AGP Executive Report

Kidnapping Crackdown in Edo: Edo Police arrested four suspected kidnappers and a 52-year-old Islamic teacher, Jubril Ibrahim, in Edo North, with Ibrahim denying “charms” claims and saying he only prayed for a suspect’s safe travel. Healthcare & Faith in Action: RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye and wife donated three dialysis machine sets to UBTH in Benin City to boost renal care. Education Results That Matter: NABTEB released 2026 NBC/NTC results in Benin, showing an 81.24% pass rate (five credits including English and Maths) and a rise in candidate enrollment. Culture & Storytelling Recognition: Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II plans to confer new traditional titles on the 12 Africa Monologue Challenge Season Three finalists, including a Benin representative. Benin Youth & Mobilisation: Edo Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa pledged support to the Benin Youth Leaders Forum to help deliver Governor Okpebholo’s 2.5 million votes target for Tinubu in 2027. Global Spotlight on Benin’s Angélique Kidjo: Angélique Kidjo’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star is celebrated as a major narrative shift for Africa, and her “Bando” video with Pharrell Williams and Quavo keeps the street-energy vibe front and centre. Security Pressure in Borgu: Reports say Borgu residents in Niger State are fleeing into Benin Republic as insecurity worsens, with kidnappings and attacks disrupting daily life. Education Support for Teachers: NEPL/Seplat Energy JV plans to train 500 teachers across Edo State through its 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme. Politics in Mourning: PDP South-South National Vice Chairman Chief Daniel Orbih died at 64, with tributes pouring in from Edo political leaders. US Deportation Update: The US published an updated West Africa deportation list of 427 people, including one Benin national, with offences ranging from fraud to violent crimes.

Security in Borgu: Niger’s Borgu communities are emptying as attacks persist, with residents reporting homes and farms abandoned and some fleeing into Benin; a recent Jumu’at abduction of Muslim worshippers has intensified fears, with figures on captives still disputed. Politics & mourning in Edo: PDP National Vice-Chairman Daniel Osi Orbih has died at 64, prompting tributes from Edo leaders including Godwin Obaseki and political figures like Nyesom Wike. Environment & activism: EDEN renewed calls for urgent action on Nigeria’s worsening environmental crisis, inducting environmental defenders Festus Iyayi, Oronto Douglas and Jonathan Ihonde into its Hall of Fame. Digital life & heritage: An AI “mediator” tool is being used to connect Northeastern University classrooms in real time, including discussions on Benin’s Zangbento temple through 3D heritage modelling. Culture spotlight: Benin’s Angélique Kidjo made history with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and she’s now back with “Bando” featuring Pharrell Williams and Quavo. Women & livelihoods in Edo: Edo’s governor’s wife office distributed micro-business grants to 300+ women in Edo South, urging reinvestment to grow family incomes. Power struggles in Asaba: Residents in Asaba accuse BEDC and local committees of leaving them without electricity after repeated transformer failures, while disputing claims about fresh contributions.

Digital Governance & AI Sovereignty: La Francophonie launched its first Digital Governance Forum in Geneva, framing AI governance through language and pushing Francophone Africa to move from consuming tech to producing it—especially after Benin and other countries adopted a shared ethics-and-sovereignty framework. Edo Politics & Public Life: Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo praised the Edo Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for strong 2026 Hajj coordination and promised support for the 2027 exercise. Leadership Loss: PDP National Vice-Chairman Daniel Orbih has died at 64; tributes poured in from Edo political circles as family confirmed the death and asked for prayers. Women & Economic Empowerment: Edo’s governor’s wife office distributed micro-business grants to 300+ women in Edo South, urging beneficiaries to treat funds as seed capital and reinvest. Power & Community Tensions: Asaba residents protested repeated transformer levies and outages, accusing BEDC and a local committee of leaving them without power despite prior contributions. Education Support: NEPL/Seplat Energy JV plans to train 500 teachers in Edo under its STEP programme, expanding teacher development efforts. Culture & Music: Angélique Kidjo released the street-energy video for “Bando” with Pharrell Williams and Quavo, spotlighting community resilience and West African style. Religion & Society: A Catholic bishop urged Catholic women to shape society through faith-led values, peace, and human dignity. Regional Court Milestone: Liberia’s Charlyne Brumskine became the first Liberian woman appointed as an ECOWAS Community Court of Justice judge (2026–2030), aiming to broaden access to the court.

Women in Business: Africa.com’s 2026 “Definitive List of Women CEOs” spotlights Mary Vilakazi at the top, underscoring how women are leading major African listed companies. Power & Community Trust: In Asaba, residents of Fear God Street accuse BEDC and a transformer committee of leaving them without electricity after repeated failed repairs, while the committee chair denies diverting funds and says contributions went to a community bank account. Women’s Economic Empowerment: Edo’s First Lady’s office says over 300 women benefited from micro-business grants, urging beneficiaries to treat grants as seed capital and keep financial discipline. Education Support: Seplat/NEPL’s STEP programme plans to train 500 teachers in Edo, expanding a multi-year effort that has supported thousands of educators. Trafficking Survivors: Edo’s Girls’ Power Initiative begins a 12-month programme for 30 female trafficking survivors, combining counselling, case management, and skills support. Security & Worshippers: Nigeria’s IGP orders intensified rescue operations in Niger State after abducted worshippers during attacks. Drugs at Lagos Airport: NDLEA seizes Captagon (“Jihadi drug”) and opioid pills worth over ₦6.2bn at MMIA, arresting a cross-border kingpin. Learning Deadlines: NABTEB sets Sept. 10 as the deadline for 2026 Nov/Dec certificate exam registration. Border Politics: Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo rejects claims that Nigeria’s land borders are closed, saying they can’t be “reopened.”

Electricity & Community Trust: Asaba residents say BEDC and a transformer committee left Fear God Street without power after repeated failed repairs, while the committee chair insists all contributions went to a community bank account and denies fresh “extortion” demands. Education & Skills: NEPL/Seplat’s STEP programme will train 500 teachers across Edo, expanding a six-year effort that has supported over 2,000 educators and evaluators. Power Infrastructure: Edo’s government granted transmission and distribution licences to CCETC Ogua Energy for a 100MW project in Ikpoba-Okha, aiming for commissioning before end-2026. Faith & Community Life: Edo begins a 14-day fasting and prayer drive for divine protection and guidance as the state enters the 2026 ember months. Women’s Support: Girls’ Power Initiative starts a 12-month programme to help 30 female trafficking survivors with counselling, reintegration planning, and skills support. Learning Deadlines: NABTEB sets Sept. 10 as the deadline for 2026 Nov/Dec certificate exam registration (with Dec modular trades open until Sept. 30). Regional Tourism: ECOWAS adopts a framework to strengthen tourism business associations across West Africa, including Benin. Security & Worship: Police order intensified rescue operations in Niger State after abducted worshippers were taken during attacks. Drug Crackdown: NDLEA seized Captagon and opioid pills worth over ₦6.2bn at Lagos airport, arresting a cross-border kingpin from Accra.

Education & Skills: NABTEB set Sept. 10 as the deadline for registration for its 2026 Nov/Dec certificate exams (NBC/NTC/ANBC/ANTC), with Dec modular trades registration running to Sept. 30—fees range from ₦6,000 to ₦25,500. Women & Community Safety: Edo’s Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) launched a 12-month support programme for 30 female trafficking survivors, combining counselling, case management, skills training and reintegration planning. Culture & Identity: Angélique Kidjo received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, spotlighting her Ouidah roots and the wider Benin-to-the-world cultural story. Regional Tourism: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit West African tourism business associations, aiming for better governance and deeper regional integration. Public Health & Tech: Nigeria’s WhatsApp chatbot “Kemi” expands support for reporting and assistance around technology-facilitated gender-based violence across Nigeria and parts of West Africa. Security & Borders: The Interior Minister rejected claims that Nigeria’s land borders are closed, saying key crossings have been reopened in phases.

Education & Skills: NABTEB set Sept. 10 as the deadline for registration for its 2026 Nov/Dec certificate exams in Benin City, with fees ranging from ₦6,000 (Modular Trades) to ₦25,500 (advanced levels), and Sept. 30 for the December Modular Trades option. Health & Training: The NUC approved UBTH College of Nursing Sciences to start the BNSc programme with UNIBEN from the 2026/2027 session, with a new Governing Council to oversee quality. Culture & Heritage: Angélique Kidjo received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, spotlighting her Ouidah roots and the wider story of Benin’s cultural legacy. Women & Digital Safety: A WhatsApp chatbot called Kemi is helping women and girls report or seek support for technology-facilitated gender-based violence across Nigeria and nearby countries, with a planned upgrade to improve local reporting guidance. Community Life: In Sè, Benin, women’s pottery blends family tradition and modern income, keeping craft knowledge alive through daily practice. Public Safety: NDLEA seized ₦6.2bn worth of “Jihadi drug” Captagon and opioid pills at Lagos airport, including pills hidden in “Ghana soap.”

Marriage & Youth Readiness: Women in Lagos are urging parents to stop pressuring daughters to marry by a certain age, saying readiness and the right partner should come first, not family expectations. Teen Safety Online: In Nigeria’s FCT, parents are split on social media access for under-16s—some want strict limits, others push for a full ban over addiction and harmful content. Digital Economy & Skills: Traditional trades like tailoring and carpentry are losing apprentices as youths chase faster income through content creation and software skills. Benin in Global Culture: Angélique Kidjo’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star spotlights her Ouidah roots and the wider story of African music’s global reach. Edo Family Planning: In Edo, community mobilisation and counselling are expanding access to family planning, while some women raise concerns about how methods are introduced. Edo Governance: Edo State House of Assembly reconstitutes committees and defers key bills, while the governor’s education push continues to reshape schools. Hollywood/Film Circuit: Doha Film Institute selects eight of its supported films for the 83rd Venice festival, including a Benin-linked title. AI Access: Google expands a free AI offer to students across 27 African countries, with Benin included. Flood Watch: FG warns 915 communities across 19 states and the FCT face critical flood risk, including Benin City and Edo.

Border Policy Clash: Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo hit back at Atiku Abubakar, saying Nigeria’s land borders are already open and can’t be “reopened,” citing reopenings from 2020 through February 2026, including links to Benin and Niger. Flood Watch: Nigeria’s federal government warned that 915 communities across 19 states and the FCT face critical flood risk from Aug 27–Sep 9, urging residents to verify evacuation routes and avoid floodplains. Benin City Governance: Edo State’s House of Assembly reconstituted standing committees under Speaker Idiaye Yekini and deferred key bills, while Governor Monday Okpebholo marked his 56th birthday with renewed focus on education and welfare. Culture & Heritage: Nikki’s Gaani festival brings together the Baatonou, Waasangari and Boo peoples in a living-heritage celebration of shared history and resilience. Digital Learning for Students: Google expanded a free AI offer to students in 27 African countries, including Benin, with access to Gemini tools and cloud storage. Security & Crime Across Borders: A robbery syndicate revealed how stolen vehicles were driven from Nigeria through Benin to Burkina Faso for sale, highlighting transnational fraud routes.

Elections & Youth Mobilisation: Charles Odibo’s Big Tent Coalition unveiled “Obidient Connect,” a digital voter-organising platform aimed at mapping supporters to polling units, coordinating volunteers, engaging the diaspora, and protecting results ahead of 2027. Security & Faith Community Safety: Security forces moved into Borgu LGA, Niger State, to rescue hundreds abducted during Friday prayers; reports clash on numbers held, with attacks linked to groups including Lakurawa and Boko Haram. Legal Action on Rights & Environment: Lawyers launched a national push to defend citizens facing intimidation over environmental and land rights abuses, with a Benin City inauguration and a network spanning multiple regions. Religion & Digital Tensions: Ahmadiyya elders urged moral discipline and responsible digital engagement, warning that rising religious rhetoric could destabilise communities. Flood Preparedness: Nigeria’s flood early warning flagged 915 communities in 19 states plus the FCT as critical risk for Aug 27–Sep 9, urging evacuation readiness. Roads & Accountability: Works Minister David Umahi threatened arrest over an incomplete Benin–Onitsha expressway contract, ordering fund recovery and audits. Culture & Learning: Université d’Abomey-Calavi alumni in Benin completed English and entrepreneurship training via the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, boosting cross-cultural leadership skills.

Migration & Safety: Ghana Immigration Service warns young people about fake overseas job offers, urging checks via an accredited-agency verification portal and cautioning parents not to trust “too good to be true” promises. Public Health: UN chief Guterres appeals for an extra $1.1bn to fight the DRC Ebola outbreak as cases rise and funding remains only partly covered, with women and children hit hardest. Culture & Craft: CRAFTARA Festival 2026 opens in Accra, bringing artisans from about 12 African countries (including Benin) to showcase crafts, share stories behind artworks, and create business opportunities. Benin–Nigeria Connectivity: Nigeria’s Works Minister Umahi threatens arrest of a contractor over an incomplete Benin–Onitsha road project, while also raising concerns about damage to the Second Niger Bridge. Security & Faith Tensions: NSCIA condemns attacks on Borgu Muslim worshippers, rejecting narratives that insecurity is only “Christian genocide,” and calls for urgent rescue and accountability. Edo State Spotlight: Edo marks 35 years of statehood as Governor Okpebholo and Deputy Idahosa reaffirm the SHINE Agenda, focusing on security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Flood Preparedness: Nigeria’s federal flood alert puts 915 communities across 19 states and the FCT on critical risk watch through early September, urging evacuation-route checks and protective action. TVET & Skills: NABTEB and CORBON sign an MoU to align technical training with industry needs, targeting better practical skills for graduates.

Roads & Mobility: Edo and the Niger Delta are still feeling the pain of bad federal roads, with fresh attention on the Sapele–Benin corridor as the NDDC moves to rehabilitate a 15km stretch after joint inspections. Flood Preparedness: Nigeria’s flood warning is hitting hard—915 communities in 19 states plus the FCT are on critical alert (Aug 27–Sep 9), including Edo and Benin City, with officials urging residents to verify evacuation routes and protect valuables. Football Governance: EFCC says its probe into Nigeria’s NFF N12bn intervention fund will continue even after Ibrahim Musa Gusau and other NFF leaders stepped down, keeping the spotlight on accountability in sports administration. Education & Skills: NABTEB and CORBON signed an MoU to align TVET training with industry needs, focusing on curriculum updates, accreditation, and practical competence. Faith & Community Safety: In Niger State, mass mosque kidnappings during Juma’at prayers triggered national outrage and calls for urgent rescue of captives, with religious leaders pushing for action beyond “periodical” operations. Benin Cultural Link: A diaspora story also lands in the news—Cudjo Lewis’ descendants in Benin are being recognized, tying Benin identity to the transatlantic past. Edo at 35: Edo marks 35 years of statehood with leaders repeating the SHINE Agenda themes: unity, faster development, and stronger healthcare and education.

Flood Watch: Nigeria’s federal government warns 915 communities across 19 states plus FCT are at critical flood risk from Aug. 27–Sept. 9, urging residents in places like Benin City and Edo State to verify evacuation routes and stay on alert. TVET & Skills: NABTEB and CORBON sign an MoU to align technical and vocational education with industry needs, including curriculum updates, accreditation support, and quality assurance. Edo at 35: Edo Deputy Gov. Dennis Idahosa and Gov. Monday Okpebholo reaffirm development plans under the SHINE Agenda as the state marks 35 years since creation, highlighting roads, healthcare, education, security, and jobs. Benin Diaspora History: A descendant of Clotilda survivor Cudjo Lewis receives Benin citizenship, spotlighting Benin’s growing ties with the African diaspora. Creative Life in Benin: A feature spotlights Bamboo Numérik in Cotonou, a modular artist enclave mixing library, performances, and music events. Culture & Faith: A profile explores the Celestial Church of Christ’s Porto-Novo roots and its distinctive spiritual art and imagery. Security Shock (Nigeria): Reports detail mass mosque kidnappings in Niger State and a Tinubu-ordered rescue manhunt, with Islamic leaders demanding urgent action.

Benin–Lifestyle Spotlight: In Cotonou, Bamboo Numérik is turning art into a community ritual—part beachfront resort, cafe, library, and music space—run by Beninese slam poet Kamal Radji, with modular rooms built for intimate sound sessions and public gatherings. Benin–Culture & Faith: A profile of Elizabeth Omotosho highlights the Celestial Church of Christ’s Porto-Novo roots and its distinctive, culturally rich spirituality that blends communal worship with personal visions. Regional Security (Benin’s neighborhood): Nigeria’s Tinubu ordered a coordinated manhunt after mass mosque kidnappings in Niger State’s Borgu area, where armed attackers reportedly abducted hundreds of worshippers during Jumu’at prayers and posted forest-captivity videos online; the NSCIA condemned the attacks and demanded rescue and prosecution. Health (Benin-linked): An ALERT project study across Benin, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda found that hospital training plus quality improvement cut early stillbirths and newborn deaths in the first 24 hours. Roads & Daily Life: Edo/Delta commuters feel the fallout as Benin-Agbor-Asaba expressway gridlock sparks apologies and contractor blame over asphalt removal and drainage failures.

Security & Faith: Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) condemned the Borgu (Niger State) mosque attacks in Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara, calling the Jumu’at invasion and abduction of worshippers a direct assault on the sanctity of worship; it says dozens were killed and many remain captive. Mass Kidnapping Response: President Bola Tinubu ordered a national manhunt and rescue operation after armed gunmen abducted hundreds—reports range up to 500–600—following a video showing captives in a forest; families in the border area near Benin are fleeing and some survivors are being treated. Health & Care: An ALERT project study reported in Nature Medicine links hospital training, quality improvement and mentoring in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda to a 22% drop in early stillbirth/newborn deaths. Workplace Lifestyle & Public Health: A West Africa survey for World Mosquito Day found 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, including in Benin. Culture & Heritage: Oyo’s Alaafin inaugurated a 37-member committee for the maiden Oyo Empire Day (Dec 17–19), stressing Yoruba heritage preservation and unity across communities and the diaspora. Infrastructure & Daily Life: Works Minister David Umahi apologized over the Benin-Agbor Road’s condition and ordered arrests of contractors accused of removing asphalt.

Road Accountability: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi apologised over the deplorable Benin-Agbor Road and ordered the arrest of contractors removing asphalt without authorisation, after commuters and residents faced gridlock and hardship. Workplace Health: A West Africa survey for World Mosquito Day found 62% of workers across 10 countries, including Benin, get no malaria prevention support from employers—highlighting a gap between awareness and action. Culture & Heritage: The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, inaugurated a 37-member committee for the maiden Oyo Empire Day (Dec 17–19) and stressed the festival is meant to preserve Yoruba heritage and unity, not erase other tribes. Faith & Community Safety: Pastor William Kumuyi urged peace and security as the Deeper Life Bible Church’s Global Crusade returns to Ogun, with prayers continuing amid Nigeria’s security concerns. Security Shock (Regional): Nigeria’s President Tinubu ordered a coordinated rescue after mass abductions during Friday prayers in Niger State, with videos circulating of captives—fears rising for communities near the Benin border.