AGP Executive Report

Hollywood Honor for Benin’s Kidjo: Angélique Kidjo has become the first Black African—and first African musician—to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, unveiled in a palm-tree ceremony in Los Angeles. The five-time Grammy winner, born in Benin, told the crowd: “Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet,” as industry leaders praised her decades of global influence and humanitarian work. Edo Security & Crime: Edo police arrested suspects in a kidnapping/armed robbery syndicate and rescued a kidnapped woman, while also parading cases including alleged defilement of minors and vandalism of AIT equipment. Drug War Debate: NDLEA announced major cocaine seizures and arrests, but presidential hopeful Omoyele Sowore condemned Edo cannabis farm destruction, calling it a waste of economic opportunity. Edo Politics: Edo lawmakers dissolved standing committees and set up a five-member ad hoc panel to investigate former Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, promising a transparent probe. Youth & Education Moves: Edo approved grants for youth ventures and appointed new education leadership, including a Special Adviser on Human Capital Development.

Edo House Shake-up: Edo State lawmakers have set up a five-member ad hoc committee to investigate allegations against former Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, with the new Speaker Yekini Idaiye ordering a report within two weeks. Edo Governance: Governor Monday Okpebholo urged the new Assembly leadership to be transparent, inclusive and to “carry everyone along,” stressing that political office is temporary. Road Works in Edo: The Edo government has started palliative work on Upper Siluko Road (Okhun junction) ahead of full reconstruction, after residents complained the road had become a “death trap.” Education & Law Admissions: Nigeria’s Council of Legal Education approved eight more universities for law admissions, bringing the total to 122, warning that unapproved schools could face sanctions. Benin Spotlight: A new study reports living coral reefs off Benin’s coast, overturning earlier assumptions that the reef barrier was dead. Global Culture: Benin-born Angélique Kidjo was honoured with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, the first African musician to receive one. Regional Trade: ECOWAS stakeholders met at the Ghana–Togo border to push better implementation of the free movement protocol to boost cross-border trade.

Edo Assembly Shake-Up: Edo State Speaker Blessing Agbebaku stepped down amid an impeachment push, and Yekini Idaiye was sworn in as the new Speaker, with new principal officers also elected. Governor’s Unity Call: Governor Monday Okpebholo urged the new leadership to carry every lawmaker along, stressing humility, transparency, and resolving disagreements internally—not on social media. Road Works in Benin City: Edo began palliative repairs at the Okhun junction on Upper Siluko Road ahead of full reconstruction, using geotextile-based fixes to tackle water percolation. Benin–Onitsha Road Debate: The Federal Ministry of Works said the corridor’s poor state predates the Tinubu era and is constrained by concession agreements, limiting immediate intervention. Drug Crackdown: NDLEA destroyed cannabis farms in Edo and arrested suspects, while separate NDLEA action in Lagos saw large-scale illicit drug destruction. Digital Economy: Edo’s newly appointed Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Andrew Momodu, assumed office pledging to deepen the state’s digital transformation.

Edo Assembly Shake-Up: Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo met the newly elected Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, urging lawmakers to lead with unity, humility and transparency after the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku amid an alleged impeachment plot. Digital Economy: Okpebholo also received newly appointed Communication and Digital Economy Commissioner Andrew Momodu, who pledged to push the state’s digital transformation and improve governance through technology. Drug War in Edo: NDLEA operatives destroyed two cannabis farms in Edo—Ugboku and Igbanke Forest—covering 1.851591 hectares with an estimated 4,628.9775kg yield, and arrested 10 suspected traffickers. Regional Travel Ease: West Africa’s visa rules are getting friendlier, with Ghana and Togo making travel simpler for African passport holders—good news for cross-border traders and families. Benin–Onitsha Road: Nigeria’s Works Ministry defended the Benin–Onitsha corridor, saying deterioration predates the current administration and is limited by a long-term concession deal.

Benin–Onitsha Road: Nigeria’s Works Ministry and Minister David Umahi pushed back on claims of neglect, saying the 125km corridor is tied to a 25-year concession that limits government’s ability to terminate contracts, while insisting engagement with the concessionaire is ongoing. Drug War: NDLEA arrested a 48-year-old Lagos marble dealer, Nwankwo Onyebuchi, at Murtala Muhammed Airport with 1.55kg of cocaine hidden in his luggage walls/railings, after he allegedly sold assets to raise ₦23m for a deal bound for India; the agency also reported major codeine-syrup seizures in Lagos. Transport Safety Funding: NSIB warned that a proposed cut to its 5% Ticket Sales Charge (from 6% to 4%) could weaken its expanding aviation, rail and maritime investigation mandate. Cancer Care: Nigeria plans to procure and install 35 new radiotherapy linear accelerators between 2026 and 2028 to close treatment gaps. Regional Trade & Movement: ECOWAS stakeholder talks urged sustained public education and better coordination to improve implementation of the free movement protocol for border communities. Sports (Benin link): CAF named Benin’s Nafissatou Yacine as reserve assistant for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.

Drug Crackdown in Lagos: NDLEA arrested 48-year-old marble trader Nwankwo Innocent Onyebuchi at Murtala Muhammed International Airport while boarding a Qatar Airways flight to New Delhi, with 1.55kg of cocaine factory-fitted into the side walls and railings of his bag; he allegedly sold assets worth ₦23m to buy the consignment. More Seizures Nationwide: In the same crackdown, NDLEA nabbed a 70-year-old grandpa and others, recovering over 1.5m opioid pills, cocaine, methamphetamine and tonnes of cannabis, including a warehouse raid in Lagos that uncovered 3,776 cartons of codeine-based syrup. ECOWAS Trade Push: Ketu North’s MCE Rev. Martin Amenaki urged ECOWAS to keep stakeholder talks going and expand public education so border communities can better use the free movement protocol. Women’s Football Spotlight: CAF appointed Egyptian referee Shahenda El-Maghrebi to officiate the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, with Benin’s Nafissatou Yacine as reserve. Regional Development Angle: A Gulf of Guinea report highlights how Lagos to Cotonou is turning into a more connected West African economic corridor.

State Policing Reform: Oghara stakeholders are pushing for a people-centred, professional and accountable policing system, warning that decentralising policing without safeguards could fuel political interference and abuse. Weather & Safety: Ghana’s meteorology agency warns severe rain and lightning after a storm over northern Benin, urging residents and motorists to take precautions and avoid open spaces and trees. Education & Health Access: Nigeria’s education minister says six regional Autism Centres will be set up across geopolitical zones, alongside expanded training for audiology, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Regional Trade & Borders: ECOWAS is engaging border communities on the free movement protocol along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, aiming to cut delays and improve services at crossings involving Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria. Public Order in Benin City: Edo State moves to enforce its ban on okada riders with a new taskforce, citing rising robbery and kidnapping risks. Diplomacy: Switzerland appoints Dr Thomas Oertle as ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo. Security Accountability: Edo police launch a probe into a viral video alleging N1m extortion by officers, inviting victims to report and warning of disciplinary action. Sports: Shooting Stars unveil Salisu Yusuf as new technical adviser ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season. Road Conditions: Motorists report worsening chaos on the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway near Okwe Junction, with collapsed sections and long delays.

Diplomacy: Switzerland has appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, succeeding Simone Giger and promising deeper cooperation on governance, trade, climate and peace. Regional Trade & Movement: ECOWAS held stakeholder talks at the Noépé-Akanu border to cut delays on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor and improve free movement for traders and travellers, including public sensitisation on rights and responsibilities. Security & Accountability in Edo: Edo’s police chief ordered a probe into a viral video alleging N1m extortion by officers, with summons issued to the accused and an invitation to alleged victims. Child Protection: Edo’s Women Affairs commissioner says 72 child defilement cases have been recorded since Jan 2026, with fathers blamed for about half, and protective support provided for victims. Urban Security Policy: Edo State says the ban on okada (motorcycle taxis) remains in Benin City and a taskforce will check riders linked to kidnapping and robbery. Sports (Benin-linked): Benin’s U18 women’s team is in the spotlight ahead of the Afrobasket final in Abidjan, with Mali and Nigeria set for a repeat of the 2024 decider.

Energy Market Blueprint: A new push argues West Africa should shift from “energy potential” to building an integrated energy market architecture, targeting US$3trn in cumulative energy transaction value by 2035. Diplomacy: Switzerland has appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, promising closer engagement with governments, business, academia and civil society. Human Rights at Borders: Amnesty International is pressing Spain for answers over the Ceuta arrivals of about 72,000 people since late July, including claims of possible summary returns and how asylum guarantees were applied. Regional Trade & Mobility: ECOWAS is sensitising border communities at the Akanu-Noepe post on the Free Movement protocol to boost trade and tourism along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor. Benin City Church Rites: Benin City held final funeral rites for late Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, with clergy, leaders and mourners paying tribute to his 15 years of service. Sports (Benin-linked): Edo Queens signed defender Ifeoma Ikenokwalu from Rivers Angels ahead of WAFU B qualifiers.

Diplomatic Appointments: Switzerland has named Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, promising closer engagement across government, business, academia and civil society. Church & Community Mourning: Benin City bid final farewell to Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, with Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo and Peter Obi among dignitaries attending funeral rites. Public Safety & Security: Edo State warned of rising okada-linked robberies and said a taskforce will be set up to curb the menace. Child Protection Alarm: Edo officials raised alarm over 70+ defilement cases from Jan–July 2026, saying fathers account for over half, with victims as young as two. Governance & Land Integrity: Edo warned against illegal sale and multiple resale of government-acquired land in Obagie-N’Evbuosa, stressing due diligence and rule of law. Youth & Health Coverage: Benin Youth Leaders praised Edo Deputy Gov Dennis Idahosa’s NHIA GIFSHIP health insurance for 4,000 residents of Ovia Federal Constituency. Regional Spotlight: AfriLabs’ 11th Annual Gathering will hold in Cotonou, Benin in November, drawing innovators across Africa.

Edo Security Crackdown: Edo State says rising robberies linked to commercial motorcycle riders (okada) are being targeted, with plans to set up a taskforce and tighten regulation. Land Governance: Edo warns against illegal sale and repeated resale of government-acquired land in Obagie-N’Evbuosa, stressing only state agencies can allocate such plots. Child Protection Alarm: Edo reports over 70 defilement cases between January and July 2026, with fathers responsible for more than half, including victims aged 2–10. Health Insurance Focus: EDOHIC begins fresh talks with labour and professional groups to close service gaps and improve medicine access and beneficiary experience. Catholic Community Mourns: Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze is laid to rest in Benin City, with Pope Leo XIV and top Nigerian leaders sending tributes; Gov. Okpebholo also announced support for church transport. Drug War Update: NDLEA honours 274 personnel and warns the drug fight is generational, requiring sustained intelligence and resilience. Regional Mobility: A new Africa-focused travel intelligence platform, KBUG.africa, launches to help travellers plan safer trips across the continent.

Edo State Crackdown: Edo shut an orphanage in Afuze, Owan East, over alleged irregular adoption practices, handing the operator to law enforcement for possible prosecution, and also reunited a 53-year-old Nigerian deportee found in Benin City with his family after providing medical and psychiatric care. Governance Shake-up in Edo: Governor Monday Okpebholo approved the deployment of two new commissioners and redeployed three others, including a new Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations meant to boost harmony and unity. Health Access Push: UBTH says it will run a free medical outreach for 5,000 people at its Udo centre, offering services like cataract surgery, dental care, cancer screening and blood pressure checks. Sports Update: NPFL lifted Bendel Insurance coach Kennedy Boboye’s remaining 17-game touchline ban, clearing him to return for the 2026/27 season. Regional Mobility Policy: Chad announced visa-free entry for all African citizens from January 1, 2027, joining a growing list that includes Benin and others. International Spotlight: Canada’s Senate speaker Raymonde Gagné reportedly spent nearly $900,000 on overseas travel, including a trip to Benin, according to documents released by watchdogs.

Healthcare in Edo: UBTH is set to provide free care to 5,000 people at its Udo Comprehensive Health Centre, including cataract surgery, dental services, cancer screening and blood pressure checks, as it unveils upgraded facilities like a 65-bed Accident & Emergency complex, expanded mortuary, renal dialysis units, CT scan and improved theatres. Local governance dispute: Elders of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan in Akoko Edo have petitioned Governor Monday Okpebholo over a long-running chieftaincy crisis, alleging displacement and asking for peace and restoration of homes and businesses. Sports & community ties: NPFL has lifted the suspension on Bendel Insurance coach Kennedy Boboye, clearing him to return for the 2026/27 season, while Benin-born forward Mathieu Seyram joins Aguilas FC on loan in Spain. Youth & peacebuilding: International Youth Day activities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, led by PIND, linked young people to jobs, training and enterprise support, and a student from Benin-hosted PEACE 2026 represented India at the World Social Forum in Cotonou. Politics & faith: Peter Obi arrived in Edo for funeral rites of Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, with services continuing through Thursday.

Benin–Nigeria Security & Diplomacy: Canada opened a new embassy in Benin (Cotonou) but later suspended operations at its South Sudan mission, raising questions about Ottawa’s Africa footprint. Regional Justice for Media: MFWA urged transitional and constitutional governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea to end arbitrary arrests and prolonged pretrial detention of journalists and civil society actors. Health Delivery in Nigeria (UBTH): UBTH unveiled 12+ healthcare and infrastructure projects as Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu marks one year as CMD, with federal officials backing healthcare reforms. Climate Protection for Shared Heritage: Togo and Benin launched a climate-risk assessment for the Koutammakou World Heritage cultural landscape, warning that thousands of earthen homes are at risk. Sports & Talent: Benin-Ghana forward Mathieu Seyram joined Aguilas FC on loan in Spain until June 2027; WAFCON 2026 also highlights Benin’s Nafissatou Yekini Shitou as match support. Politics & Governance (Nigeria): Edo State approved security and education leadership appointments, including a new Special Adviser on Security and a SUBEB executive chair nomination. Football/Community: Nigeria’s border-closure debate and cross-border trade frictions also surfaced, including an onion export dispute affecting shipments to Ghana.

Edo Politics & Governance: Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of 4,800 special assistants, allocating 25 per ward, as part of a push to bring government closer to communities. Security Appointments: Okpebholo also named Engr. Kelvin Ovanbor Aigbe as Special Adviser on Security and nominated Ayewoh Ambrose Oyakhilome for SUBEB chairmanship. Catholic Community: Edo dignitaries received the remains of late Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze in Benin City, with tributes pouring in after his July 9 death. Cross-Border Culture & Climate: Togo and Benin launched a climate-risk assessment to protect the Koutammakou earthen-home heritage site, warning that thousands of sikien are at risk. International Legal/Benin Link: South African prosecutors allege Russia funded an attempt to help Benin’s coup suspect Kemi Séba flee, with Benin seeking his extradition. Education Disruption (Nigeria): ASUU has given 20 universities a 14-day ultimatum over unpaid welfare issues, while IMSU and Nasarawa varsities have already been hit by shutdowns. Health: Nigeria’s Lassa fever deaths have reached 237 this year, with cases reported across multiple states including Edo. Sports (Benin-linked): UNIBEN launched a campus green belt and innovation ecosystem to drive tech and sustainability.

Benin–South Africa extradition drama: South African prosecutors say Russia funded an attempt to help Benin’s coup suspect influencer Kemi Séba flee, linking him to white nationalist Francois van der Merwe; Benin is seeking Séba after his April arrest in Pretoria. UNIBEN climate push: University of Benin launches a Campus Green Belt and a tech/innovation ecosystem, including a 1,000-tree orchard and student monitoring clubs, to blend sustainability with digital skills. Edo grassroots governance: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo approves 4,800 special assistants (25 per ward) and appoints a security adviser plus a SUBEB executive chair nominee, aiming to bring government closer to communities. Cross-border heritage protection: Togo and Benin step up climate adaptation work for the Koutammakou World Heritage site, warning that thousands of earthen sikien homes are at risk. Education disruption in Nigeria: ASUU gives 20 universities a 14-day ultimatum over unpaid welfare and delayed implementation of the 2025 agreement, with IMSU and Nasarawa already affected. Drug crackdown in Edo: NDLEA and the Army seize 604.5kg of cannabis in raids and arrest a 58-year-old grandfather and others over alleged trafficking. Sports spotlight: Dynamic Athletics Meet in Lagos (Aug 15) draws 693 athletes from nine countries, with Benin listed among the smaller contingents.