AGP Executive Report

Edo Security & Local Intelligence: Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo says recent kidnappings are being aided by local collaborators who know residents’ movements and finances, urging closer work with traditional rulers to expose criminals and stop young people from joining crime. Catholic Church: Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City Augustine Obiora Akubeze has died; the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria announced his passing and called for prayers, without giving a cause or funeral details. Education Support: NELFUND disbursed ₦1.5bn to 6,129 students across three institutions, including Edo State College of Nursing Sciences in Benin City. Sports (Benin vs Nigeria): Benin’s U-17 women’s coach Idah Azonsou says her team can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 3-2 first-leg loss to Nigeria’s Flamingos, with the return in Lomé. Power & Flood Disruptions: Heavy rain triggered fresh blackouts in parts of Lagos and Osun as EKEDC and IBEDC reported transmission-line faults and flooding impacts, with restoration underway but no clear timeline. Regional Business Courts (Togo): Togo approved reforms to modernize commercial courts, including digital procedures and a specialized insolvency chamber.

Education Finance: NELFUND says it has disbursed ₦1.5bn to 6,129 students across three institutions for the 2025/2026 session, with BOUESTI taking the biggest share. Culture & Heritage: Edo State plans to rehabilitate the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Center in Benin City, aiming to restore it as a public monument and cultural hub. Sports (Benin vs Nigeria): Benin’s U-17 women’s coach Idah Azonsou is confident the Young Amazons can overturn Nigeria’s Flamingos in the Lomé return leg after a 3-2 first-leg defeat. Energy & Regional Payments: Nigeria’s NERC reports Togo, Benin and Niger owe $12.66m for electricity supplied in Q1 2026, with low remittance so far. Security & Elections: Edo NSCDC deploys 1,300 personnel for the July 11 local government election, urging parties to avoid violence. Infrastructure & Flood Control: Edo Governor Okpebholo is inspecting an underground drainage project in Benin City to tackle the root causes of recurring flooding. Public Safety in Schools: Edo wraps up a SafERR Schools advocacy campaign reaching over 95,700 students, teachers and parents, with plans for a statewide safety club. Power Disruptions: Blackouts hit parts of Lagos and Osun after transmission line failures and flooding damaged electricity infrastructure. Immigration Enforcement: The US DHS published a deportation list of 374 West Africans, including one Benin national.

U-17 WWCQ (Nigeria vs Benin): Nigeria’s Flamingos leave Lagos for Lomé, Togo on Thursday for the decisive second leg of their U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier, leading 3-2 from the first match in Ikenne and aiming to secure qualification at Stade de Kégué on Saturday. Education (Edo/NABTEB): NABTEB says 75.29% of candidates scored 50% and above in the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination, but enrolment fell sharply to 15,290 registered candidates from 29,260 in 2025. Benin heritage & diaspora ties: Benin grants citizenship to Cassandra Lewis, a descendant of Clotilda survivor Cudjo Lewis, under Benin’s right-of-return law for descendants of Africans taken during the transatlantic slave trade. Security (Edo LG polls): NSCDC deploys 1,300 personnel across Edo’s senatorial districts to secure the July 11 local government elections. Health & safety (Edo): Edo wraps up a school safety campaign reaching 95,700 students, teachers and parents, with plans for a statewide SafERR club. Environment & climate (Nigeria flooding): Heavy rainfall is driving flooding risks across Nigeria, with advice to clear drains and avoid flooded roads.

Health Planning: Edo State says its 2026 Annual Operational Plan will tighten health programme delivery, improve coordination and resource use, with partners like WHO and USAID supporting the rollout. School Safety: Edo and SafERR Schools wrapped up a statewide campaign reaching 95,700 students, teachers and parents, and pushed for a statewide SafERR club in public secondary and tertiary institutions. Security & Crime Control: NDLEA reports arresting 42 suspected drug traffickers in Edo and seizing 4,905.36kg of illicit drugs, including cannabis plantations destroyed. Powerline Crackdown: Edo demolished illegal stalls and structures under a 132kV powerline at Egor Market after a fire, urging traders to comply with right-of-way rules. Governance Updates: Edo Governor Okpebholo appointed two Special Advisers—on Diaspora Affairs and Islamic Religious Matters—to deepen stakeholder engagement. Youth & Jobs: NYSC and Wema Bank trained outgoing corps members in Edo with entrepreneurship and personal branding skills. Education Access: Wellspring University, Benin, got NUC approval for five new health-related undergraduate programmes. Elections Peace Call: Edo’s National Orientation Agency urged voters and parties to conduct the July 11 local government polls peacefully and credibly.

Drug Control in Edo: NDLEA says it arrested 42 suspected drug traffickers in Edo in June and seized 4,905.36kg of illicit drugs, including 4,169.02kg of cannabis, plus 54.2 litres of codeine syrup, while destroying three cannabis plantations. Local Safety Crackdown: Edo State demolished illegal structures and stalls under a 132kV high-tension line in Egor Market after a fire outbreak, with officials saying traders were informed and no goods were destroyed. Security Orders for Businesses: Edo Security Squad directed businesses to install CCTV by July 30 and warned against planned “7/7” cult celebrations, saying arrests and prosecutions will follow. Community Health Push: NYSC provided free medical services to residents in Aduwawa, Ikpoba-Okha, including eye care, screenings, free medicines and referrals. Edo Politics Ahead of LG Polls: NOA urged voters and parties to keep the July 11 local government elections peaceful, credible and violence-free. Culture & Identity: Edo Governor Okpebholo reiterated that returned Benin Bronzes belong to the Oba’s palace and should not be politicised, as Switzerland returned 18 artefacts.

Edo LG Poll Peace Call: Benin City’s National Orientation Agency (NOA) urged voters and political actors to keep the July 11 local government elections peaceful, credible and violence-free, stressing PVC-only voting and a ban on hate speech, vote-buying and intimidation. Benin City Deportee Reunited: Edo State says it rescued a 53-year-old Nigerian deported from the US who was found wandering in Benin City, then arranged specialist care and reunited him with family. Anti-Corruption Court Win: EFCC secured convictions of 10 people in Delta and Edo for naira mutilation—spraying money while dancing—under the CBN Act. Electricity Debt Warning: NERC reported Togo, Benin and Niger failed to fully pay a $12.66m electricity bill in Q1 2026, remitting only about 27.6%. Energy & Education Push: NEPL/Seplat JV awarded N18m education grants after its PEARLs Quiz, while Seplat says it ended routine gas flaring and expanded LPG investment. Security Deadline: Edo’s security squad ordered business owners to install CCTV by July 30 and warned against planned 7/7 cult celebrations. Culture Restitution: Oba of Benin Ewuare II received 18 returned Benin bronzes from Switzerland, calling them records of governance and spirituality.

Wildlife Recovery in Benin: Researchers report West African leopard density in Pendjari National Park rose from 0.62 to 2.08 animals per 100 sq km between 2017 and 2023—an encouraging sign for a regionally endangered population. Cultural Restitution: Oba of Benin Ewuare II received 18 returned Benin artefacts from Switzerland, renewing calls for Germany to honour restitution pacts and stressing the bronzes’ spiritual and governance value. Security Push in Edo: The Edo State Security Squad ordered business owners in Benin City to install CCTV by July 30 and warned against “7/7” cult-linked celebrations. Anti-Naira Abuse Court Case: EFCC secured convictions of 10 people in Delta and Edo for naira mutilation/abuse, including spraying notes at parties. Energy & Environment: Seplat says it ended routine gas flaring across its onshore operations by end-2025 and expanded LPG investment, with distribution from its Sapele plant starting April 20, 2026. Sports (Benin vs Nigeria): Benin U-17 women’s coach Idah Azonsou backs a comeback after a 3-2 first-leg loss to Nigeria’s Flamingos, with the return in Lomé on July 11.

Benin Bronzes Repatriation: Oba of Benin Ewuare II urged Germany to honour its pact with the Palace as Switzerland formally handed over 18 Benin artefacts, renewing the push to keep the works tied to Edo’s royal heritage. U-17 Women’s Football: Benin coach Idah Azonsou says qualification is still “open” after a 3-2 first-leg loss to Nigeria’s Flamingos, while Nigeria’s Akeem Busari warns his side must tighten up defensively ahead of the return in Lomé on July 11. Energy & Environment: Seplat Energy says it ended routine gas flaring across all its onshore operations by end-2025 and is expanding LPG supply, with distribution from its Sapele plant starting April 20, 2026. Benin–Nigeria Power Payments: Nigeria’s electricity debt to Benin, Togo and Niger rose to about N17.45bn after international customers paid only 27.57% of invoices in Q1 2026. Education Funding: University of Benin launched a ₦100bn Trust Development Fund to upgrade infrastructure, strengthen teaching and expand research.

Angola–Benin Diplomacy: Angola and Benin opened their first political consultation session in Cotonou, agreeing to deepen cooperation across politics, trade, culture, tourism and air transport, including plans for a visa exemption deal and an air transport instrument. Edo Social Support: Edo State reunited a 53-year-old US deportee, Peter Guobadia, with his family after rescuing him in Benin City and sending him for urgent medical and psychiatric care. Cleaner Energy Push: Seplat says it ended routine gas flaring across all its onshore operations by end-2025 and is expanding LPG investment to boost cooking gas availability. U-17 Women’s Football: Benin’s U-17 coach Idah Azonsou backs a comeback after a 3-2 first-leg loss to Nigeria’s Flamingos; Nigeria’s Akeem Busari says Benin must be met with better play in the second leg in Lomé. Education Funding: University of Benin launched a ₦100bn Trust Development Fund to upgrade infrastructure, research and teaching, backed by alumni, corporates and partners. Power Debt Watch: Nigeria’s electricity debt to Benin, Togo and Niger is reported at about ₦17.45bn, with low remittances from international customers.

Benin–Nigeria Sports: Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, edged Benin Republic 3-2 in the first leg of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying round at Remo Stars in Ikenne, with goals from Queen Joseph (equaliser), Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (Nigeria’s second), and Ifeanyi Kindness (late winner), setting up a tense return next week in Lomé. Higher Education: The University of Benin launched its ₦100 billion Trust Development Fund, drawing cash and project commitments from alumni, corporates and partners to support infrastructure, research, digital transformation and entrepreneurship. Energy & Daily Life: Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies lost 1.13 million customers amid unreliable power and higher energy costs, even as metering and revenue collection improved. Diplomacy: Vatican officials hinted Pope Leo XIV could visit Nigeria in the coming years, while President Tinubu said he looks forward to receiving him. Regional Cooperation: Angola and Benin began political consultations in Cotonou to strengthen cooperation, including trade and air transport agreements.

Benin–Nigeria Sports: Nigeria’s Flamingos edged Benin Republic 3-2 in the first leg of the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying round in Ikenne, with goals from Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Ifeanyi Kindness; the return is next weekend in Lomé. Benin–Angola Diplomacy: Angola and Benin begin bilateral political consultations in Cotonou to deepen cooperation across politics, trade, economy and air transport, with plans to sign an air transport agreement. Benin–Foreign Affairs Calls: Qatar-based Al Khulaifi and Benin’s foreign minister Corinne Amori Brunet discussed expanding bilateral cooperation, while Nigeria’s foreign ministry also held a phone call with Benin’s top diplomat. Education Funding (Benin): University of Benin launched a N100bn Trust Development Fund to attract cash donations and project commitments for infrastructure, research and digital transformation. Business Reforms (Nigeria/Region): PEBEC says 98% of MDAs now meet business reform standards and plans to digitally connect agencies so firms submit information once. Power & Services (Nigeria): TCN announced a planned outage at the Katampe 132/33kV substation, affecting parts of Abuja’s Mpape, Maitama, Jahi and nearby areas. Security (Edo, Nigeria): Police say 38 kidnappers were arrested and 32 victims rescued in June, as more victims report escapes after abductors “fell asleep.”

Benin Cultural Repatriation: Switzerland has returned 18 looted Benin artefacts to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, more than 125 years after the 1897 punitive expedition—another milestone in Nigeria’s push to restore colonial-era heritage. Regional Security: Nigeria says it is strengthening defence cooperation with Benin and Niger by setting up a new joint border security zone to curb militant infiltration. Power & Trade: TCN restored the Benin–Omotosho 330kV transmission line after a week-long outage, easing supply constraints for distribution companies. Electricity Payments: Benin, Togo and Niger reportedly owe Nigeria about N17.45bn for power supplied in Q1 2026, with low remittance rates worsening the sector’s liquidity strain. Public Safety: Edo police reported major June anti-kidnapping operations, including arrests and rescues, while victims described brutal ordeals. Flooding Context: West Africa continues to face severe flooding impacts, with Benin and neighbours among the affected countries.

Kidnap Escape in Edo: Eleven people abducted on farms in Etsako West escaped after kidnappers allegedly fell asleep, following days in captivity and a reported N3m ransom. Benin Kingdom Spiritual Security: Oba Ewuare II’s palace rites in Benin City declared spiritual sanctions against kidnappers and violent criminals in Edo. Flood Crisis Across West Africa: Severe rains have displaced thousands and killed dozens across the region, with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire hit hardest and Benin monitoring rising waters. Benin Bronzes Repatriation: Oba Ewuare II received 18 looted Benin artefacts returned from Switzerland after about 125 years, renewing calls for more restitution. Power & Grid Relief: TCN restored the Benin–Omotosho 330kV line after a June 25 outage, easing bulk supply to DisCos. Metering Push: Nigeria installed 357,495 electricity meters in Q1 2026, the highest in five quarters, with Benin and Abuja among top contributors. Education & Youth: Kano topped ECOWAS education spending rankings; Nigeria’s U-17 Flamingos host Benin Republic in the final qualifying round. Creative Economy: Google Play launched a $1m Indie Games Fund for African studios, and Benin’s SOPA joined a Pan-African filmmaking bootcamp with KAP.

Tax Transparency: Liberia’s LRA joined an Africa-wide tax cooperation push endorsed in Cotonou, aiming to curb cross-border tax evasion and recover lost revenue through information sharing. Traditional Security: In Benin City, Oba Ewuare II invoked spiritual sanctions against kidnappers and violent criminals, calling on palace groups to act against crime. Border Security: Nigeria says it is boosting military cooperation with Benin and Niger by creating a tri-border sector to stop Sahel jihadists moving through the region. Edo Crime Crackdown: Edo police recovered vehicles stolen since 2024 and arrested two suspects, while separate reports highlighted rescues of kidnapped victims and exposure of a fake abduction scheme. Health Warning: An audiologist in Benin City urged people to stop using cotton buds and other objects to clean ears, warning of infections and possible hearing loss. Culture & Film: Kunle Afolayan and Benin’s SOPA launched a Pan-African filmmaking bootcamp in Cotonou to train young creatives. Sports Youth: Bendel Insurance’s Dominion Osaghae made Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets U-17 squad for a tournament in China.

Benin Culture & Restitution: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo welcomed the return of Benin Bronzes from Switzerland, calling it a historic milestone and insisting the artefacts belong to the Oba of Benin’s Palace. Education & Labour: ASUU issued an indefinite strike warning for 11 state universities, including Adekunle Ajasin University and Delta State University, over unpaid allowances under the 2025 FGN/ASUU deal. Security in Edo: Edo demolished a building allegedly used by kidnappers in Obagie Community, and the Edo Special Criminal Court remanded a 28-year-old man over alleged kidnapping and rape. Power & Investment: Edo secured a 10% equity stake in a proposed 100MW power plant in Ologbo, aiming for jobs, revenue, and better electricity supply. Aviation Connectivity: Parliament ratified air services agreements between Ghana and Benin plus five other countries to boost connectivity. Creative Industry (Benin): KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA launched a 12-week Pan-African filmmaking bootcamp for young creatives. Regional Weather Crisis: Heavy rains and flooding across West Africa have killed dozens, with Benin among affected countries and millions at risk.

West Africa Flood Crisis: Torrential rains are worsening across the Gulf of Guinea. Côte d’Ivoire says 59 people have died since May, with fears the toll could rise as searches continue. Ghana has reported at least 13 deaths after heavy downpours in and around Accra, and Benin has also recorded flood damage, while UN agencies warn about millions at risk. Benin Kingdom & Heritage: Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo says the returned Benin Bronzes are part of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom and must stay in the custody of the Oba’s Palace, rejecting politicisation. Creative Economy in Benin: KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA have launched a fully funded 12-week Pan-African filmmaking bootcamp to train 20 young creatives, with training in Benin and an industry exposure week in Lagos. Aviation Links: Ghana’s Parliament ratified bilateral air service agreements with Benin and five other countries to boost connectivity, trade and tourism. Electricity Billing Pressure (Nigeria): Kaduna DisCo recorded the weakest revenue recovery in April, collecting only 43.15% of expected revenue despite industry-wide collections reaching N801bn.