From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has received 119 stolen artefacts from the Netherlands, saying plans by some international cartel to re-loot the artifacts were thwarted after he prayed to God and his ancestors.The monarch spoke in Benin when he received the artifacts from the Federal Government delegation led by the Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway.

According to him, “I thank President Bola Tinubu for supporting and committing to the efforts former President Buhari put in place to ensure the artifacts are not re-looted because there were groups in this country believed to be an international cartel that had all sorts of conspiracy to re-loot our artifacts. “The return of these objects has reawakened the courage we had in our people. We do not want modern day politics; we do not want partisan politics to diminish the courage of our people.He continued: “The Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments has been doing wonderful work. His predecessor was part of the conspiracy to re-loot our artifacts. We had a running battle in this hall. I addressed my Chiefs in Benin language and I said these artifacts belong to my ancestors and I will not sit on the ancient throne and watch the artifacts re-looted. They rather remain where they are than being re-looted.The Oba, while thanking the government of the Netherlands for working with the palace, said: “This is part of the efforts to reawaken the morale and spirit of my people.”The Benin Monarch further prayed with his official spectre directing the artifacts to return more artifacts.Earlier, the NCMM DG, Holloway, said the commission and the Benin Royal Palace were working hard to ensure more artefacts were returned.Governor Monday Okpebholo who was represented by the Secretary to State Government, Musa Ikhilor said his administration would continue to build necessary infrastructure to preserve the returned artifacts as well as collaborate with the federal government to improve the storage system for the artifacts.“They are treasured monuments and treasured sacred objects. You can see the way they came. They are fragile and precious. We will continue to collaborate to see that a sage space is created.”We are supporting the palace to see that a befitting museum is put in place to display these objects for tourists as a way of boosting the tourism sector.”On his part, General Director of Wereld Musuem, Marieke Van Bommel, said: “The artifacts were looted and we have a policy in the Netherlands to bring them back.”We are bringing back 119 artifacts. We don’t have more. These are the collections in the Netherlands. There are more collections in Europe but that is not up to us. They have been with us for over 100 years.”

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) have successfully organized a capacity-building workshop on Group Life Assurance Policy in Abuja.The event brought together stakeholders from government ministries, departments, and agencies to enhance understanding and implementation of the policy.

In her opening remarks, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, represented by Oyekunle Patience, emphasized the importance of insurance in safeguarding public servants’ welfare and ensuring financial security for their families. She commended President Bola Tinubu for renewing the annuity policy and applauded NAICOM for initiating the training.The Commissioner for Insurance, Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, represented by Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration, expressed appreciation for the collaboration and assured participants of NAICOM’s commitment to transparency and accountability in policy implementation.The workshop aimed to equip civil servants with knowledge and tools to effectively manage and benefit from the Group Life Assurance Policy, a critical component of the Federal Government’s welfare package.The event marked a significant step in strengthening life insurance policy implementation across the federal civil service, reinforcing the government’s dedication to employee well-being.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, Dr. Mark Ogbodo has urged the Federal Government to urgently address the welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.Ogbodo stated this shortly after he was conferred with an award of excellence by the Abuja Media Practitioners in Abuja on Tuesday.

The award recognised him as a media ambassador and the most media-friendly, innovative, and impactful young doctor and writer in recent times, a title that reflects his dual passion for both healthcare and public engagement. Ogbodo stressed that without deliberate efforts to improve conditions, the country risks a deeper crisis in its health sector due to the mass exodus of medical professionals. On the award, Dr Ogbodo expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and used the moment to shed light on what inspired his journey into healthcare entrepreneurship.According to him, the vision to build Lydia Memorial Hospital was born out of a lifelong ambition to contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria’s health infrastructure.“Growing up, one of my ambitions was to build facilities and projects in the health sector of my area of professional calling.” He also envisioned supporting improvements in Nigeria’s security sector. However, on the educational sector, he pointed out how he has, over the years, given scholarships to underprivileged persons, and how he organised and sponsored literary competitions for his Alma mater, Unique Secondary School Makurdi, and also, a literary competition for all secondary schools in Okpokwu LGA Benue, in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Authors.“I had to start somewhere. So I began in Ugbokolo, a rural area that reflects many of the challenges common in underserved regions. It was important for me to contribute where help is needed the most.“It’s about building something sustainable, something that expands access and quality. We want to go beyond Ugbokolo and replicate this model across the country,” he added. On the biggest issue currently facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, Dr. Ogbodo pointed unambiguously to brain drain.According to him, the flight of trained professionals, doctors, lab. Scientists, and specialists, to other countries in search of better opportunities is crippling the sector.“The most urgent issue is remuneration. The doctors that are still here are overworked. Many are discouraged. If we don’t improve welfare packages now, we will lose more,” he warned. He stressed that the government must act swiftly to provide incentives, career growth opportunities, and working conditions that can compete with what foreign countries offer. On the integration of technology and innovation into healthcare delivery, Dr. Ogbodo emphasised that Lydia Memorial Hospital is already taking deliberate steps in that direction.He revealed that the hospital consults regularly with professional bodies such as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and both federal and state ministries of health to ensure compliance and adopt cutting-edge practices.“With that level of cooperation and scrutiny, we have been able to stay ahead. Our hospital is the first in the state to be approved as a holding centre or treatment centre for infectious diseases. That speaks volumes about our commitment to innovation,” he said.He further maintains that his vision is far from complete as he sees Lydia Memorial Hospital not just as a medical facility but as a model for what is possible when professionals take initiative and the Government supports local ingenuity.Earlier, the secretary of the group, David Torough, speaking on behalf of the professionals, reiterated their commitment to recognizing and encouraging individuals who are making positive impacts in their communities.He said the group has closely monitored Dr. Ogbodo’s activities over time and is pleased to recognize him as one of the most media-friendly, innovative, and impactful young doctors and writers in recent times, particularly in Benue State.