AGP Executive Report

Education Funding Boost: President Tinubu has ordered that liquid funds recovered by the EFCC, plus unclaimed dividends from the Capital Market Trust Fund and Dormant Account Trust Fund (about ₦242bn), be transferred to NELFUND to keep Nigeria’s student loan scheme financially strong. Local Roads in Focus (Edo): Edo State has started rehabilitation work on the failed Okhun Road in Benin City after approving funds, with procurement for full repairs already in the 2026 budget. Governance & Rule of Law (Edo/NBA Benin): The Nigerian Bar Association’s Benin branch condemned alleged plans to repeal Edo’s financial autonomy laws for the legislature and judiciary, warning it threatens democracy and judicial independence; workers also protested the move at the House. Health & Safety (UBTH): University of Benin Teaching Hospital is pushing sustained breastfeeding support after World Breastfeeding Week activities. Culture & Pride (Benin): Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo made global history by becoming the first African musician—and first Black African artist—to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Digital GBV Policy (Edo): Edo unveiled a technology-facilitated GBV policy framework to strengthen prevention, reporting, protection and accountability against online abuse.

Hollywood Walk of Fame: Beninese music legend Angélique Kidjo has become the first African musician—and first Black African—to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated in Los Angeles with Recording Academy leaders and film stars; Kidjo used the moment to spotlight Africa’s influence on global music. Youth & Education: A Special Youth Leadership Foundation summer school targets 40,000 children across 20 centres, offering free STEAM, vocational, entrepreneurship, creative arts, sports and life-skills. Sports (Benin-linked): Benin’s Souraya Adamou Traore and Blandine Pomonam Akako are among the women’s beach volleyball teams in the WAFU B/continental pathway, with Olympic LA28 qualification at stake. Local Governance (Edo, regional impact): Edo State Deputy Gov Dennis Idahosa opened the Youth 2.0 Impact Forum, urging youths to use technology and promising grants for scalable ideas. Public Safety (Edo): Police in Benin City paraded suspects over alleged defilement, kidnapping-for-ransom via TikTok, and cult-related firearms, as investigations continue.

Hollywood Spotlight: Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo was officially honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first African musician—and first Black African—to receive the award, with the ceremony in Los Angeles also declaring Aug. 18 “Angélique Kidjo Day.” Public Safety in Edo: Edo State police arrested a man accused of sodomising a 12-year-old boy, while another suspect was remanded over alleged defilement of an 11-year-old girl. Crime Crackdown: NDLEA says it arrested a logistics worker and a socialite, seizing 184.5kg of cocaine worth about $27.7m, and Edo police also reported arrests over kidnapping/armed robbery and vandalism of AIT equipment. Governance & Youth: Edo Governor Okpebholo approved appointments in human capital and health education leadership, and announced a ₦40m grant pool for ten youth ventures. Education Ranking: UI topped Nigeria in the July 2026 Webometrics ranking, with UNILAG second.

Edo Assembly Shake-Up: Edo State House of Assembly leadership has been reshuffled after Speaker Blessing Agbebaku’s resignation, with Yekini Idaiye sworn in as new Speaker and new principal officers elected, as Governor Monday Okpebholo urged lawmakers to carry everyone along, prioritise unity, transparency and teamwork. Road Works in Benin City: Edo government has started palliative work on Okhun junction along Upper Siluko Road ahead of full reconstruction, using geotextile and surface dressing to tackle water percolation, while residents and officials monitor progress. Legal Education Watch: Nigeria’s Council of Legal Education published an August 2026 list of 122 universities approved to run LL.B, warning students against unapproved law programmes or they may be barred from Nigerian Law School. Regional Trade & Movement: ECOWAS held a consultative meeting with tourism private-sector groups, pushing better cross-border movement and trade through sustained stakeholder engagement. Sports (WAFU B): Edo Queens were drawn in Group B of the WAFU B Women’s Champions League alongside ASEC Mimosas, Ampem Darkoa and AS Garde Nationale, with the tournament in Burkina Faso from Aug 23 to Sept 5. Global Spotlight (Benin-born): Angelique Kidjo, born in Benin, becomes the first African musician to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Edo Assembly Shake-up: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged lawmakers to shelve personal differences after the resignation of Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, warning that “political office is temporary” and calling on the new Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, to lead with unity, transparency and teamwork. Drug War in Edo: NDLEA destroyed two cannabis farms in Benin City and Orhionmwon, seizing about 4.6 tonnes of suspected cannabis and arresting 10 suspects. Road Safety: A crash involving two trucks on the Benin-Ore Expressway in Ogun State left one dead and another injured after speeding and loss of control. Digital Connectivity for West Africa: Nigeria is exploring new fibre routes through Niger and Benin to cut internet costs for landlocked Burkina Faso by up to 50%. Pensioners’ Access: FirstBank begins a nationwide roadshow in Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Enugu, Abuja and Kaduna to brief pensioners on the approved pension settlement framework starting 18 August. Legal Education Watch: Nigeria’s Council of Legal Education published a list of 122 universities cleared to run LL.B programmes, warning students against unapproved law schools.

Edo State Politics: Yekini Idiaye has emerged as the new Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly after a leadership shake-up that followed the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku amid an alleged impeachment plot. Idiaye said the change is meant to align the legislature with Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s development agenda, citing corruption and frequent adjournments under the former leadership, and pledged full cooperation with the executive. Edo Governance & Tech: Andrew Momodu has assumed office as Edo Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, promising to strengthen the state’s digital transformation and consolidate ministry gains. Infrastructure Accountability (Benin–Onitsha Road): Nigeria’s Works Ministry and David Umahi defended the Benin–Onitsha road situation, saying the corridor is under a 25-year concession that limits arbitrary termination, while pointing to ongoing work and inherited deterioration. Public Safety (Drugs): NDLEA arrested a Lagos marble dealer, Nwankwo Onyebuchi, with 1.55kg of cocaine hidden in his luggage en route to India, and also reported major codeine syrup seizures in Lagos. Regional Energy Deal (Sahel): Niger signed a $1.9bn agreement with Canada’s Zimar to build a 100,000-bpd refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso, with construction starting soon. Diaspora Spotlight: Nigeria’s acting envoy to Canada said over 300 Nigerian doctors and lawyers are practising in Canada, calling ties “excellent.”

Benin-Onitsha Road: Works Minister David Umahi pushes back on “neglect” claims, saying the 125-km corridor is tied to a 25-year concession that limits government’s ability to terminate and re-award, while insisting federal works are ongoing. Drug War in Lagos: NDLEA arrested a 48-year-old marble dealer, Nwankwo Onyebuchi, at Lagos airport with 1.55kg of cocaine hidden in his luggage walls/railings, after he allegedly sold assets to raise ₦23m for the India-bound deal; the agency also raided a warehouse in Okota recovering 3,776 cartons of codeine-based syrup worth over ₦2.6bn. Ebola Response in Congo: Eastern DRC’s Ebola containment is faltering as unpaid health workers strike and field teams struggle with transport and mobility, threatening surveillance and contact tracing. Cross-border Trade: ECOWAS stakeholder talks at the Ghana–Togo border urge sustained public education and stronger local coordination to make the free movement protocol work for traders and border communities. Sports (Benin link): Benin’s Nafissatou Yacine is named reserve assistant for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final officiating team in Rabat. Regional Security (Niger): Junta opponents claim raids on mixed security bases in Seguedine, reporting deaths and damage, as authorities have yet to comment.

Drug War Crackdown: NDLEA arrested a 70-year-old man and others in a week-long sweep, seizing over 1.5m opioid pills, cocaine, methamphetamine and tonnes of cannabis, including a Lagos-Ibadan Expressway case with 52,000 pentazocine and 6,000 tramadol ampoules. Airport Cocaine Plot: A Lagos businessman was nabbed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport with 1.55kg of cocaine hidden inside his bag’s side walls and railings, after he allegedly sold his assets to fund the India trip. Infrastructure & PPP: Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission is pushing a faster, more predictable PPP process to unlock private capital for a massive infrastructure gap. Women’s Football: CAF named Egypt’s Shahinda El-Maghrebi as centre referee for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, with Benin’s Nafissatou Yekini Shitou as reserve assistant. Public Safety: Edo police launched a probe into a viral video alleging officers extorted N1m from suspects, urging victims to report through official channels. Health & Care: Nigeria plans six regional autism centres plus expanded training for audiology, speech therapy and occupational therapy to reduce families’ need to travel for care. Weather Alert: Ghana’s GMet warned northern areas of severe rainstorms moving from northern Benin, with lightning and strong winds.

Regional Integration Talks: Delegates from universities across 17 African countries, including Benin, met in Accra to push “economic restructuring, political reforms and integration,” arguing for collapsing physical borders and cutting trade barriers. Cross-Border Trade & Free Movement: ECOWAS held stakeholder sessions at the Noépé-Akanu border post (Ghana–Togo) to reduce delays and improve services along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, with calls for better public education on rights and responsibilities. Public Safety Crackdown in Benin City: Edo State officials say the ban on motorcycle “okada” rides in Benin metropolis remains for security reasons, and a taskforce will target riders linked to kidnapping and robbery. Diplomacy: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, citing deep experience in development cooperation and regional missions. Education & Fees: Wifaqul Madaris announced new exam submission schedules and fee increases for the 1448/2027 academic session. Health & Child Protection: Edo’s women affairs commissioner says fathers account for about half of defilement cases, with 72 cases recorded since January 2026 and protective support for victims.

Police Accountability: Edo State CP Patrick Daaor orders a full probe into a viral video alleging officers extorted N1 million from detainees in Okpella, with summoned officers and an invitation for victims to report. Child Protection: Edo’s Women Affairs Commissioner Eugenia Abdallah says 72 child defilement cases have been recorded since Jan 2026, warning that fathers account for about half of abuses and citing ongoing victim support and prosecutions. ECOWAS Trade & Mobility: ECOWAS Commission stakeholders met at the Noépé-Akanu border to cut delays on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, urging border communities to better understand and use the free movement protocol. Transport Safety Funding: NSIB DG Captain Alex Badeh Jr. warns that reducing the Ticket Sales Charge from 6% to 4% could weaken the bureau’s expanding investigations across aviation, rail and maritime. Diplomacy: Switzerland appoints Dr Thomas Oertle as ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, promising deeper engagement with stakeholders. Security & Public Order: Edo plans a taskforce to enforce the ban on okada operations in Benin City, citing rising robbery and kidnapping risks. Terror Financing Watch: UN experts say a reported $50m hostage ransom in Mali helped fund al-Qaeda-linked advances across West Africa.

Benin City Farewell: Benin City bid final farewell to Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, with Catholic faithful, leaders and mourners gathering for his funeral rites after 15 years as Metropolitan Archbishop. Diplomacy: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, promising closer engagement across government, business, academia and culture. Regional Trade & Mobility: ECOWAS Commission sensitised border communities at Akanu-Noepe on the Free Movement protocol, urging traders and travellers to use the rules to boost commerce and tourism. Sports (Benin-linked): Shooting Stars unveiled former Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf as technical adviser, while Edo Queens signed defender Ifeoma Ikenokwalu from Rivers Angels ahead of WAFU B qualifiers. Public Health Push: Peter Obi visited nearly 1,000 kidney patients in Enugu, calling Nigeria’s dialysis capacity woefully inadequate and urging major health investment. Education & Innovation: LAUTECH’s innovation hub CEST is gaining momentum through student wins and grants, including a NASA Space Apps success using satellite data for farmers.

Benin City Mourning: Edo and Catholic leaders laid Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze to rest after a week of vigil and funeral rites, with tributes highlighting his 15 years of pastoral service and calls for unity and peace. Diplomatic Appointments: Switzerland named Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, promising closer engagement across government, business, academia and civil society. Health Crisis Spotlight: Peter Obi, after Akubeze’s funeral mass, visited nearly 1,000 kidney patients in Enugu and urged major investment in dialysis capacity, citing Nigeria’s shortage of centres and machines. Child Protection Alarm (Edo): Edo officials warned that over 70 defilement cases were recorded in seven months, with fathers blamed for about half, including very young victims. Security & Crime (Edo): The Edo government plans a taskforce to curb okada-linked robberies and warned against illegal sale and multiple resale of government land in Obagie-N’Evbuosa. Drug War Update: NDLEA honoured 274 personnel and commands, with the agency reiterating the fight is generational and demands sustained intelligence. Innovation in Benin: AfriLabs’ 11th Annual Gathering will hold in Cotonou in November, bringing innovation hubs together under a sustainability-focused theme.

Edo Catholic Funeral: Pope Leo XIV, CBCN leaders and Nigerian politician Peter Obi joined Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo in mourning late Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, with the state also approving two Toyota Coaster buses for the Archdiocese. Health Insurance Fixes: EDOHIC opened fresh talks with labour and professional groups to close service gaps—medicine availability, drug quality, customer service and communication for enrollees. Child Protection Alarm: Edo reported 70+ defilement cases between January and July 2026, with fathers responsible for over half, as authorities renewed support for survivors. Orphanage Crackdown: Edo shut an orphanage in Afuze over alleged irregular adoption practices and reunited a 53-year-old deportee with his family. Drug War Stance: NDLEA boss Buba Marwa said the fight against illicit drugs is generational, stressing intelligence and resilience beyond arrests. Visa Pressure on Travel: US and other countries’ tighter visa rules are pushing Nigerians to explore more African destinations, with Kenya highlighted as visa-free for Nigerians. Regional Football: CAF competitions for Rangers and Shooting Stars will be hosted in Abeokuta at MKO Abiola Sports Complex.

Edo Governance Shake-up: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo approved new commissioners and redeployed three State Executive Council members, including a new Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations aimed at boosting harmony and service delivery. Healthcare Access in Benin City: UBTH says its free medical outreach will treat 5,000 people, with services ranging from cataract surgery and dental care to cancer screening and blood pressure checks. Political Endorsements in Oredo: Benin-based youth and socio-cultural groups back APC candidate Paddy Iyamu for the 2027 Oredo federal seat, saying origin concerns have been resolved. Health System Push: Federal officials marked UBTH’s projects and Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu’s first year as CMD, highlighting new units and renewed hope for better care. Cultural Heritage Watch: A debate is reignited over Benin artefacts after reports of an attack on a museum in Benin City and concerns about custody and restitution accountability. Regional Mobility Policy: Chad announced visa-free entry for all African citizens from Jan 1, 2027, adding to a growing West and Central African trend.

Benin Health Watch: The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) unveiled over 12 infrastructural and medical projects, with the Special Investigation Unit among the highlights, as Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu reaffirmed plans to upgrade ageing facilities and improve care. Sports & Talent: Benin-Ghana forward Mathieu Seyram has joined Aguilas FC on loan in Spain until June 2027, giving the 19-year-old another step in his senior career. Politics in Edo/Benin City: Nigeria’s Peter Obi arrived in Edo for the funeral rites of Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, with services running through the week. Regional Security & Humanitarian Impact: Reports from Nigeria describe the rescue of 163 kidnapping victims from Woro after a jihadist attack, with survivors receiving treatment in Ilorin. Culture & Heritage Debate: A new commentary warns that the handling of Nigeria’s returned Benin artefacts is becoming an international credibility issue, raising questions about custody and accountability. Media Freedom: MFWA urges governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea to end arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention of journalists.

Healthcare Delivery: Nigeria’s Federal Government says it’s committed to reshaping health delivery nationwide, unveiling UBTH projects and a Special Investigation Unit as Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu marks her first year as Chief Medical Director. Sports & Safety: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso demands stronger protection for players after a brutal tackle left Teboho Mokoena injured, with his availability now in doubt for a major league clash. WAFCON 2026: Togo’s referee Vincentia Amedome is set to officiate Morocco vs Cameroon, with Benin’s Nafissatou Yekini Shitou also named among the officials. Regional Mobility: Chad and the Republic of the Congo will drop entry visas for all African nationals from Jan 1, 2027—good news for Nigerians planning travel across the continent. Cross-border Trade: Nigeria’s N945bn onion exports to Ghana face disruption after an indefinite suspension linked to market disputes at Kotoku Market, raising losses for exporters and transporters. Benin Climate Heritage: Togo and Benin launch a climate-risk assessment to protect the Koutammakou earthen-home landscape, warning that thousands of homes are at risk. Security & Diplomacy: Bloomberg reports South African prosecutors allege Russia funded an escape attempt tied to a Benin-linked coup suspect, while Benin seeks the influencer’s extradition.