Egypt Indicates Willingness to Deepen Cultural Relations with Nigeria

…Commemorates Inauguration of Grand Egyptian Museum in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Egypt has indicated its willingness to deepen cultural relations with Nigeria.

The North African countries expressed its willingness through its Ambassador to Nigeria, Motaz Zahran during a grand celebration to mark the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located less than two kilometres from the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza, Egypt.

Zahran speaking at the celebration in Abuja which was attended by the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Obi Asika, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of Nigeria’s cultural institutions, highlighted Egypt’s leading role in preserving Africa’s shared heritage and promoting cultural cooperation across the continent.

He used the occasion to call for stronger cooperation among African nations in the areas of heritage preservation, museum development, and tourism.

The envoy reaffirmed Egypt’s readiness to share its expertise with partner countries, particularly Nigeria.

He noted that: “Africa’s cultural renaissance must be built on mutual respect and shared pride in our past.”

Speaking of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental cultural landmark, Zahran said it is the largest archaeological museum complex in the world and a “gift from Egypt to humanity.”

The Egyptian Ambassador Motaz Zahran described the inauguration as a historic achievement, symbolizing “not only Egypt’s pride but Africa’s collective contribution to human civilization.”

He noted that the Grand Egyptian Museum, located less than two kilometers from the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza, is the culmination of over two decades of vision, dedication, and international collaboration.

He said: “GEM stands as a testament to Egypt’s firm commitment to preserving our ancient heritage while opening a new chapter in our engagement with the world,”

He further said: “The Grand Egyptian Museum is not only about history; it is about connection, connecting civilizations, peoples, and generations.

“It is a living dialogue between the ancient and the modern world.”

The envoy explained that Egypt views its ancient civilization as a shared inheritance of humanity, adding that the inauguration of GEM renews the nation’s commitment to sharing its heritage with the global community.

He said: “From the banks of the Nile, ideas about governance, art, architecture, and science flowed outward, influencing cultures far beyond our borders.

“Today, through GEM, we renew that spirit of sharing and invite the world to experience our story.”

On his part, Obi Asika, commended Egypt for setting a global standard in cultural preservation, describing the GEM as “a beacon of African excellence and a model for nations seeking to safeguard their heritage.”

The event ended with an invitation for Nigerians and Africans alike to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum to “feel the pulse of history and witness Egypt’s continuing role as a cradle of civilization and a beacon of cultural exchange.”

The Grand Egyptian Museum houses over 100,000 artifacts, including 20,000 items displayed publicly for the first time, telling the story of Egypt’s civilization spanning more than 7,000 years.

Among its treasures is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s artifacts, about 5,400 pieces showcased together for the first time.

Visitors to GEM can journey through time from the Predynastic Period through the 30 dynasties of ancient Egypt, the Greco-Roman and Islamic eras, up to modern Egypt witnessing the evolution of governance, art, architecture, and spirituality that shaped global heritage.

Beyond being a museum, GEM is a living cultural institution, serving as a hub for research, education, and innovation. It boasts advanced conservation laboratories, digital learning facilities, and spaces for cultural exchange, bridging the preservation of the past with the inspiration of the future.

Egypt Indicates Willingness to Deepen Cultural Relations with Nigeria

Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established to Propel Completion of Ondo Refinery, FTZ Project

By: Michael Mike

Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited has been established as the execution platform for the proposed Ondo State’s refinery and free trade zone project
to propel its realization.

The Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and the state government had formalised a joint venture platform and commenced technical engagements including site assessments for a refinery and free trade zone project in Ilaje Local Government Area.

The latest least of life came after Backbone Infrastructure Ltd recently disclosed that it has secured more than $50 billion in funding commitments for a 500,000bpd refinery and the Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje, Ondo State.

According to the disclosure, the funding was facilitated through a joint venture agreement between BINL and NEFEX Holdings Limited of Canada, which marks one of the largest single private sector investment packages targeted at Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas industry.

A statement at the weekend by the Vice President, Corporate Services at Backbone Infrastructure Limited, Wale Adekola, revealed that the agreement has led to the creation of Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited, which will serve as the execution platform for the refinery and industrial corridor.

Adekola disclosed that the entity was established after months of technical reviews and information-sharing sessions with the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency, bringing together BINL, NEFEX Petro Line Limited and Cooldeal Limited to work with the state government through ONDIPA.

He noted that the partners in the JV include Bacckbone Infrastructure Limited, NEFEX Petro Line Limited and Cooldeal Limited, working in partnership with the Ondo State Government through ONDIPA.

Adekola said NEFEX is represented in the joint venture by Messrs Navid, Egbal and MJ, while BINL’s representation includes its Directors, Henry Owonka and Steve Dike. Namvapor Maryam Fard is representing Cooldeal Limited.

The statement read: “As a follow up to the engagements and sharing of information and technical reviews and presentations with the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency, the partners have initiated the necessary process by the establishment of the Sunshine Joint venture Infrastructure Limited, the platform by the partners, Bacckbone Infrastructure Limited, NEFEX Petro Line Limited and Cooldeall Limited, to work with the Ondo State Government, represented by ONDIPA.”

In order to advance the implementation roadmap, ONDIPA officials had led a combined team of JV partners and global technical consultants from China Harbour, China Engineering and Honeywell on a site assessment tour across the Ilaje waterways.

The visit, which included engagements with community stakeholders, covered the designated development zones earmarked for the refinery and free trade operations.
Adekola described the visit as “a major milestone confirming the readiness of partners to move from planning to structured execution.”

Adekola added that the team had earlier been received by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during a courtesy visit led by the Chairman of BINL and former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani.

Aiyedatiwa had lauded the investors for selecting Ondo as the destination for the large-scale project, noting that the initiative would accelerate industrial growth in the state and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

“We are committed to providing a conducive environment for this partnership to thrive and for all stakeholders to enjoy mutually beneficial outcomes,” the governor was quoted as saying.

The delegation also visited the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, who expressed strong support for the project, particularly its potential to transform the Ilaje coast into a major industrial hub.

The monarch warmly received the foreign partners, including Egbal, JM and Maryam, and assured them of the kingdom’s backing, including community cooperation and security.

“Ugbo Kingdom will give full support to ensure the success of the project for the benefit of all,” the Olugbo told the team.
Adekola said the joint venture remains committed not only to the project’s technical success but also to ensuring local communities benefit from modern social amenities. Planned interventions include hospitals, schools, potable water systems, and new settlement clusters equipped with essential infrastructure.

“The team is fully aligned with the design plans and will follow through on every step of the roadmap to deliver a world-class industrial project,” he added.

The refinery and free trade zone development project forms part of Ondo State’s long-term industrialisation plan aimed at leveraging the economic potential of its coastal belt. Earlier project outlines include pipelines, tank farms, modular and standard refinery units, fabrication yards, export-processing facilities and a dedicated logistics corridor intended to attract global energy and manufacturing players.

The refinery, upon completion, is expected to meet local demand for petroleum products, provide feedstock to industries, and export refined products to international markets. It will also include storage facilities, loading bays, terminals, and a network of internal roads, according to the project brief.

Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established to Propel Completion of Ondo Refinery, FTZ Project

NCoS Refutes Claim of Neglecting Female Inmates’ Menstrual Care

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted the claim that female inmates are left without menstrual care, insisting that it is false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality on the ground at correctional facilities.

A statement on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Adamu Duza read: “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT Command, has been drawn to a recent narrative alleging that female inmates across Nigeria are being “left without menstrual care” citing the Medium Security Custodial Centre Suleja. This claim is false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality on the ground.

“In line with its mandate and international best practices, NCoS supplies sanitary pads and hygiene kits to all female inmates at no cost, with monthly distribution recorded in inmates’ welfare registers.”

He added that: “Custodial Centres has a designated healthcare unit with qualified nurses and doctors that attend to the medical needs of female inmates, including menstrual-related issues, with free consultations, medications, and referrals to nearby hospitals when required.

“The Service also collaborates with development partners, civil society organisations, and faith-based groups that regularly donate sanitary products and conduct menstrual-hygiene awareness sessions. Recently the service received a donation of sanitary pads from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to promote menstrual hygiene, amongst others. This is a testament of the power of collaboration.

“Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command remains committed to the dignity and humane treatment of all inmates, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution, the Nelson Mandela Rules, and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

“The Service hereby advise reporters to confirm sources of their information regarding the Nigerian Correctional Service before going to press in order not to mislead the general public.”

NCoS Refutes Claim of Neglecting Female Inmates’ Menstrual Care