PRESS RELEASE – UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS

The Archaeology Research Unit of the University of Cyprus invites you to a public hybrid lecture (via Zoom and in person), at the University of Cyprus’s Old Campus (Pedagogical Academy, Kallipoleos Avenue) on Monday 2 November 2026 at 19:30. The lecture (in Greek) concerns the origins of archaeological activity on the island and focuses on three significant figures from the late 19th century. The speaker will be Dr Anna Marangou. The title of the lecture is:

Cesnola, Richter and Magda. Two antiquities dealers and an extraordinary woman

The lecture examines the life and work of Luigi Palma di Cesnola (1832-1904), an Italian who was sent to the island as Consul for the United States and Russia. During his eleven-year stay on the island, he carried out excavations at numerous archaeological sites and built a private collection of 35,573 artefacts. He later became director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where a large part of this collection was exhibited.

Max Ohnefalsch-Richter (1850-1917) came from Germany to Cyprus as a journalist to cover the events surrounding the British annexation of Cyprus. He stayed in Cyprus for 12 years, dug everywhere and sold everything he unearthed from Cypriot soil to many major European museums.

Magda Ohnefalsch-Richter (1873-1922) was his wife, a professional photographer who spoke both Greek and Turkish. She was deeply interested ?n the island, its Greek character, its customs and traditions, politics, relations with the Turkish Cypriots, religious ceremonies and, more generally, the everyday life of the Cypriots. Her work, ‘Greek Customs and Traditions in Cyprus’, is a sociological study of Cyprus under British rule that was remarkable for its time.

All Monday lectures are free and open to the public, but registration is required for access to the Zoom lecture.

CARICOM: UK apology for slavery would be welcomed, but reparations must remain on the table

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has welcomed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s openness to a formal apology for slavery and structured dialogue with affected countries, but insists that reparatory justice must remain central to any discussions.

In a statement issued on Saturday, CARICOM Chair and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, said the Community was ready to engage with the United Kingdom but rejected Burnham’s position that reparations were not ‘the right answer’.

Burnham, who is due to attend the November 1-4 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, has said he is ‘open’ to listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of Britain for its role in the slave trade, but ruled out considering financial reparations.

‘I do not believe that is the right answer,’ he wrote in the Guardian. ‘I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs, however heinous, that happened in a different age under different laws and in which they played no personal part.’

Burnham instead offered a ‘structured dialogue’ with those affected by the slave trade: ‘Having these difficult conversations to safeguard the Commonwealth for the future is the right thing to do. It is also the patriotic thing to do. Not just because it is in our interests, but because the Britain I believe in is confident, decent and brave. We led the world in abolishing slavery – and we can show leadership again today.’

‘I want to express my sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions and to recognise the way it still shapes our world today,’ he added.

Pierre said Burnham’s expression of personal sorrow and regret for the suffering caused by slavery and its continuing effects, together with his willingness to consider a formal apology on behalf of the British state, represented a significant development.

‘No British Prime Minister has gone this far before. It would be wrong of us not to say so, and we welcome it in the spirit in which it appears to be offered,’ Pierre said. ‘For more than a decade, this Community has asked for exactly such a dialogue. We are ready to engage.’

However, the CARICOM Chair said the Community did not accept the argument that reparations were inappropriate or that Britain’s responsibility had ended because present-day citizens had not personally participated in slavery.

‘Reparatory justice has never been about individual guilt. It is about the responsibility of states and institutions – and that responsibility does not expire with the passing of generations,’ he said.

Pierre pointed to Britain’s role in legislating for, protecting and profiting from slavery, as well as its decision to compensate enslavers at Emancipation while formerly enslaved people received no land, wealth or compensation.

He noted that the loan raised to compensate enslavers was still being repaid by British taxpayers until February 2015.

The consequences of slavery, he said, continue to be felt across the Caribbean through chronic disease, inequalities in education and opportunity, economies shaped by extraction, national debt and vulnerability to economic and climate shocks.

Pierre said a formal apology would be an important first step, but argued that it must be accompanied by practical measures to address the lasting effects of slavery.

He pointed to CARICOM’s Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice, which includes a formal apology, public health, education and training, cultural heritage restitution and reconnection, psychological rehabilitation, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, debt cancellation, monetary compensation and decolonisation.

He said the proposed dialogue must allow for discussion of every element of the plan, as well as reparations for the genocide of Indigenous Peoples and the harm caused to people brought from India and China to sustain colonial systems.

‘A dialogue that begins by placing reparations outside the room cannot be a complete dialogue,’ Pierre said.

The CARICOM Chair also acknowledged the United Kingdom’s initiative, to be led by former British prime minister Gordon Brown, to restructure the debt of the poorest Commonwealth countries.

He said the Community would examine the proposal seriously but cautioned that most CARICOM member states were classified as middle- or high-income economies and were routinely excluded from concessional relief despite their vulnerability to climate and economic shocks.

‘Any initiative that is to be meaningful for our region must measure vulnerability, not income alone,’ he said, adding that debt relief could not be used as a substitute for reparatory justice.

Pierre said the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Reparations, led by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and the CARICOM Reparations Commission, chaired by Sir Hilary Beckles, were prepared to work with the British Government on the terms, agenda and timetable for structured dialogue.

He said he looked forward to meeting Burnham in Antigua and Barbuda in the coming days, as the country prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

‘Our ancestors did not receive justice in their lifetime. We owe it to them, and to the generations who will come after us, to see this work through – with dignity, with patience, and with resolve,’ Pierre said.

Multi-million-dollar deal ends nine-year wage impasse at power company in Trinidad

About 150 workers at PowerGen, the largest independent power producer in Trinidad and Tobago, are expected to receive outstanding wage payments by December 15, following a TT$66.1 million (US$9.8 million) settlement between the company and the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), ending nine and a half years of unresolved negotiations.

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced the agreement in Parliament late Friday, saying it covers the 2016-2017 and 2018-2020 bargaining periods and provides for a cumulative wage increase of nine per cent over five years.

The increases are structured at 0.5 per cent, three per cent, one per cent, 1.5 per cent and three per cent, with the approximately 150 eligible workers scheduled to receive their outstanding payments before Christmas.

Padarath said the agreement followed intensive discussions between PowerGen and the OWTU, bringing an end to negotiations that remained unresolved under the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration.

He said the Government had committed to addressing outstanding industrial matters during its tenure, rather than promising that all disputes would be settled immediately upon taking office.

‘Mr Speaker, PowerGen and the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) have reached a historic 66.1 million wage settlement, bringing closure to nine and a half years of outstanding wage negotiations,’ he told Parliament.

The minister also pointed to the potential for further progress at the company, saying the agreement could create momentum for resolving outstanding compensation matters involving another 87 employees.

Those matters concern 26 employees represented by the Senior Staff Association and 61 professional staff members.

Padarath welcomed the fact that the dispute had been resolved through direct negotiations rather than a ruling by the Industrial Court.

He described the agreement as a demonstration of the value of dialogue between employers and trade unions, and commended PowerGen management, staff and OWTU representatives for negotiating in good faith.

PowerGen, which was established in 1994 after the partial divestment of the generation assets of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission, supplies bulk electricity to the national grid, operating major power plants including facilities at Point Lisas and Penal.

Minister Padarath also recalled that more than 136 wage negotiations were settled between 2010 and 2015 under the previous People’s Partnership administration, saying the record demonstrated its commitment to addressing public-sector industrial matters.

Prime Minister pledges to defend citizenship programme amid US, EU pressure

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will continue to engage the United States and European Union in efforts to resolve concerns surrounding its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), warning that mounting international pressures threaten the country’s economic interests and the mobility of its citizens.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, marking Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of political independence, Browne acknowledged that the country faces significant external challenges, including the partial suspension of US visa issuance to its nationals and a request from the European Union to phase out the CBI programme by June 2028.

He warned that the EU’s position could jeopardise visa-free access to the Schengen Area, while the US restrictions have implications for citizens seeking educational, commercial and personal opportunities abroad.

‘We have offered our full cooperation and remain prepared to work constructively to address the security concerns they have raised, while safeguarding the legitimate interests, rights and opportunities of our people.’

He said the government would continue negotiations with both international partners, adopting what he described as a respectful but firm approach.

The Prime Minister defended the importance of the CBI programme, noting that it provides critical revenue for public services, infrastructure development and government financing.

‘Our Citizenship by Investment Programme has become an important source of public revenue and development financing. It helps to support public services, finance critical infrastructure and provide fiscal space that reduces the burden on taxpayers,’ he said.

Browne acknowledged, however, that the government must remain innovative in determining the programme’s future.

‘We cannot afford complacency, nor can we allow these challenges to diminish our national ambition,’ he declared.

Turning to the country’s economic performance, the Prime Minister said Antigua and Barbuda had achieved a significant milestone by attaining the World Bank’s high-income classification.

However, he cautioned that the designation did not necessarily reflect the circumstances of every household, acknowledging that some families continued to struggle financially.

He identified the rising cost of living, global supply chain disruptions and increasing energy prices among the challenges confronting the twin-island nation.

The Prime Minister said his administration remained committed to cushioning the impact on vulnerable households while pursuing greater economic diversification, renewable energy development and employment opportunities for young people.

‘Our independence must mean more than political sovereignty. It must also mean the economic capacity to determine our future, withstand external pressures and provide a better quality of life for our citizens.’

Browne also used the anniversary address to renew calls for reparatory justice, saying the consequences of slavery and colonial exploitation continued to affect Caribbean societies.

He disclosed that his government was advancing the issue in bilateral discussions with the United Kingdom and within the Commonwealth, including at a meeting scheduled to begin on Monday.

‘Our pursuit of reparatory justice therefore deserves seriousness, sensitivity and sustained international engagement,’ he said.

The Prime Minister said historical injustices must be acknowledged while maintaining constructive relationships with international partners.

The anniversary celebrations are also being marked by a visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Browne welcomed the royal couple, noting the historical significance of the visit, 45 years after Princess Margaret represented Queen Elizabeth II at the country’s independence celebrations in 1981.

He also addressed the future of the country’s constitutional arrangements, noting that Antigua and Barbuda had remained a constitutional monarchy since independence.

‘The future of our constitutional arrangements, however, belongs ultimately to the people of Antigua and Barbuda and must be determined by them through our constitutional processes,’ he said.

Reflecting on the country’s development, then Prime Minister highlighted investments in education, healthcare, airport and seaport infrastructure, including the establishment of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.

He also recalled the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, particularly in Barbuda, and praised residents for their resilience and rebuilding efforts.

Browne said the country must now focus on strengthening economic self-reliance, creating sustainable opportunities and ensuring that future generations benefit from the sacrifices made since independence.

‘We have won our political independence. Now, let us deepen our economic independence,’ he said.

‘We have demonstrated our capacity to survive. Now, let us build the capacity to thrive.’

St. Lucia congratulates Antigua on 45th anniversary of independence

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has congratulated Antigua and Barbuda on its 45th anniversary of independence, reaffirming St Lucia’s commitment to strengthening ties between the two Caribbean nations.

In a message to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, Pierre acknowledged the country’s journey since gaining independence on November 1, 1981.

He noted that this year’s celebrations coincide with Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will focus on strengthening partnerships and investment, climate resilience, trade and sustainable development.

Pierre said he looks forward to participating in the discussions and meeting with Browne and other Commonwealth leaders.

He also highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the two countries through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Pierre reaffirmed St Lucia’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges while pursuing opportunities for the people of both countries.

The Prime Minister extended best wishes to Antiguans and Barbudans at home and abroad as they celebrate the milestone.

How delays cost water firm Sh599m fight with KRA

The High Court has backed a decision by the Tax Appeals Tribunal to strike out an appeal by Aspac International East Africa Ltd over tax liabilities of Sh599 million, ruling that the company filed its case more than three months outside the statutory timelines.

The court found that the company lodged its appeal at the tribunal on November 26, 2021, challenging the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner’s decision to invalidate its objection to the tax assessment, without seeking leave to file the case out of time.

The company had argued that the 30-day period for filing an appeal did not start running on June 3, 2021, when the Commissioner issued a letter invalidating its objection, because there was no evidence that it received the letter on that date.

However, the court found that the letter had been sent to the company’s designated tax agents and that, even if July 13, 2021, was taken as the latest date of receipt, the statutory period for filing an appeal had expired by August 12, 2021.

It noted that the company did not dispute that it had neither applied for an extension of time under Section 13(3) of the Tax Appeals Tribunal Act nor obtained leave from the Tribunal to file its appeal out of time.

‘Consequently, this Court finds no error in the Tribunal’s finding that the appeal before it was lodged out of time without leave of the Tribunal and was therefore incompetent,’ the court ruled.

The dispute arose from a tax audit conducted by KRA into the company’s tax affairs for the 2015 to 2019 income years.

Following preliminary audit findings issued on June 19, 2020, and subsequent engagements between the parties, KRA issued an assessment on October 23, 2020, demanding Sh599,036,434 in Corporation Tax, Withholding Tax, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and Value Added Tax (VAT), inclusive of penalties and interest.

Dissatisfied with the assessment, Aspac lodged objections dated November 20 and November 25, 2020.

The parties subsequently held meetings and exchanged emails as the company sought to provide supporting documents for its objection.

However, on June 3, 2021, the Commissioner issued a letter invalidating the objection, citing the company’s failure to provide the required supporting documents under Section 51(3) of the Tax Procedures Act.

After the company failed to settle the tax demand, KRA issued agency notices to its bankers on November 1, 2021, seeking to recover the outstanding amount under Section 42 of the Act.

The company moved to the tribunal on November 26, 2021, filing an application seeking to suspend the agency notices alongside its substantive appeal against the tax decision.

The tribunal dismissed the application for interim relief on March 4, 2022, before proceeding to determine the substantive appeal.

In its decision delivered on June 29, 2023, the tribunal struck out the appeal, finding that it had been filed outside the 30-day statutory period prescribed under Section 13(1) of the Tax Appeals Tribunal Act.

The tribunal held that the company should have filed its notice of appeal by July 3, 2021, but instead lodged it on November 26, 2021, four months and 24 days late, without seeking an extension of time as required under Section 13(3) and (4) of the Act.

The company challenged the decision at the High Court, arguing that the tribunal had erred in law and fact by finding that its appeal was time-barred.

It maintained that under Section 13(1)(b) of the Tax Appeals Tribunal Act, the 30-day period begins to run upon receipt of the Commissioner’s decision and not merely when the decision is issued.

The High Court, however, found that the evidence showed the invalidation letter had been transmitted to the company’s designated tax agents and that, even on the company’s preferred date of receipt, the appeal was filed outside the statutory period.

The CEO who’s learning he must stop fixing everyone’s problems

What does adventure mean to you right now? For me, adventure is not just about seeing new places, but about seeing different perspectives in life and understanding how people look at things differently when you are out there, which opens up your mind and contextualises what you actually do.

It’s about trying to connect the dots in the world. It might take a lifetime to connect all the dots, and you might never connect them all, but the dots you do connect add value to your mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.

What is it about being outdoors that makes you feel more like yourself? It’s the interaction. You tend to learn more when you’re out there. You have a space where you are not judged. If you are in a crowd of a thousand people outdoors, the chance that someone knows you is far rarer than in a closed space. Being out there gives you the opportunity to learn about life from a raw concept and raw nature.

What is your top travel tip? Be intentional about where you want to go and why, because if you are not intentional, you tend not to achieve much. My other travel tip is not to be too rigid. Typically, I never travel with an agent because I like to remain flexible. I don’t want a situation where I have to wake up at 6am to follow a set schedule. I want to tour and adventure at my own pace.

What is a decision you made that changed your life? That’s a tough one because life is made up of daily decisions. Looking back, a few monumental decisions stand out. First, in high school, I changed my circle of friends. That was monumental because shifting away from a crowd mentality helped me focus in a different direction.

Second, I decided to form a covenant with God: trusting Him, believing in Him, and committing to that relationship. Looking back at where I’ve come from and what I’ve done, it hasn’t just been my own doing. Things have worked out in a way that points to a Superior Being directing my path.

What is a habit you are trying to kick? [chuckles] Getting overly involved in trying to fix things for people. I naturally want people to enjoy life and have as few problems as possible, so I tend to get personally attached when someone faces an issue.

How do you protect yourself from being taken advantage of? It comes back to being intentional. It’s true that genuine situations can be rare, but whether you are helping one person or 100, it’s about finding the right balance. It’s what we say in Kiswahili: Tenda wema, nenda zako. Do good and be on your way.

What has become easier with age? Appreciating life and knowing that nobody owes you anything. It has also become easier to let go, to change what you can change, and move on when you can’t do anything about it.

When we were younger, we tried to fix everything. As I’ve grown older, I realise that sometimes you just have to plug into the system and let things flow. Even experienced swimmers know when to let the current carry them along until the right moment to start swimming again.

What do you wish you’d spent less time worrying about? I wanted to say money, but while money can’t buy you some things, it can make the ride worthwhile [chuckles]. What I thought mattered that doesn’t matter to me is status, and it’s something I’ve gladly let go of. There’s that freedom in walking down the street, buying street food, and enjoying simple things. I was born in the village, and status is just something I’ve been happy to leave behind.

What do you think most people misunderstand about successful people? People often assume you must have done something unconventional or shady to get where you are. People also often assume successful people don’t have a strong relationship with God simply because it isn’t explicitly displayed in a religious sense.

Taking God as your foundation, working hard, and doing things the right way-without seeking unfair advantages-will bring success. Decide where you want to go and how you want to go about it. Some people rely on godfathers, but having God the Father is the true game-changer.

What are you not willing to do for success? Corruption, ill dealings, and sucking up to authority. You don’t have to achieve success through wrong means or by bowing down to authority just to get ahead because then it is not sustainable.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Last week, I went to Lamu for the first time. It was different from how I had envisioned it, but the potential in terms of business, investment, and future growth is immense.

What is the first thing you do when you arrive in a new place? Locate where the nearest supermarket is. If I’m staying at a hotel, I like to walk around the immediate neighbourhood within a two- to five-kilometre radius. I’ve learned that small details matter. For instance, knowing the local layout prevents people from taking advantage of you, like knowing what a fair taxi fare should be rather than being overcharged. I tend to be the old-fashioned, hands-on guy, unlike my daughter, who orders everything via her phone: I like to know where to buy my own water, coffee, or food.

What has fatherhood forced you to confront? What still surprises me is that every day brings a completely new dynamic.

When my children were born, after the initial days, the crying started, and I thought, “My sleep is gone!” Then they started school, and you worried about homework. Now, we are at a stage where we negotiate and compromise.

I had everything planned out in my head regarding how my children would grow up, but fatherhood is a day-to-day journey. I decided early on not to read parenting books; I wanted to experience it directly. Every age stage-whether 5, 10, or 13-presents unique situations you can’t read in a book. Recently, my daughter told me that now that she is a teen, we need to agree on what she can and cannot do. You can’t read that in the books.

What have you come to understand about the choices your parents made? I grew up in an era where parents believed the best education meant sending children to boarding school. At 10 years old, I was already independent when I went to boarding school.

As a result, my relationship with my parents became more transactional, not in a bad way, focusing mainly on school requirements and essentials. The relationship I have with my children is different. Our generation missed out on certain aspects of parental closeness due to that setup. The generational contrast in how we interact with our children today is quite remarkable.

What is one piece of parenting advice you’ve heard that you think does more harm than good? Ignore the advice that tells you to parent strictly based on someone else’s experience. Experience is individual, not universal. While some general principles apply, trying to copy someone else’s exact formula or book for raising your child isn’t practical. You have to run your own journey with your children.

Is there something you wish your father knew about the man you became? I wish he knew that I was as honest as they saw me. The perception my parents had of me was based more on the group collective- the boys I played with- so even during punishments, it was extrapolated thinking, based on collective assumptions about how boys behave, rather than evaluating individual actions. I wish they knew that even at an early age, I had already set my mind firmly on certain values.

After years of managing money, what have you learnt about human nature? First, people primarily look out for their own well-being. Second, people can be very manipulative. Third, it is critical to listen and observe as much as possible before making judgements or reaching conclusions. People have varied motives and underlying needs.

When managing people, take your time making decisions. Gather data, evaluate facts, and assess characteristics carefully before acting.

What do you wish people asked you more often? How can we make our community and the world better? I am really passionate about improving my immediate community. My personal well-being is directly tied to the well-being of those around me.

What is your guilty pleasure? Haha! I love music! As long as it is good, uplifting music that isn’t offensive, I enjoy it immensely. My wife isn’t as big on playing music constantly, so whenever she’s out, I like to play music loudly.

If we pressed play on your life today, what would we hear? I don’t restrict myself to a single genre. I appreciate spiritual music that elevates the soul, as well as classical African music-like Lingala and Rhumba-that we grew up listening to through our uncles. Well-composed music with good rhythm and melody brings me great joy. I should go to DRC and stay there, listening to them speak Lingala.

What have you finally come to terms with? I’ve come to terms with my height-my son is already taller than me! He asks me what happened? [chuckles] I’ve also come to terms with my age. I’m 52 now, with over 30 years of work experience. I told a young person that I have been working for 30 years, and they said, ‘What! And you are still working?’ Haha! Height and age are two things you cannot change, so you learn to appreciate them fully.

Who do you know that I should know? God. Beyond everything else, waking up each morning knowing there is a Superior Power in control gives true peace. I’ve been in situations-like surviving a late-night car accident stranded in a dangerous area for hours unharmed-where divine protection was the only explanation. Knowing God makes all the difference.

NCDC: Samples of two suspected Ebola cases in Adamawa test negative

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that samples collected from two individuals suspected of having Ebola Disease in Adamawa State tested negative after two rounds of laboratory testing.

The agency disclosed this in a statement shared via the agency’s social media page (X) on October 31, 2026, and signed by its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, stating that the agency is working with the Adamawa State Government, through the State Ministry of Health and Human Services, to investigate the reported suspected cases in Yola.

‘The report was received by the Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) in the early hours of October 30, following the identification of two individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of Ebola,’ the NCDC explained, adding that the individuals had been isolated and appropriate public health measures initiated while samples were collected for laboratory testing to determine the cause of their illness.

‘Fortunately, the samples turned out negative for EBV after two rounds of testing,’ the statement said.

Idris commended the Adamawa State Commissioner for Health and his team for their proactive response, adding that the NCDC would continue to provide technical support to strengthen the state’s response operations.

He clarified that there was currently no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case in Adamawa State, noting that the index case previously confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory remained the only confirmed case reported in Nigeria.

The NCDC urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information or speculation about the situation. It advised Nigerians to rely on official government and public health communication channels for updates.

The agency also advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, particularly after relevant exposure, to seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare workers of their travel or contact history.

It warned against self-medication and urged individuals to follow the advice of healthcare professionals.

The NCDC said it would continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with the Adamawa State Government and other relevant stakeholders, providing updates as verified information becomes available.

NBC president condemns video calling for attacks on Christians, urges FG to intervene

THE President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Reverend (Dr) David Idowu, has condemned a viral video showing some young people calling on the government to provide them with ammunition to kill individuals they describe as infidels, particularly Christians worshipping in churches.

Idowu described the development as disturbing and expressed support for the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in condemning the video.

He called on the Federal Government to urgently investigate the development and take necessary steps to address the situation, stressing that Nigeria is a secular state where citizens are constitutionally entitled to practise the religion of their choice without fear, intimidation or persecution.

Speaking during an interaction with newsmen, the Baptist leader expressed concern over the implications of such threats for religious freedom, national security and peaceful coexistence.

He also urged Christian organisations, church leaders and members of the Christian community not to be intimidated by threats but to remain steadfast in their faith while strengthening security measures within their churches and communities.

Idowu further encouraged Christians to intensify prayers and fasting, seeking divine intervention in the nation’s security challenges.

He expressed confidence in God’s continued protection over the Church, declaring that the gates of hell would never prevail against it.

I want my legacy to be defined by justice, empathy – CSP Funke Adu

When did you join the Nigeria Police Force?

My name is Oluwafunke Adu. I joined the Nigeria Police Force in 2005 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). I had my first degree in Law from the University of Ilorin, after which I proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar.

I started my legal practice here in Ibadan, Oyo State. I initially worked with Chief Bamidele and Co and subsequently joined Agbajeand Co both in Ibadan.

It was during my service year that I had an encounter with the Nigeria Police Force. I served at the Police Staff College, Ibadan, and that experience changed my perception of policing completely.

When I got there, I met a lot of senior police officers and that was where I developed an interest in the profession. That one year changed my thoughts, my dreams and my ambition. I became interested in serving my country as a police officer.

I subsequently joined the police as a Cadet ASP. I was trained at the Police Academy, Wudil, and commissioned in 2006. After my commissioning, I was deployed to the Osun State Police Command where I became the officer in charge of the Legal Department.

At that time, the Legal Department had not yet become a directorate, although there was already a structure for legal services at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. That was how my journey in the legal service of the Nigeria Police Force began.

You were already practising law before joining the police. What was it about your experience at the Police Staff College that made you change your career path?

The Police Staff College was different from every other place I had ever been. I met a lot of officers there who changed my perception about the Nigerian Police Force.

Before then, I had my own ideas about policing, but my experience at the Staff College opened my eyes to another side of the profession. I saw the level of discipline, professionalism and responsibility involved in serving the country as a police officer.

That one year was enough to change my thoughts, my dreams and my ambition. I became convinced that I wanted to serve my country through policing.

How did your parents react when you told them you wanted to leave legal practice and become a police officer?

They were not happy about it. Being the last child in the family, they were somehow used to me doing things differently from others, because I have always had my own ideas.

When I told them I wanted to become a police officer, they wanted something different for me. They had their own expectations concerning the profession I should pursue.

In fact, it was retired AIG David Igbodo, who was then the OC SARS, who helped me obtain the Police Academy form. He went to my house, quietly collected my credentials and filled out the form.

At that time, I was working in Ibadan with Mr.Agbaje, I had to leave Ibadan for Akure, Ondo State and it was when I got to Akure that I completed and submitted the form.

My parents were still not happy with my decision. When I eventually went for training, there was even a period when they hardly communicated with me.

It was about two weeks before my commissioning that my father finally wrote a letter to me and gave me his blessings. That meant a lot to me.

Looking back, what gave you the courage to go against your parents’ wishes and pursue policing?

I think it was conviction. I had already developed an interest in policing, and my experience at the Staff College had changed the way I saw the profession.

I was ready to serve my country as a police officer and I believed strongly in the decision I had made. Even though my parents initially disagreed with me, I knew this was the path I wanted to take.

You joined the police as a lawyer. How did your legal background influence your career in the NPF?

My legal background has been very important to my career in the Nigeria Police Force. Being a lawyer and subsequently a barrister made me understand that there should be no limitation based on gender when it comes to one’s career.

As a lawyer, you are trained to understand the law, advocate for people and handle difficult situations. That experience became very useful when I joined the police.

When I became the officer in charge of the Legal Department in Osun State, I was relatively young in service, and my length of service was not much compared to some of the officers around me. However, the experience I brought from legal practice made the work easier for me.

It was challenging, but I made up my mind that whatever the situation was, I would carry on. I had to put aside my gender and wear the responsibility that came with the office I occupied.

As a woman working in what many people traditionally see as a male-dominated profession, what has your experience been like?

I have never, at any point in my journey, felt that my gender could be an obstacle to my career.

Of course, being the officer in charge of Legal in a command was challenging, particularly because I was among the younger officers at the time. But I always had the mindset that I could do it, and I could make it.

The people around me also contributed positively. They gave me nicknames, encouraged me and, whenever there were challenges, they were willing to put me through and support me.

So, for me, I have always believed that I can do whatever responsibility I am given. I put my gender aside and concentrate on the job.

What would you say has been the biggest challenge of working in the police as a woman, and how have you handled it?

The biggest thing is understanding the responsibility attached to the position you occupy and being ready to carry it out.

I have always approached my duties professionally. Rather than focusing on the fact that I am a woman working in a male-dominated environment, I focus on what the office requires of me.

Once you understand your responsibility and are prepared to learn, work with others and remain committed, you can overcome many of the challenges that come with the profession.

Tell us more about your responsibilities as a legal officer in the Nigeria Police Force. What exactly does the Directorate of Legal Services do?

The Legal Department has a very wide range of responsibilities. My schedule of duties cuts across virtually all departments of the police.

Whenever there is a need for legal advice or anything involving the law, there is a need for the Legal Department or Directorate of Legal Services to be involved.

At the command level, I work closely with the Commissioner of Police whenever there are legal matters to attend to or issues that require us to meet and deliberate. Our responsibility is to ensure that whatever action is taken falls within the purview of the law and does not result in a breach of fundamental human rights.

We also work with police officers and men, both at the divisional level and at the command level. Because of the nature of police operations, there are many situations where officers need legal guidance.

I often say that the Legal Office is the heartbeat of the command because we are connected to virtually every unit.

What role does the Legal Department play during elections and other major public events?

Elections are one of the periods when the work of the Legal Department becomes particularly important.

During elections and pre-election activities, student activities and other major operations, police officers need legal guidance to ensure that their actions remain within the law.

We provide advice on the appropriate steps to take and help officers understand what they can or cannot do under the law.

How involved is the Legal Department in police investigations?

We are also involved in investigations. Sometimes, investigators may need guidance on the appropriate step to take in order to unravel a particular matter without compromising the investigation.

At the same time, the rights of both the complainant and the defendant must be protected.

So, when investigators are unsure about a particular legal step, they reach out to the Directorate of Legal Services. We guide them on what to do in a manner that protects the integrity of the investigation while ensuring that fundamental human rights are not breached.

How do you deal with tough or difficult people in the course of your profession?

You have to be firm when it comes to doing the right thing. People will undermine the office of the Legal Department if you are not tough and firm in upholding what is right. In this profession, you cannot afford to compromise the integrity and authority of the office.