General
British Council Reiterates Stronger Collaboration, Celebrates 80 Years of Impact in Nigeria
By Adedapo Adesanya
The British Council has reiterated that it will continue to strengthen its collaboration and operations in Nigeria as it marked its 80th-year presence in the country.
The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, was founded in 1934 and was established in Nigeria in 1944. Over the course of 80 years, it has serviced Nigeria through its involvement in businesses, creativity, and education among others.
Over 100 guests, partners, beneficiaries, staff and partners from the public and private sectors gathered to honour eight decades of the British Council’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational and cultural landscape at a commemorative event held at its Ikoyi, office in Lagos on Thursday, November 7. The event emphasised the organisation’s dedication to fostering impactful change under the theme Amplifying the Voices of the Future.
In his welcome address, Mr Chilufya Besa, Acting Country Director of the British Council, reflected on the organisation’s long-standing role in supporting Nigerian communities and youth.
“The British Council in Nigeria has been at the forefront of fostering connections, empowering communities, and creating educational and cultural exchange pathways that have shaped countless lives.
“We are proud of the countless young people who have become employable, business owners, job creators, and agents of change within their communities through British Council-led programmes.”
“Since our establishment in Nigeria, the British Council has alongside Nigeria’s leaders, educators, artists, and communities to create opportunities that resonate across generations.
“Together, we have empowered millions of people with skills, education, and connections that transform lives. These milestones underscores the strength of the UK-Nigeria relationship which we are proud to support and nurture.”
He lauded the stakeholders and partners that have helped advance the course of the British government towards its goals.
He noted that Nigeria’s teeming young population was a goldmine that needed to be utilised, and added that the British Council saw it fit to collaborate efforts that are aimed at building capacity for the future.
Mr Besa also noted that evidence of its operations has shown in African entrepreneurs tapping into sustainable creative businesses and that it will continue to support them in their journeys across education, film, music, art, and businesses.
Reflecting on the theme of the celebration, representing The Deputy High Commissioner, Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), added in his opening speech, “Amplifying the Voices of the Future is especially fitting for our 80th anniversary in Nigeria, as it indicates our commitment to empowering young people, who are Nigeria’s future leaders, creators, and innovators.”
“We remain committed to fostering deeper connections, creating opportunities for young people, and building a future that respects cultural heritage while embracing innovation and inclusivity,”
The event featured two fireside chats, each delving into the impact and future potential of youth empowerment in Nigeria. The first discussion which focused on Unlocking the Economic Potential of Young People Now and in the Future, was led by the Regional Lead for Creative Economy, SSA, and Head of Arts Nigeria at the British Council, Ms Brenda Fashugba. This insightful session examines strategies to boost youth economic engagement and equip young Nigerians for future success.
The second conversation focused on Enhancing Youth Voices in Delivering Effective and Sustainable Change, was moderated by Ms Edemekong Uyoh, Regional Head of Marketing, Cultural Engagement, SSA at the British Council, and emphasised the importance of youth perspectives in achieving sustainable development.
Adding to the evening’s inspiring atmosphere were performances by spoken word artists – Kehinde Adollo and King David Ayo-Loto, whose powerful pieces reflected the theme and the impact of the British Council’s 80 years in Nigeria. The event also showcased a live painting session by celebrated artist Haneefah Adam, whose artwork was presented to Acting Country Director Chilufya Besa as a commemorative gift.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Fuji musician, Mr Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate or KWAM 1, has formally withdrawn from the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland after staunch opposition to his ambitions.
This came as the minstrel filed a notice of discontinuation at the Ogun State High Court to end his legal challenge against the ongoing selection process.
The notice, filed on Monday, December 22, 2025, by his legal team led by Mr Wahab Shittu (SAN), brings to a close his controversial bid for the revered throne.
The withdrawal followed a ruling by Justice A. A. Omoniyi of High Court 3, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division, who dismissed KWAM 1’s application for an interim injunction seeking to restrain the Ogun State Governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and other parties from proceeding with the selection of a new Awujale.
Justice Omoniyi held that the application lacked merit but ruled that the substantive suit could proceed on its merits, fixing January 14, 2026, for further hearing.
KWAM 1, the Olori Omooba of Ijebuland from the Fidipote Ruling House, had approached the court after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House declared him ineligible to contest for the stool, insisting he was not a bona fide member of the ruling house and therefore could not vie for the throne under its platform.
However, with the filing of the notice of discontinuation, KWAM 1 appears to have formally recused himself from the Awujale selection process, effectively ending his challenge.
He joined as respondents in the case: the Ogun State Governor, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
In the application, KWAM 1 contended that he is a bonafide member of both the Fusengbuwa and Fidipote ruling houses, and that his rights as a potential candidate were being threatened by what he described as a flawed and unlawful process.
He alleged that the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, which he described as an “unrecognised body”, was exerting influence over the nomination procedure in violation of Ogun State chieftaincy laws.
Central to his claim was the argument that due process was not followed, particularly the requirement that the Ijebu-Ode Local Government formally publish the names of the 13 recognised kingmakers before any selection exercise commences.
KWAM 1 maintained that the failure to comply with this step rendered the process vulnerable to legal challenge.
The suit was filed against the backdrop of the vacancy created by the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July, at the age of 91, after a reign of more than six decades.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
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