Just goes to show what we can all do if only we band together. It is important not to loose sight of the wider picture. These artifacts all need to be brought back home. If we make it impossibly difficult for anymore to be sold it will be more likely that those that currently hold them will relent.

And oh by the way who needs our “sleeping” politicians when we can do these things ourselves?

Very good, very very good. This is people power in action. This shows that if we put aside ethinicity, nationality and class and unite; we shall overcome the challenges face us.

This progress should serve as an incentive for us to work even harder. “If we try, we can, because we are the miracle”. AFRICA UNITE

I do not see the return of the artifact to the Benin people in the respect mentioned above as a solution. As the family are now arranging a private sale thus so would be the situation should the artifact be returned to Benin. Let us be real. Making the sale public gives it transparency. Let there be a public sale and the proceeds be given to a trust that will genuinely benefit the people of Benin. Look at the socio economic dimensions of trafficked women and their communities. Set up structures to check the modern day slave traders that target young females. The celebration of the stopping of the sale is premature. While we must commend the efforts of our colleagues, let us find realistic solutions when we contemplate the way forward!

I do not see the return of the artifact to the Benin people in the respect mentioned above as a solution. As the family are now arranging a private sale thus so would be the situation should the artifact be returned to Benin. Let us be real. Making the sale public gives it transparency. Let there be a public sale and the proceeds be given to a trust that will genuinely benefit the people of Benin. Look at the socio economic dimensions of trafficked women and their communities. Set up structures to check the modern day slave traders that target young females. The celebration of the stopping of the sale is premature. While we must commend the efforts of our colleagues, let us find realistic solutions when we contemplate the way forward!