR. YUSUF TOBI JAMIU ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR SUG WEEK 2026, CALLS FOR MASS PARTICIPATION

COMR. YUSUF TOBI JAMIU ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR SUG WEEK 2026, CALLS FOR MASS PARTICIPATION

 

University of Abuja SUG President Unveils 6-Day Programme Focused on Leadership, Innovation, Culture, and Student Unity

 

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The President of the Students’ Union Government, University of Abuja, Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu (JAMO) has officially unveiled the schedule of activities for SUG WEEK 2026, scheduled to hold from 18th to 23rd May, 2026, at the University of Abuja.

 

In an official release to the general public, Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu stated that this year’s edition is designed as a comprehensive student engagement and development programme aimed at promoting leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, culture, intellectual interaction, entertainment, sportsmanship, and social integration within the university community.

 

COMR. YUSUF TOBI JAMIU ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR SUG WEEK 2026, CALLS FOR MASS PARTICIPATION

 

“SUG Week 2026 is not merely a celebration, but a reflection of purposeful student leadership and the collective spirit of the University of Abuja student community, ”Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu said. “I encourage every student to participate actively, represent their faculties and departments positively, and make the most of this platform for growth and unity.”

 

Building on a Record of Student-Centred Governance

Under the leadership of Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu, the current administration, has introduced several initiatives to improve student engagement and institutional representation. These include the unveiling of the official SUG Website, presentation of SUG Buses, development of strategic partnerships, presentation of the SUG Magazine, and various welfare and empowerment-driven programmes.

With the approval and support of University Management led by the Vice-Chancellor, *Prof. Abdulhakeem Fawehinmi Babatunde*, SUG Week 2026 has been structured to provide students with opportunities for networking, creativity, intellectual participation, relaxation, and campus-wide unity.

`

SUG WEEK 2026 Schedule of Activities

Day 1 – Monday, 18th May: Corporate Day
Official Launch & Unveiling
1. Official Unveiling of the SUG Website
2. Presentation and Commissioning of the SUG Buses
3. Presentation of the SUG Magazine
4. Award Presentation Ceremony
5. Leadership and Innovation Summit
6. Networking Session

The opening ceremony will feature distinguished personalities, public office holders, institutional stakeholders, business leaders, and guests from across the country.

Day 2 – Tuesday, 19th May: Old School Day
Inter-Faculty Debate Competition
A day dedicated to celebrating culture, creativity, and intellectual engagement through vintage-themed appearances and an inter-faculty debate competition.

Day 3 – Wednesday, 20th May: Jersey Day
Sports & Health Awareness
Focus on fitness, wellness, sportsmanship, and health awareness through sporting activities, recreational engagements, and sensitisation programmes.

Day 4 – Thursday, 21st May: Denim Day
Career & Entrepreneurship Day
Empowering students with career development opportunities, entrepreneurship knowledge, mentorship, networking, and innovation-driven discussions.

Day 5 – Friday, 22nd May: Fashion Show Day
Fashion Display & Runway Experience
Students will showcase creativity, talent, fashion expression, and entertainment through runway displays and coordinated fashion activities.

Day 6 – Saturday, 23rd May: Fake Wedding / Owambe Finale
Grand Finale
The grand social and cultural finale brings students together through music, culture, fashion, food, entertainment, and social interaction.

Call to Action
Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu and the Students’ Union Government encourage all students to take part in the week’s activities and uphold the spirit of unity and excellence that defines the University of Abuja.

Students interested in volunteering, participating, partnering, sponsoring, modelling, or engaging in any activity are advised to send a direct message to the Union through the provided contacts.

For Sponsorship and Partnership: +234 810 593 0335

Signed:
Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu (JAMO)
President, Students’ Union Government (SUG)
University of Abuja

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REJOINDER: SECURITY AGENCIES ARE NOT TOOLS OF INTIMIDATION BUT INSTITUTIONS OF JUSTICE

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REJOINDER: SECURITY AGENCIES ARE NOT TOOLS OF INTIMIDATION BUT INSTITUTIONS OF JUSTICE.

REJOINDER: SECURITY AGENCIES ARE NOT TOOLS OF INTIMIDATION BUT INSTITUTIONS OF JUSTICE.

 

 

The recent publication titled “Enugu Nursing College Faces Backlash for Using DSS, Police to Intimidate Student Nurse for Exposing Oppression” is a clear attempt to sensationalize a matter that is already before lawful authorities and to deliberately further tarnish the image of Ezzy International College of Nursing Sciences through emotional propaganda, half-truths, and social media trial.

 

For the avoidance of
doubt, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies are constitutional institutions established by law to investigate complaints, establish facts, preserve public order, and ensure justice. Their involvement in any matter does not amount to intimidation. Rather, it reflects the lawful pathway for resolving allegations, especially where there are claims of cyber-bullying, defamation, unauthorized recordings, false publications, and dissemination of misleading information capable of damaging institutional reputation and public confidence.

 

REJOINDER: SECURITY AGENCIES ARE NOT TOOLS OF INTIMIDATION BUT INSTITUTIONS OF JUSTICE.

It is therefore surprising that intellectually poor bloggers and such individuals who continuously make public allegations on social media suddenly describe lawful invitations by security agencies as “oppression.” One cannot publish accusations, circulate inflammatory contents online, mobilize public outrage, and then reject legal scrutiny when called upon to substantiate those claims before competent authorities.

Mr. Francis Nwapa and those behind these coordinated media attacks should understand that social media is not a courtroom, and activism requires truths and fairness that must not place anyone above the law. If allegations have been made publicly against Ezzy International College of Nursing Sciences and its leadership, then the proper and civilized response is to appear before the relevant authorities and provide evidence to substantiate such claims instead of resorting to media blackmail and emotional manipulation.

The attempt to portray every lawful investigation as victimisation is both irresponsible and dangerous. Security agencies are not established to entertain sentiments or online noise; they are empowered to determine truth from falsehood through a due process.
Or could it be that Mr.Francis Nwapa and his cohorts assume themselves untouchable and above the law, even when they churn out lies and deceits against legally established institutions on social media? If Nwapa claims to be the coordinator of Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), legal or illegitimate as it seems, should be able to know the duties of the DSS and the Police and accord them same respect. The group should know the law and its process. The group should have a learned legal profiled counsel to respond or educate their ignorance of the law. Needless to say that Mr. Francis Nwapa’s strategy of Cyber-bullying is a game the DSS and the police are so familiar with and cannot be cowed thereof.

The insinuation Mr. Nwapa made about transferring the case to Lagos for his convenience is baseless. He should have defined his jurisdiction before he went uncontrolled on social media space to write what he didnt understand. He should have asked questions on the location of the crime alleged. But, No. He went viral to disburse unfounded information which he claimed happened at a location he never knew. Now, he is being invited to Enugu where the alleged crime was committed, instead of yielding to the state of law, Francis is calling for public sympathy. He insinuates in the writing that investigation procedure be shifted to Lagos to accommodate his reporting ineptitude, rather than at Enugu where the petition and incidents took place. What a myopic view of the procedure! It is pertinent to note that the law does not recognize convenience.

Therefore, if invitations were extended by the DSS or Police, it is only proper for those involved to honour such invitations and clarify the numerous statements and allegations which they already circulated online.

Furthermore, it is important to remind the public that institutions have rules, ethical codes, and disciplinary procedures designed to protect professionalism, patient confidentiality, institutional integrity, and public trust. Unauthorized recording of patients, hospital environments, administrators, or internal communications and broadcasting them online without clearance may raise serious ethical and legal concerns, especially in professional healthcare training institutions.
It is also intellectually dishonest for certain groups to weaponize the current security challenges in Nigeria as an excuse to discredit lawful investigations.

The DSS and Police are capable of handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, including investigating complaints relating to cyber harassment, defamation, false information, and conduct capable of inciting unrest. Mr. Francis, writing on his blog “Francis Nwapa Watch” on 15th of April called for proper investigation into the matter. The security agents yielded to that call and lunched investigations to establish the truth. Why is Mr. Nwapa afraid to dance the music he started beating its drums? Journalism is an age long profession practiced by men of seasoned value, honesty and integrity to uphold public truths. It is unfortune that Mr. Francis whose only known job is pest control and fumigation dabbled into a noble profession as journalism, untrained and unequipped to investigate truth before misinforming the public. More disheartening is that Francis might not know the huge negative impact he would be making to institutions and the public just because he afforded a cheap phone and data to post unverified information on blogs.

Dr. Gloria C. Bertram-Okoli and the management of Ezzy International College of Nursing Sciences have consistently demonstrated commitment to healthcare education, discipline, and institutional excellence. The college cannot and will not surrender its integrity to orchestrated campaigns of calumny or mob pressure driven by social media theatrics.

The public is therefore urged to disregard attempts to distort facts and to allow lawful authorities to carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation from activist groups seeking publicity. Justice is not established on Facebook posts, WhatsApp broadcasts, or media headlines, but through lawful investigation and evidence.

Meanwhile it is also contempt of the legal process as Mr. Nwapa continues to bully online and misinform the public about a matter which is already under investigation. The police had advised that all parties be invited to respond to questions.

The matter is being followed legally. Mr. Francis will do well to submit to legal procedure.

Those who have made allegations should courageously present their evidence before the appropriate authorities instead of portraying legitimate legal procedures as persecution. Truth does not fear investigation.
—Opinion—

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ONDO EAST-WEST FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY APC ADOPTS OTUNBA BOLA FISAYO

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ONDO EAST-WEST FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY APC ADOPTS OTUNBA BOLA FISAYO

 

Ahead of APC House of Representatives Election scheduled for Saturday 16th of May 2026, Ondo EAST-WEST Federal Constituency stakeholders have adopted Otunba Bola Olawafisayo as its flagbearer.

 

Rising from the stakeholders’ meeting held at Harmony Estate in Ondo city, a source close to Otunba Bola Olawafisayo disclosed that arrangements have been perfect and party members will formally adopt Otunba Bola Olawafisayo on Saturday the very day slated very for the primary.

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