Category: Uncategorized

Aisha Augie is the Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC). Appointed by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, she heads the federal government agency responsible for preserving the cultural legacy of FESTAC ’77, among others.

Augie is a professional photographer, filmmaker and artist with over 20 years’ experience. She’s former Special Adviser on Digital Communications to the Minister of Finance and former Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Kebbi State Governor.

A Kebbi indigene, she is the daughter of the late Senator Adamu Baba Augie and retired Justice Amina Augie, and has worked on projects focused on youth and women empowerment in the creative sector.

She spoke with Tayo OLU of THE WHISTLER at Ọjọ Ọjà, a fashion and textile exhibition, on the digitisation of African archives, the role of AI in preserving culture, and preparations for the 50th anniversary of FESTAC. Excerpts:

What Does An Event Like This Mean For CBAAC?

For us at the Center For Black And African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), anything that projects our culture, that innovates our culture, that preserves our culture, is important to us. We know that there are various kingdoms and emirates and chieftaincies across Nigeria that add value to Africa as a whole. And as a pan-African agency, we love to ensure that the voices of various different cultural entities across Africa are heard.

So when you have an event like this, that not only designates the names of all of the fabrics, but also tells us a bit of the history behind them, and also shows us how generations can earn from having a craft that is almost extinct, we’re very happy to be here, to experience this, and to also hopefully use this opportunity to utilize the knowledge they have to train others for growth.

What Drives Your Passion For African Art And Culture?

Well, for me, I’ve always had a mixed race, mixed tribe, mixed religious background.

So growing up as a child like that, you tend to have a bit of confusion as to who you are or to your identity. And I had to decide who I wanted to be, right? And with people like us, what that does for us, it keeps us open-minded about learning about others, and makes us an example that others should follow.

When you see a new culture, you don’t antagonize, you don’t hate on them, you don’t just create stereotypes as to who a person is just because they’re from a certain tribe.

So, culture has been something that has been personal to me, and I’ve been honored to be able to live a life that supports the growth of culture in Nigeria and Africa, and I continue to do so.

What Is Your Vision For CBAAC?

My vision for CBAAC is for it to become a Pan-African agency, not just a Nigerian agency, but one that actually connects with the rest of the world. We want to be able to be a strong voice for Africa.

We want to continue to advocate for the growth of the creative and cultural economy. We want to be able to add value in preserving and obviously telling the right stories that matter. We believe in oral tradition.We believe in data collection.

And for me, CBAAC needs to become a living, breathing archive, a bigger archive, one that the rest of the world can use to learn about Africa and our peoples.

What Steps Are You Taking To Achieve This?

I’ve already started repositioning CBAAC. It’s been two years in the making. We are digitizing everything. We are ensuring that there’s access to the archives.

It used to be very limited. You had to have been a member of an institution to be able to access the archive. Now it’s open to the general public.

But we are also hoping to have a Pan-African center, which we are already working on. We are also collecting and building more on the archive. People are donating their archives to us.

We’re also working on the road to FESTAG 77, which is FESTAG 77 at 50, which is coming up next year. And we’ve started stakeholder engagements across the world. And our hope is to be able to reconnect Africa and Africans in the diaspora.

We all know the world needs it. Right now, we’re too fragmented. And we hope to see an Africa, or at least be a voice, that reminds Africa of the importance of that unity.

AI Is A Major Topic Globally Today. Is CBAAC Exploring Its Potential, Or Do You See It As A Threat To Art?

No, we don’t see AI as a threat. The truth is, it’s still humans that make the prompts, right? So for us, we’re hoping that we can also be part of the people who are inserting what AI is learning.

Because our own history and culture has always been told to us from the perspective of others. And if we want to take on the AI revolution, it’s flying whether we like it or not, so we have to wake up and ensure that we’re learning.

Our directors and members of our team are actually going through AI training also. So we’re looking at how to ensure that we also are able to reenact stories from the past, visualize them, and tell them in ways that we couldn’t have before without a massive budget. And AI can help us do that.

What Opportunities Exist For Young Creatives Through CBAAC?

We have the Pan-African Indigenous Skills Development Programme (PAID). Right now, we have an initiative already running called “Roots and Roots”. And our hope is for the next batch to finish in July.

We’re also working on another one for the collection and data collection of interior and exterior architecture across Africa.

We’re hoping to build on the ecosystem by training young people in intellectual property. We’ve already started that in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization, where we’re connecting with UNESCO, especially because we have a children’s library. So our hope is to start young.

With technical support from the World Bank, we’re also working on early childhood development, where we actually target the family unit on a long-term approach. And the idea is to have young people creating with the family in mind, creating with the mind of zero to five-year-olds in mind. And we’re working hard to ensure that we’re also being able to get the investors that would support them in that growth through our PAID programme.

INTERVIEW: We’re Opening Nigeria’s Cultural Archives To The World — CBAAC DG is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has revealed that he is the primary cook in his home, saying his wife, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, does not regularly cook a role he says works perfectly for their marriage.

Speaking on The Teju Babyface Show, Banky W addressed a viral clip showing him cooking and explained that their household roles are shaped by personal preference rather than traditional gender expectations.

According to the singer, while Adesua can cook, it is simply not something she often does, and he has no problem taking on that responsibility. He emphasized that successful marriages should be built on mutual understanding, not societal pressure.

Banky W also reflected on the couple’s IVF journey, revealing that witnessing his wife endure multiple difficult treatment cycles deepened his appreciation for her resilience and sacrifices.

He said those experiences transformed his perspective on service within marriage, making him more committed to supporting her through practical acts at home.

Banky W Says He Handles Cooking Duties At Home is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Enyimba forward, Ezekiel Edidiong has called for fans support ahead of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, clash against Remo Stars.

The People’s Elephant will be up against the reigning NPFL champions, Remo Stars in a promising encounter in Aba on Sunday.

Edidiong said that they will aim for the maximum points against the Sky Blue Stars.

‎“I want to call on the esteemed fans of Enyimba to turn up in their numbers and support us as we go for a non-negotiable three points against Remo Stars,” he told Enyimba media.

DAILY POST recalls that Edidiong was on the books of Remo Stars during the 2022-23 NPFL season.

Edidiong admitted that he is emotional with the memories but expressed his focus on ensuring Enyimba secure the victory ahead of his former side.

“I have beautiful memory of my time at Remo Stars and I am looking forward to playing against them this weekend,” Edidiong revealed.

‎“I feel a bit emotional regarding the memories I had with them but right now the pride of the People’s Elephant is my priority.”

NPFL: Enyimba’s Edidiong calls for fans support ahead Remo Stars clash

The Premier League match-day 35 kicked off on Friday night as Leeds United defeated Burnley 3-1 at home.

The outstanding match this weekend is the clash between Manchester United and Liverpool on Sunday at Old Trafford.

What other fixtures are fans and pundits likely to see shock results in this match-day 35 fixtures?

1. Arsenal vs Fulham

This match will take place on Saturday evening at Emirates Stadium at 5.30 pm. Both teams won their last matches against Newcastle United and Aston Villa, respectively.

The Gunners won 1-0 against Newcastle, while Fulham also defeated Aston Villa 1-0. Mikel Arteta’s side currently sits at the top of the Premier League table with 73 points, while Fulham occupies the 10th position.

However, the visitors could surprise the Premier League North London club and get a good result against the hosts.

2. Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest

This match will take place on Monday at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea lost 3-0 against Brighton in their last match, while Nottingham won 5-0 against Sunderland.

The Blues currently sit in the 8th place on the Premier League table, while Nottingham is in the 16th position.

However, the visitors could build on their last impressive result and shock the Premier League west London club at Stamford Bridge.

3. Everton vs Man City

This fixture will take place on Monday night at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Everton lost 2-1 against West Ham United in their last game, while Man City won 1-0 against Burnley.

The Toffees sit in the 11th position on the Premier League table, while Pep Guardiola’s side remain in the second position with a game in hand.

However, the hosts will hope to avoid another defeat when they face City, having lost their last game against West Ham and could make use of their home advantage and supporters to get a good result against the Cityzens.

EPL: 3 fixtures we could see shock results this weekend

Traditional rulers from Ohuhu clan, Umuahia North LGA of Abia State have appealed to politicians from Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South LGAs to respect the power rotation agreement in Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal constituency.

This, they said, would prevent tension and violence clash in their communities.

The traditional rulers, who made the appeal on Friday through Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna of Ekeoba Kingdom, pleaded with politicians from Ibeku, Ikwuano and Umuahia South to give peace a chance by allowing the Ohuhu clan to complete their second tenure in the House of Representatives.

Eze Nwokenna, who delivered the message at the palace of Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo in Uhabiri, Umuchime na Amanso autonomous community, Ossah Ibeku, said it was dangerous to destroy the power sharing agreement reached by the clans during the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji.

Another traditional ruler from Ohuhu, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu said that violence should be prevented by keeping to agreements.

“Let the world hear our voice. We don’t want killings, we don’t want political problems,” Eze Ofoegbu warned.

Also speaking, Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo, who received his counterparts from Ohuhu and other clans in the Federal constituency, said monarchs would not allow their communities to become a killing field because of political ambition of some individuals.

“Instead of allowing our people to kill themselves, they, the Ohuhu traditional rulers have chosen to approach us.

“Ibeku and Ohuhu are one. None of us should die in the course of politics. We want peace to reign,” Eze Ezeigbo appealed.

Don’t destroy communities with ambition – Abia traditional rulers appeal to politicians

Several health workers lost their lives on Friday in a fatal road accident along Oke-Onigbin-OmuAran highway while returning from the 2026 Workers’ Day rally in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, DAILY POST reports.

The victims, who were members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Ekiti Local Government Area, were reportedly heading home after participating in the annual May Day celebration held at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin when the tragic crash occurred.

Although the casualty figure could not be ascertained, eyewitnesses said the accident occurred in the evening after one of the vehicles conveying the union members suffered a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control and leading to a devastating crash.

In his reaction, the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, described the development as a painful blow to the council, the health sector, and the state as a whole.

“Our hearts are heavy. These were dedicated professionals who left their homes to celebrate the dignity of labour, only to meet this unfortunate fate on their way back.

“We have lost patriots who served our communities with compassion and commitment,” he lamented.

He said the tragic incident has cast a dark shadow over what should have been a moment of unity and celebration for Nigerian workers, noting that the victims died in active service to humanity.

The chairman extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire MHWUN community, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for those left behind.

“The entire Ekiti Local Government Council stands with the MHWUN family at this difficult moment. We pray God Almighty to heal the injured, comfort the bereaved, and grant the departed eternal rest,” he added.

Some of the union members who survived the crash are currently receiving treatment in hospitals for injuries sustained in the accident, while the council boss expressed hope for their speedy recovery.

Although official casualty figures were yet to be confirmed as of press time, the incident has thrown the local government and labour community into mourning.

In response to the tragedy, the Kwara State chapter of MHWUN declared a three-day mourning period, directing members across the state to fly the union’s flag at half-mast in honour of their fallen colleagues.

The council chairman also assured that the local government would work with the Kwara State Government and relevant agencies to provide support for affected families and assist with the medical expenses of the injured.

The Federal Road Safety Corps in the state could not be reached at the time of this report.

May Day tragedy: Many Kwara workers die in motor accident

Lagos State Health District V has disclosed that more than 978,000 malaria cases were treated across public and private health facilities in 2025, highlighting the continued burden of the disease in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the District, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, made this known during the 2026 World Malaria Day commemoration held at the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Secretariat on April 29, 2026.

He stressed the need for residents to adopt proper health-seeking behaviour, warning against self-medication and urging strict adherence to prescribed malaria treatment as part of efforts to eliminate the disease.

Asiyanbi also simplified key malaria control messages for stakeholders, outlining the state’s core intervention pillars of Prevention, Testing, Treatment, and Tracking.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing free malaria diagnosis and treatment in public health facilities, as well as ensuring the availability of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), rapid diagnostic test kits (mRDTs), and Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs).

The event, held in line with this year’s global theme, “Malaria is Preventable and Treatable: Together, We Can Eliminate It,” featured advocacy and community engagement activities aimed at strengthening efforts toward malaria elimination in Lagos. Stakeholders, including representatives from the private health sector, were in attendance.

A major highlight of the programme was a technical presentation by the State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Dr. Abimbola Oshinowo, who outlined key policies, progress, and strategies driving malaria control in the state.

She noted that malaria remains a major public health challenge, particularly among children under five, contributing significantly to illness and death.

“Over 978,000 Malaria cases were treated across public and private health facilities in Lagos State in 2025, underscoring the need for sustained intervention and increased community participation,” she said.

The programme also featured a panel discussion themed: “Barriers to Test and Treat Adherence,” where experts examined challenges affecting effective malaria management.

Panellists, including Dr. Abiodun Oshunsanya of Harvey Medical Centre, Ajeromi; Dr. Shosanya Abidemi, Medical Officer of Health, Ojo Local Government; Dr. Oshinowo; and community representative, Hon. Bashiru Ajayi, identified poor adherence to diagnostic results, over-reliance on clinical diagnosis, self-medication, and low community awareness as key issues.

They called for increased health education, stronger community engagement, and improved trust in diagnostic tools to enhance treatment outcomes.

The event also highlighted the importance of environmental sanitation, proper waste disposal, and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites as essential preventive measures.

Lagos records over 978,000 malaria cases in 2025

The chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Goodluck Ofobruku, and his counterpart, the leader of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Wilson Asekutu, have expressed concern over the non-appointment of substantive permanent secretaries in the state.

Representing the State Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, said the state government remained committed to strengthening the civil service and improving workers’ welfare.

The duo of union leaders stated this in a joint speech delivered at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration with the theme, “Insecurity and poverty are the bane of decent work,” in Asaba.

The duo said, “The continued non-appointment of substantive permanent secretaries has become a matter of deep concern, not only for qualified officers who have served diligently, but for the entire civil service structure.”

They added, “Appointing officers merely to function as permanent secretaries is alien to the traditions and standards of the civil service,” noting that it creates uncertainty, weakens institutional memory, and undermines the merit-based progression that keeps the service strong.

They expressed worries over the lowering of standards, stressing that “a civil service thrives when excellence is rewarded, when career progression is predictable, and when leadership positions are filled transparently and in accordance with established rules.”

On the plight of retirees under the contributory pension scheme, they said there is growing hardship faced by workers after retirement, especially those under the scheme, adding that many are dying in large numbers because their monthly pensions cannot meet basic needs, food, medication, shelter and dignity.

They called on the Delta State Government to take deliberate and compassionate steps to ameliorate their suffering, saying a society that honours its retirees strengthens the morale of its active workforce.

They also said, “Workers deserve not only decent jobs but decent living conditions.” They urged the Delta State government to make this a priority, ensuring that those who serve the state can also afford to live in dignity.

“In the same spirit, government-supported mass transit systems are essential. Affordable, reliable transportation reduces the financial burden on workers, improves punctuality and productivity, and enhances overall quality of life. A modern workforce deserves modern mobility.”

“Decent work is not a luxury. It is a right. And it is achievable when we place human dignity at the centre of development.”

On insecurity, they noted that “no economy can thrive where insecurity persists, as farmers cannot cultivate their crops, traders cannot travel, teachers cannot teach, businesses cannot expand, and young people cannot dream freely.”

“Insecurity has robbed communities of peace, displaced families, and disrupted livelihoods. It has increased the cost of doing business and discouraged investment. Most painfully, it has placed workers, the backbone of national development, in harm’s way.”

“A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its workers cannot guarantee the prosperity of its economy. Security is not a privilege; it is the foundation of decent work.”

They added that “poverty is more than a lack of income; it is a barrier to opportunity. It weakens the workforce, reduces productivity, and fuels social tension.”

“When workers earn wages that cannot meet basic needs, when families must choose between food and healthcare, and when young graduates roam the streets without jobs, poverty becomes a national emergency.”

“Decent work is not merely employment; it is employment with dignity, fair wages, safe conditions, social protection, and the opportunity to build a meaningful life.”

“A society where workers remain trapped in poverty cannot claim to be progressing.”

The union leaders, however, noted that to overcome insecurity and poverty, there must be a collective commitment to strengthening national security through intelligence-driven strategies and community collaboration; creating sustainable jobs that offer long-term stability; investing in skills development, especially for young people; and ensuring fair wages and enforcement of labour standards so that work lifts people out of poverty.

Other solutions they proffered include supporting small and medium enterprises, the largest employers of labour; expanding social protection systems to shield workers from shocks; and promoting dialogue between government, labour, and the private sector, as progress requires partnership.

May Day: NLC, TUC berate Gov Oborewvori over non-appointments of substantive perm secs in Delta

Chelsea have received a double injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Interim manager Calum McFarlane broke the positive news during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

According to him, both defenders Reece James and Levi Colwill could be back in the Blues squad to face Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.

James and Colwill have both been sidelined because of injury, but they have now rejoined Chelsea’s first-team training ahead of Monday’s clash with Forest.

“Reece (James) is back in training, and Levi (Colwil) is back in training also,” McFarlane told reporters.

“Both are looking good, which is really positive. Things are looking promising,” he said.

EPL: Chelsea receive double boost ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

The Osun State Government has dismissed allegations by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, that public schools in the state are plagued by inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of teachers.

The rebuttal was issued on Friday in Osogbo by the Chairman of the Osun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Temitope Mustapha, during a one-day workshop organised for members of the state’s timetable committee.

Mustapha stated that the administration of Ademola Adeleke had prioritised education and was committed to ensuring that no school in the state was neglected.

He said both urban and rural schools were benefiting from ongoing development programmes, contrary to claims suggesting that some institutions were being abandoned.

According to him, “No school is going into extinction in Osun State. Our students in rural areas have performed excellently in external examinations, including NECO and WASSCE.”

Mustapha added that the improved academic performance had contributed to the state’s rise from 30th to 7th position nationally in recent rankings.

He described reports of school closures in rural communities as unfounded, insisting that such claims were being spread by “enemies of progress.”

“The insinuation that rural schools are closing down is false. Under this administration, no such thing has happened and it will not happen,” he said.

The TESCOM chairman disclosed that newly recruited teachers had been deployed to underserved areas to strengthen staffing levels across schools.

He also charged timetable officers to uphold professionalism, describing them as critical to the effective coordination of academic activities in schools.

“Every teacher, except principals and vice principals, must be assigned 24 teaching periods per week,” Mustapha stated.

However, the Director-General of the APC Campaign Committee for the August 15 governorship election, Wole Oke, had earlier criticised the state government, alleging poor utilisation of resources.

Oke claimed, “We don’t have school buildings, we don’t have teachers, and our children are no longer attending public schools.”

Osun govt rejects APC claims on schools infrastructure, staffing