The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, has been showered with goodwill messages and tributes as she marks her birthday.

Colleagues, associates and admirers described Ike as a beautiful, erudite, charismatic, humble and strong leader whose contributions to journalism and leadership continue to inspire many.

In celebratory messages shared on Tuesday, well-wishers commended her dedication, passion and impactful leadership, noting that her influence has remained evident across the various platforms she serves.

They also offered prayers for greater wisdom, strength and outstanding accomplishments in her new age, while wishing her continued success, good health and divine protection.

The messages further expressed confidence that Ike would continue to excel in her role and attain even greater heights in her career and service to humanity.

Grace Ike currently serves as the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, where she has been recognised for her commitment to professional development and welfare of journalists in the territory.

Emotions ran high following the death of Nollywood actress Allwell, as a public disagreement between her brother and some of her colleagues took an unexpected turn during her Service of Songs.

Earlier, Allwell’s brother had called out several Nollywood actors for sharing tributes and photos of his late sister, questioning how many of them genuinely supported her while she was alive. In his emotional outburst, he mentioned names including Iyabo Ojo and Lateef Adedimeji, accusing them of benefitting from Allwell’s kindness but failing to cast her in their films.

Responding to the allegation, Iyabo Ojo explained that she had supported the late actress during her early days, particularly when Allwell was trying to establish herself as a producer and director. She maintained that her relationship with Allwell went beyond social media appearances.

However, a moment of reconciliation played out during Allwell’s Service of Songs, where her brother publicly addressed the issue. In a video that has since gone viral, he was seen apologising to Iyabo Ojo, clarifying that he never intended to insult her. Overcome with emotion, he almost prostrated before the actress as a sign of respect.

Iyabo Ojo immediately asked him to stand up and embraced him, drawing applause from those present.

The touching moment appeared to ease the tension and reflected a call for unity and understanding amid the grief surrounding Allwell’s passing.

Hannatu Musawa, Minister  of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has commenced talks with the Swiss Government on the repatriation of Nigerian artefacts currently housed in Swiss museums, including monoliths and bronze pieces.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both parties also agreed to promote cultural cooperation when the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff, paid a courtesy visit to the minister on Friday in Abuja.

They expressed willingness to continue discussions to explore opportunities for collaboration in the arts and culture sectors.

The Ambassador expressed Switzerland’s willingness to enter into bilateral agreements and cultural diplomacy with Nigeria.

According to the Swiss Ambassador, the process of returning the artifacts started three years ago, and they hoped to hand over the bronze pieces through the Nigerian embassy by the end of the year.

“This is the first time that a Swiss ambassador is meeting with a Nigerian minister of Art and Culture.

“There is a lot happening, and we would be very interested to build more institutional cooperation with the ministry.

“We think this restitution would be a very good opportunity to strengthen institutional cooperation,” he said.

In her remarks, Musawa thanked the Swiss government for its efforts, and emphasised the importance of retrieving the artifacts for Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The minister said the meeting marked an important step in strengthening cultural ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

She identified potential cooperation opportunities in critical areas, including animation, design, architecture, hospitality, and tourism.

“It is very important for us, Nigeria, to have back these artifacts and even have a wider conversation with Switzerland about what the restitution will look like.

“The conversation with the Minister of Culture in Switzerland is going to be very important because we will look at what our cooperation opportunities are in other areas,” she said.