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Professor Olumbe Bassir: The Life and Legacy of a Pioneer Nigerian Scientist

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A distinguished biochemist whose groundbreaking work shaped global understanding of aflatoxins and nutrition

Early Life and Background

Olumbe Bassir was born in 1919 in Senegal to Yoruba parents who later returned to Nigeria. Although he was born outside Nigeria, he identified strongly with the country and spent most of his life contributing to its scientific and academic development. His early childhood was shaped by a strong exposure to multicultural environments, which later influenced his wide intellectual interests.

Bassir grew up at a time when scientific research in West Africa was still emerging, yet he showed remarkable academic promise. His family encouraged learning and discipline and his early years laid the foundation for the brilliant career he would later pursue in biochemistry and public health.

Education and Academic Development

Olumbe Bassir received his secondary education in Nigeria before travelling abroad for university studies. He was admitted to Trinity College Dublin in Ireland where he studied medicine and later specialised in biochemistry. He completed his doctoral research in biochemical studies which positioned him as one of the first West Africans to earn advanced academic qualifications in that field.

His educational journey in Europe exposed him to international scientific methods, laboratory technologies and the rigorous research culture that later shaped his work at the University of Ibadan.

Academic Career and Scientific Contributions

After completing his studies, Bassir returned to Nigeria and joined the University of Ibadan. He became one of the earliest lecturers in the Department of Biochemistry and later rose to become a Professor of Biochemistry. His leadership helped to establish the university as one of the foremost centres of biochemical research in Africa.

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He became widely respected for his research on toxicology, nutrition and public health. His most notable scientific contributions were in the study of aflatoxins, harmful substances produced by certain moulds that contaminate stored food. His research helped African governments and international organisations understand the dangers of contamination in grains and nuts and his findings continue to influence food safety policies across the world.

Bassir also conducted extensive studies on African food composition. He worked on improving nutritional knowledge within Nigerian communities and published several books and scientific papers on food analysis. His work in peace research and human development further reflected his belief that science should serve society.

Family Life

Olumbe Bassir was married and had children who continued his tradition of academic excellence. His family supported his long academic career and he was widely remembered as a devoted husband and father who valued education and moral discipline. Although he maintained a demanding professional life, he remained deeply committed to his home and family relationships.

Age and Later Years

Bassir lived a long and productive life. He was born in 1919 and passed away in 2001 at the age of eighty two. Even in retirement he continued to write, mentor younger scientists and participate in academic discussions. His later years were marked by recognition from universities, scientific organisations and former students who regarded him as a foundational figure in modern Nigerian science.

Legacy and Impact

Olumbe Bassir’s legacy is enduring. He helped to build the early structure of biochemical research in Nigeria and trained many students who later became leading scientists. His work on aflatoxins remains a reference point in discussions on food safety across Africa.

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He authored influential textbooks including Handbook of Practical Biochemistry which guided generations of Nigerian and West African students. He also founded and edited journals that promoted scientific writing and research across universities in Africa.

Bassir is remembered as a scholar of great integrity, an intellectual who combined science with a deep sense of social responsibility. His pioneering work continues to shape public health, food science and toxicology, and he remains one of the most significant scientists in Nigeria’s academic history.

References

1. University of Ibadan Archives, Department of Biochemistry historical records.

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Ibadan indigenes warn politicians against disrespecting Olubadan

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Monday, read a riot act to the politicians in Oyo State, especially in the ancient city, over disrespecting the sacred stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland, warning that any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.

CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, gave this warning in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, amid growing concerns over rising reckless  utterances and conducts in the state by some power-seeking politicians

He said recent actions by some political actors had crossed acceptable boundaries and posed a risk to the dignity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

Ajewole stressed that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool, warning further that the CCII would not sit idly by and watch the Olubadan throne desecrated for political gain.

CCII said, “The stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times. Any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.”

The PG added that the Olubadan remains a unifying father figure to all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, regardless of political affiliation.

He said, “All politicians in Oyo are sons and daughters of the Olubadan. They must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution.

“Any attempt at casting aspersions on the person of Olubadan and the stool and turning around to tender any apology would not be tolerated any longer. You mess up with that stool, you must be ready to face the consequence(s).

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“The palace can never become any politician’s pawn; it is our symbol of strength and unity. This is the last time such nonsense will be condoned. Let politicians be warned, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We will defend our tradition, our heritage, and our dignity,” the council warned.

It also reiterated that the institution is strictly non-partisan and has continued to maintain neutrality and respect for all political actors in the state.

The council expressed strong displeasure over incidents where politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents, describing such conduct as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Ajewole, therefore, urged political actors to exercise restraint, warning that political differences must never be allowed to escalate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

He called for maturity in political engagement, saying, “Politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility. We urge all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.”

The CCII reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities in the state.

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Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplet sons

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Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, on Friday announced the arrival of his triplet sons with his wife and fellow actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

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I take full responsibility, Sisi Alagbo’s husband apologises over leaked sex tape

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The husband of popular social media personality Eniola Fagbemi, known as Sisi Alagbo, Adesola Akeem, has issued a public apology over a leaked sex tape involving his wife, himself and another woman.

The video went viral on Monday and has since generated widespread controversy online.

The video, which depicted the trio in an intimate encounter, began circulating on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels before spreading rapidly to gossip blogs, Instagram pages and explicit-content websites.

In the footage, Fagbemi is seen filming Akeem having sexual relations with the third woman while all three were unclothed. It remains unclear how the video made its way online.

Akeem, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, said he took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the disappointment the incident had caused.

“I write with a deep sense of responsibility and sincere remorse to extend my heartfelt apologies to my family, friends, business associates, religious leaders, fans, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian public over the recent incident involving a leaked sex scandal.

“I acknowledge the disappointment, embarrassment, and concern this situation has caused, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote.

He added that his conduct had fallen short of the values expected of him by those who had trusted and supported him.

Akeem also directed specific apologies to family members, friends, business associates, and religious bodies.

“To my fans and supporters, I deeply regret letting you down,” he said.

He described the period as one of reflection and said he was committed to making better decisions and rebuilding trust.

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“I am committed to making better decisions, rebuilding trust, and upholding integrity in both my private and public life going forward,” he added.

Sisi Alagbo had on Wednesday also apologised on her verified Facebook account, saying she had been unable to eat or sleep since the video emerged.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologize with all sincerity for the video circulating online. I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me,” she wrote.

Fagbemi rose to prominence through her promotion of herbal concoctions and became a social media sensation after a viral video of her kneeling to greet Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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