AGP Executive Report

Benin Bronzes Restitution: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo welcomed the return of 18 stolen Benin artefacts from Switzerland, stressing they belong to the Oba’s palace and should not be politicised—calling the bronzes records of governance and spirituality. Cultural Connections Through Art: A feature explores how African bronze art echoes in modern sculpture, linking Benin-inspired storytelling to artists like El Anatsui, Sokari Douglas Camp and Yinka Shonibare. Local Security & Public Safety: Edo’s security squad ordered businesses in Benin City to install CCTV by July 30 and warned against alleged “7/7” cult celebrations. Market Crackdown: Edo demolished illegal stalls and structures under a 132kV powerline at Egor Market after a fire on the line. Education & Youth: NABTEB reported a sharp drop in enrolment for its 2026 common entrance exam; NUC approved new medical and health programmes at Wellspring University, Benin City. Energy & Environment: Seplat said it ended routine gas flaring across its onshore operations by end-2025 and expanded LPG investment via its Sapele plant.

Benin Bronzes Repatriation: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo received Switzerland’s returned Benin artefacts, stressing they belong to the Oba’s palace and should not be politicised—reinforcing the cultural fight for restitution. Edo Security & Public Safety: The Edo State Security Squad ordered business owners to install working CCTV by July 30 and warned against alleged “7/7” cult celebrations, saying arrests and prosecutions are ready. Edo Social Support: Edo State reunited a 53-year-old deportee found wandering in Benin City with his family, sending him for specialist mental health care and reintegration support. Culture, Media & Sports: SuperSport’s pidgin World Cup commentator Suo Chapele went viral for her voice—so much that even Real Warri Pikin’s relatives mistook it, prompting a clarification video. Arts & Education: NUC approved new medical and health science programmes at Wellspring University, Benin City, for the 2026/2027 session. Energy & Environment: Seplat said it ended routine gas flaring across all onshore operations by end-2025 and expanded LPG investment via its Sapele plant.

Benin Bronzes Repatriation: Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo received Switzerland’s returned Benin artefacts, insisting they belong to the Oba’s palace and “should never be politicised,” while Oba Ewuare II framed the works as symbols of governance and spirituality, not curiosities. Security & Public Safety: Edo’s security squad ordered businesses in Benin City to install working CCTV by July 30 and warned against alleged “7/7” cult celebrations, saying arrests and prosecutions are ready. Culture & Identity in the Spotlight: A resurfaced video involving Sam Larry and his late bouncer Adewale is drawing fresh online debate after the Lagos-Calabar crash. Arts, Media & Talent: SuperSport’s pidgin World Cup voice Chief Suo Chapele is trending after listeners mistook her for comedian Real Warri Pikin, prompting a clarification video. Local Creative Industry: Kunle Afolayan and the Benin government launched a Pan-African film bootcamp for young filmmakers, with KAP Academy/SOPA also set to train the next generation of African storytellers. Health Education: NUC approved Wellspring University, Benin City, to start new MBBS and health science programmes from 2026/2027.

Security & Public Safety: Edo State Security Squad ordered businesses across Benin City to install working CCTV by July 30, warning against planned “7/7” cult celebrations and noting recent arrests in Auchi and Uromi. Cultural Repatriation: Oba Ewuare II received 18 returned Benin artefacts from Switzerland, calling them records of governance and spirituality, while urging Germany to complete its 2022 pact to repatriate over 1,000 works. Arts & Film Training: Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA launched a fully sponsored 12-week Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou, selecting 20 young creatives for intensive, industry-led training under “Owning the Narrative.” Sports & Community: Edo marked Olympic Day with an Olympic Day Run in Benin City, with Governor Okpebholo framing sport as a unifier for healthier, more confident communities. Energy & Environment: Seplat said it ended routine gas flaring across all its onshore operations by end-2025 and expanded LPG investment via its Sapele plant. Local Identity Check: The Iru people of Orhionmwon denied social-media claims that they sought inclusion in the proposed Anioma State.

Benin Bronzes Repatriation: Oba Ewuare II received 18 looted Benin artefacts returned from Switzerland, calling them symbols of Edo identity, spirituality and governance—not “curiosities”—and urged Germany to complete its 2022 restitution deal. Film & Creative Training: In Cotonou, Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA launched the fully sponsored 12-week KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp for 20 young creatives, themed “Owning the Narrative.” Local Arts & Heritage: Sè pottery craftswomen in Benin’s pottery capital keep heritage alive by shaping, firing and selling clay works locally and abroad. Sports Culture: Edo State flagged off the Olympic Day Run in Benin City, with Governor Okpebholo stressing sport’s role in unity, health and community spirit. Energy & Environment: Seplat said it ended routine gas flaring across all its onshore operations by end-2025 and expanded LPG investment via its Sapele plant. Community & Media: A viral Sam Larry clip resurfaced after a fatal Lagos-Calabar crash, reigniting public debate and mourning.

Benin Bronzes Repatriation: Oba Ewuare II received 18 looted Benin artefacts returned from Switzerland, calling them symbols of Edo governance and identity and urging Germany to complete the wider restitution deal. Creative Training in Benin: Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA launched the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou, a fully sponsored 12-week programme for 20 young creatives under the theme “Owning the Narrative.” Textiles & Identity Debate: A European Parliament panel discussed Africa as a textile sourcing opportunity, while Nigeria’s NYSC uniform controversy reignited arguments over khaki versus “Adire” as a national fabric. Sports & Youth: Nigeria’s Flamingos edged Benin Republic 3-2 in the first leg of FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying, setting up a decisive return. Edo Arts-Adjacent Community Life: Edo marked Olympic Day with a run in Benin City, with leaders urging residents to “move” for health and community spirit.

Benin Cultural Repatriation: The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, received 18 looted Benin artefacts returned from Switzerland after about 125 years, calling them symbols of Edo identity and urging Germany to complete the return of over 1,000 works. Film & Youth Training: In Cotonou, Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA launched the fully sponsored 12-week KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp (“Owning the Narrative”) for 20 young Beninese creatives. Sports & Community: Edo State marked Olympic Day with a run at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with Governor Monday Okpebholo urging citizens to “move” for health and unity. Education & Health (Benin-linked): Nigeria’s NUC approved Wellspring University (Benin City) to start five new health/medical undergraduate programmes from 2026/2027. Entertainment Buzz: SuperSport’s pidgin World Cup commentator Chief Suo Chapele drew major attention online after fans mistook her voice for comedian Real Warri Pikin.

Benin Arts & Culture: Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA have launched the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou, a fully sponsored 12-week, industry-led programme (20 trainees) built around “Owning the Narrative” to train young creatives for film and audiovisual careers. Benin Heritage Repatriation: Oba Ewuare II received 18 looted Benin artefacts returned from Switzerland after about 125 years, calling them symbols of Edo identity and urging other museums—especially Germany—to complete further restitution. Sports & Youth (Benin-linked): Nigeria’s Flamingos beat Benin Republic’s Amazons 3-2 in the first leg of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying round, setting up a decisive return match. Entertainment (regional spotlight): SuperSport’s pidgin World Cup voice, Chief Suo Chapele, is profiled after viral comparisons to comedian Real Warri Pikin sparked a public clarification. Lifestyle & Fashion (Benin): Victoire Mahounou, a Benin-born Lagos lifestyle vlogger and fashion creator, is highlighted for her creator work and brand collaborations.

World Cup Voices: SuperSport’s pidgin commentators have sparked a big buzz, with fans initially mistaking Chief Suo Chapele for comedian Real Warri Pikin—until Anita Asuoha clarified it wasn’t her. Edo Sports & Culture: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged residents to “move” at the Olympic Day Run in Benin City, framing sport as community, confidence, and healthy living. Education Spotlight: Kano topped an ECOWAS education spending ranking in a 2026 index, praised for sustained investment and strong budget execution. Benin Arts & Repatriation: Oba Ewuare II received 18 returned Benin artefacts from Switzerland, calling them symbols of Edo identity and governance after 125 years. Film & Youth Training (Benin): Kunle Afolayan’s KAP and Benin’s SOPA launched the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou to train 20 young creatives on “Owning the Narrative.” Entertainment Buzz: Peller and Jarvis’ wedding chatter keeps trending, from aso ebi requests to viral moments that fueled pregnancy speculation.

Benin Bronzes Repatriation: Switzerland has returned 18 looted Benin artefacts to the Oba of Benin, with Oba Ewuare II calling them symbols of Edo identity and urging Germany to complete the return of over 1,000 works. Film & Youth Training: In Cotonou, Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA launched the fully sponsored 12-week KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp, selecting 20 young creatives for “Owning the Narrative” training and industry exposure. Local Craft Spotlight: Artisanal potters in Sè, Benin’s pottery hub, are keeping heritage alive as women’s associations refine clay, fire pieces, and ship orders from across Benin and abroad. Fashion History: A new feature traces Ankara’s West African roots, linking its spread to trade routes through Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Sports Culture: Edo State marks Olympic Day with a July 4 Olympic Day Run at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, urging residents to stay active and embrace sports.

Heritage Craft: In Sè, Benin’s pottery capital, craftswomen like Solange Akakpo keep tradition alive—turning local clay into fired, heat-retaining pots sold across Benin and abroad. Film Training: Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA have launched the fully sponsored 12-week KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou, selecting 20 young creatives for industry-led training under the theme “Owning the Narrative.” Repatriation & Art: Benin bronze casting culture remains in the spotlight as the return of looted Benin Bronzes continues, while local casters say the industry still struggles to stay alive. Entertainment Buzz: Peller and Jarvis’ Benin City traditional rites fuel wedding chatter—Osimhen and Naira Marley send congratulations and aso ebi requests, while pregnancy rumours are pushed back by Peller. Sports (Benin Connection): Nigeria’s U17 Flamingos host Bénin Republic in the first leg of the U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying round, chasing a finals spot.

Edo Security & Justice: Edo State will start a special criminal court for fast-track trials of kidnapping and cultism from July 1, 2026, as officials move to speed up cases in Benin City. Political Backing: Former Edo governor Adams Oshiomhole endorsed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s push for the death penalty for kidnappers and bandits, arguing only criminals should fear tough laws. Fact-Check & Media Literacy: A viral Daily Trust infographic claiming Nigeria’s top 20 universities in the 2026 THE World University Rankings is flagged as misleading, with FactCheckHub pointing to a different ranking spread. Benin Creative Economy: KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA unveiled a 12-week, fully funded Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou, training 20 young creatives on “Owning the Narrative.” Entertainment Buzz: TikTok couple Peller and Jarvis keep trending—Peller debunks pregnancy rumours and shares wedding updates, while viral clips from their introductions and celebrity reactions keep fans talking. Sports (Benin vs Nigeria): Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, face Benin Republic for a finals-spot in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying round.

Pan-African Filmmaking: KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA unveiled the fully sponsored KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou, a 12-week, industry-led programme themed “Owning the Narrative” for 20 young Beninese creatives, with training starting in Benin and an industry exposure week in Lagos. Cultural Repatriation: Switzerland began returning Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, handing over 18 looted artefacts at the National Museum in Lagos as part of the Benin Initiative Switzerland, with more transfers expected under a March 2026 agreement. Edo Creative Economy: Edo State’s tourism agency announced the 2026 Summit, exhibition and fashion show to reposition Edo as a tourism destination, while Edo Carnival 2026 got backing from AGN and PMAN after organisers unveiled the theme “The Spirit of Edo.” Sports & Talent: Nigeria’s beach volleyball teams step up for the Zone 3 qualifiers in Lagos (July 3–7), and the Yabatech Sports Complex will host the Dynamic Athletics Meet in August with athletes from Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Health & Lifestyle: An audiologist in Benin City warned against prolonged, high-volume earphone use, citing permanent hearing damage risks.

Pan-African Film Training: KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA unveiled the fully funded 12-week KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou, selecting 20 young creatives for “Owning the Narrative” training across Benin and an industry exposure week in Lagos. Tourism & Fashion: Edo’s 2026 Summit, Exhibition and Fashion show—“Edo tourism, the new frontier”—was framed as a platform to reposition Edo as a tourism destination and boost jobs through culture and the creative industry. Cultural Repatriation: Switzerland returned 18 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria at the National Museum in Lagos, with officials citing long-running provenance work and a wider push to restore looted colonial-era heritage. Electricity & Everyday Life: Nigeria’s DisCos collected N801.16bn from customers in Jan–Apr 2026 despite persistent outages, with metering and billing/collection efficiency highlighted as key drivers. Entertainment Buzz: Nollywood veteran Hanks Anuku addressed backlash after a viral roadside video, urging Nigerians to focus on national issues. Arts, Media & Travel: Verve International said it’s expanding digital payments across 13+ African countries, including Benin Republic, strengthening regional acceptance.

Cultural Repatriation: Switzerland returned 18 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria at the National Museum in Lagos, part of the Benin Initiative Switzerland and a wider push to restore looted colonial-era heritage. Tourism & Arts in Edo: Edo State officials used the 2026 Summit, Exhibition and Fashion Show in Benin City to pitch Edo’s tourism revival, with the state saying the Museum of West African Arts ownership dispute will be resolved soon. Music & Entertainment Buzz: Nollywood veteran Hanks Anuku addressed backlash after a viral roadside video, while Nigerian streamer Peller shut down rumours about his fiancée Jarvis’s pregnancy and shared that traditional marriage rites are completed. Sports & Regional Talent: The Dynamic Athletics Meet is set for mid-August at Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos, drawing athletes from Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. Health & Lifestyle: An audiologist in Benin City warned against prolonged, high-volume earphone use, citing risk of permanent hearing damage. Fitness & Culture Abroad: American fitness influencer Ashton Hall landed in Ghana for an Africa tour, kicking off with a lively Kete welcome.

Benin Bronzes Repatriation: Switzerland returned 18 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in a Lagos ceremony, with the handover tied to the Benin Initiative Switzerland and including a bronze bracelet plus four Niger Delta monoliths. Edo Tourism & Heritage: Edo State says the Museum of West African Arts ownership dispute will be resolved soon, pointing to a presidential committee report, while pushing ahead with its Tourism Master Plan. Sports Development: Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos will host the Dynamic Athletics Meet in mid-August, featuring athletes from Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. Grassroots Coaching: Nigeria’s National Institute for Sports plans an eight-week Summer Basic Coaching Programme in Uyo, expanding access to coaching education. Health & Lifestyle: An audiologist in Benin City warns against prolonged, high-volume earphone use, citing risk of permanent hearing damage. Entertainment Buzz: Nigerian streamer Peller denied rumours that his fiancée Jarvis is pregnant, sharing a late-night cooking video and saying he’s focused on work for now. Electricity Reality Check: Despite ongoing blackouts, DisCos collected N801.16bn between January and April 2026, with Benin DisCo ranking high on collection efficiency in April.