News

Museum Of West African Art Benin Beyond A Traditional Museum – Management

Published

1 year ago

November 5, 2024

Editor

The management of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Benin City said contrary to belief in some quarters, the museum is not just a place to store old items but an organisation aimed at developing careers for cultural professionals, curators, artists, among others.

The management added that MOWAA, when fully in operation, would act as a catalyst for deepening connections between contemporary arts and culture and the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, and a centre of excellence creating opportunities for African and Diaspora artists and scholars.

The Executive Director, MOWAA, Phillip Ihenacho, disclosed this during an event titled Museum in the Making held in Benin City on November 4 and 5, 2024.

“By preserving and showcasing works that pay tribute to the ideas and creativity of ancient communities, MOWAA aims to educate and enlighten local and global audiences. This will be activated by MOWAA’s Digital Heritage Lab, which will make cultural content of Nigerian and African origin easy to access, use, and reuse for global engagement.

“The Archaeological and Materials Science Lab will expand scholarships affording access to advanced technologies to enable scientific processing, digital mapping and interpretation in efforts to deepen knowledge of Africa’s civilizations and their material heritage.”

According to him, MOWAA is dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the expansion of knowledge and celebration of West African arts and culture, adding that the organisation owns an institute that provides “exceptional infrastructure and programmes for the preservation, display, research, learning and exchange in arts and culture from a world-class campus in the heart of the historic district of Benin City, Nigeria.”

“Our immersive experiences range from live archaeological excavations, digital recreations of historic spaces, conversations and performances in our gardens, and ceramic making sessions, imbued with folklore and contemporary odes. Optional building and city tours will be available for curious guests,” he added.

The Executive Director, while noting that the MOWAA Institute is scheduled to open to the public in mid 2025, added “the MOWAA Institute and its Campus in the historic heart of Benin City will comprise multiple buildings and public spaces for research and education, display, performance, interaction, and the enhancement of arts and culture tourism, designed through the collaboration of local and international architects.

He continued: “The MOWAA Institute will support museums and cultural organisations in West Africa as a site for ongoing research and a hub for training in archaeology, conservation, heritage management and museum practice.”

Throwing more light on the MOWAA Institute and the facilities therein, a Director of the organisation, Ore Disu disclosed that “collections facility within the Institute will provide expansive, state-of-the-art storage facilities with public display and research space.”

She added: “These facilities will enable collaboration with institutions and collectors across the continent in support of their restitution, preservation, and research initiatives.

“MOWAA has plans to grow a collection of exceptional art and cultural objects while highlighting the craftsmanship, ingenuity, and interconnectedness of the region.”

Further expatiating on her organisation’s operation, Disu said MOWA currently focuses on delivering 4 key projects viz: Digital Lab, Archeology, Outreach and Contemporary and Modern Art.

She added: “The Digital Lab will live within The Institute and will help MOWAA’s creative and research community unlock the possibilities of digital technologies to advance the heritage economy, education, and creative industries.”

She continued: “Given the historic location in history-rich Benin City, archaeological research, as well as heritage restoration and management will be a key focus at MOWAA. Material heritage offers a rich means to rediscover West Africa’s histories and understand today’s trajectories.”

“MOWAA programmes will connect to a global audience of Nigerians and other black and African communities through dialogue and education. Working closely with local and international partners,” she added.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.