AGP Executive Report

Digital Social Protection: Lomé is hosting a four-day regional workshop on digitalizing social benefit payments, with the World Bank and Togo pushing interoperable systems and wider financial inclusion across 10 West and Central African countries. Security & Justice: Nigeria’s court upheld an arrest warrant against former humanitarian minister Sadiya Farouq, while outrage continues after an Oyo school abduction turned deadly when a teacher was beheaded in a viral video. Regional Military Moves: Nigeria’s army chief confirmed troops are deployed to Benin Republic to fight terrorism and cross-border crime, alongside joint US-Nigeria strikes that reportedly killed 20+ ISIS militants. Health & Water: In Kwara, flooding blocked access to court transport for inmates after the Moro Bridge collapse; in Benin Republic, solar-powered boreholes are being completed to improve safe drinking water. Anti-Corruption Backlash: EFCC reportedly bowed to calls for investigations after alleged attacks on medical workers at Uyo Teaching Hospital. Wildlife Tech: New research says tiny DNA samples could help trace trafficked animals back to their origin.

Regional Security: Nigeria’s army chief says troops have been deployed to Benin to help fight terrorism and transnational crime, stressing intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation. Flood Disruption: In Kwara, flooding after the Moro Bridge collapse has blocked access roads, leaving the correctional service unable to move inmates to court and stranding commuters. Anti-Corruption Backlash: Nigeria’s EFCC says it will investigate after reports of operatives attacking medical workers at Uyo Teaching Hospital, following public outrage over rights abuses. Primary Healthcare Push (Edo): Edo State and NHIA expand the National Health Fellows programme, onboarding a new cohort to strengthen grassroots care. Drug Safety Alarm: A major report warns that high-strength tapentadol from India is still reaching West Africa and being linked to the “zombie drug” kush—raising urgent public health concerns. Polio Goal: Rotary sets a 2029 target for global polio eradication, but says insecurity and misinformation keep the fight going. Media & Health Recognition: Merck Foundation announces 124 winners across 32 countries for its 2025 media awards, spotlighting diabetes and hypertension reporting.

EFCC vs Hospitals: Nigeria’s EFCC has “bowed” to backlash after alleged operatives attacked medical staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital during an investigation, with calls for reforms after videos showed tear gas and panic. Primary Care Push in Edo: Edo State and NHIA are onboarding new National Health Fellows cohorts to strengthen grassroots healthcare, alongside existing NHIA-backed maternal and emergency programmes. Polio Deadline: Rotary International says it is targeting global polio eradication by 2029, but insists vaccination must continue everywhere until the virus is gone. Drug Safety Warning: Reports highlight a growing West Africa opioid risk as high-strength tapentadol shipments from India continue despite crackdowns, raising fears of “zombie drug” kush. Benin Health & Social Services: ECOWAS is running a May 6–15 field mission in Benin to track progress on school feeding, district hospital services, dams, solar streetlights, and vocational training. Education Discipline: Ambrose Alli University in Edo rusticated 27 medical students for exam misconduct and impersonation.

EFCC vs Hospitals: Nigeria’s EFCC has “bowed” to backlash after alleged rights abuses during a raid on staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where operatives reportedly assaulted workers and arrested four officials tied to an authentication probe—sparking calls for reforms. Regional Stabilisation in Benin: ECOWAS is running a May 6–15 field mission in Benin under IMPACT-ECOWAS, with visits to hospitals, school meal sites, dams, solar streetlights, and vocational centres to track progress on social cohesion. Drug Prevention Push (Edo): NDLEA trained NYSC Drug Free Club members in Benin on anti-drug advocacy, aiming to strengthen youth-led prevention at community level. Polio Deadline: Rotary’s chief says the global push targets polio eradication by 2029, but insecurity and misinformation keep cases alive in a few places. Health System Capacity (Edo): NHIA and Edo State onboard new “health fellows” to boost primary care delivery. Opioid Alarm: Reports warn Indian tapentadol is still reaching West Africa and being linked to the “zombie drug” kush problem. Education Discipline: AAU rusticates 27 medical students over exam misconduct and impersonation.

EFCC Backlash in Healthcare: Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has “bowed” to calls for investigations after EFCC operatives allegedly assaulted medical staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital during an inquiry tied to a medical report authentication—sparking outrage over rights abuse, arrests of hospital personnel, and viral footage of tear gas and shots. Regional Health & Social Cohesion: An ECOWAS mission is in Benin (May 6–15) under IMPACT-ECOWAS, checking school feeding, district hospital services, community engagement models, and rural infrastructure like dams and solar streetlights. Drug Prevention Push: NDLEA Edo trained NYSC Drug Free Club members as anti-drug abuse advocates, aiming to strengthen youth-led prevention at grassroots level. Polio Deadline: Rotary International says it’s targeting global polio eradication by 2029, but insists vaccination must continue until the virus is gone everywhere. Opioid Alarm: A major report warns Indian-made tapentadol is still flooding West Africa and being linked to “zombie drug” kush, despite promises of crackdowns.

EFCC Backlash in Uyo: Nigerians are pushing for reforms after EFCC operatives allegedly assaulted medical staff during a raid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, with arrests of hospital personnel and viral claims of tear gas and shots fired to disperse workers. Anti-Drug Push in Edo: NDLEA trained NYSC Drug Free Club members as peer advocates to strengthen youth-led drug abuse prevention. ECOWAS in Benin: An ECOWAS mission is in Benin this week to monitor projects under IMPACT-ECOWAS, including school feeding, district hospital support, solar streetlights, and rural infrastructure. Primary care workforce: Edo and NHIA onboarded new cohorts of National Health Fellows to boost grassroots healthcare delivery. Polio target: Rotary’s chief says the global push is aiming to eradicate polio by 2029, but vaccination must continue where insecurity and misinformation persist. Health cost pressure: Reports highlight rising drug prices in Edo driving some residents toward native remedies.

EFCC Backlash in Hospitals: The EFCC has “bowed” after public outcry over alleged rights abuses during a raid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where staff were reportedly assaulted and arrests followed an investigation tied to a medical report. Drug Safety Alarm: Reports say Indian-made tapentadol is still flooding West Africa, with shipments reaching countries like Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana—fueling an opioid crisis and even being linked to “zombie drug” kush. Primary Care Push in Edo: Edo State and the NHIA are onboarding new National Health Fellows cohorts to strengthen grassroots healthcare and data-driven service delivery. Anti-Drug Training: NDLEA Edo trained NYSC Drug Free Club members as anti-drug advocates to expand youth prevention efforts. Polio Deadline: Rotary International says it is targeting global polio eradication by 2029, while urging continued vaccination where insecurity and misinformation persist.

ECOWAS in Benin: A delegation from the ECOWAS Commission is in-country (May 6–15) under IMPACT-ECOWAS to check progress on school feeding, district hospitals, community engagement models, dams, solar streetlights, and vocational training—aimed at strengthening social cohesion in fragile regions. Edo primary healthcare push: Edo State and NHIA are onboarding new “National Health Fellows” cohorts after Cohort One graduation, with a focus on stronger grassroots primary care and data-driven governance. Polio deadline: Rotary International says it is targeting full global polio eradication by 2029, but insists vaccination must continue everywhere until the virus is gone. Education discipline: Ambrose Alli University rusticated 27 medical students over exam misconduct and impersonation. Health access pressure: Reports highlight rising drug costs in Edo, pushing some residents toward native remedies. Opioid alarm: A wider West Africa report flags Indian tapentadol flooding markets and being linked to “zombie drug” kush—raising urgent regulatory and public health concerns. Edo infrastructure spotlight: Governor Okpebholo highlights ongoing road and erosion-control works as Edo moves toward a “modern city” agenda.

UTME Spotlight: JAMB has named Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin as the 2026 UTME top scorer with 372/400, crediting discipline, topic-by-topic study, past questions, tutorials, and CBT practice. Primary Healthcare Push (Edo): NHIA and Edo State onboarded new National Health Fellows cohorts to strengthen grassroots primary care and data-driven governance. Polio Deadline (Rotary): Rotary International says it’s targeting 2029 for global polio eradication, but insists vaccination must continue everywhere until the virus is gone. Campus Discipline (Edo): Ambrose Alli University rusticated 27 medical students over exam misconduct and impersonation. Drug Safety Alarm (West Africa): A report warns Indian tapentadol shipments are fueling a growing opioid crisis, with pills reportedly sold in roadside pharmacies and linked to “zombie drug” kush. Media-Health Link: Bendel Newspapers Corporation returned to full production and sought partnerships with Edo State Specialist Hospital and EDSIEC.

Opioid shock in West Africa: A new AFP report says Indian firms are still flooding Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana with tapentadol in “normal” blister packs—despite India’s crackdown promises—and some shipments are even labelled “Harmless Medicines,” with officials warning the drug is being added to the “zombie drug” kush. HIV testing gap: A new study highlights that one in three young African women have never tested for HIV, keeping prevention and treatment out of reach. Edo campus violence: Police and authorities continue investigations after a UNIBEN student was shot dead near the main gate, with suspected cult links and multiple injuries reported. Education integrity: Ambrose Alli University rusticates 27 medical students for exam misconduct and impersonation. Health funding milestone: Rotary International says it has spent over $3bn on polio eradication since 1985, targeting full eradication by 2029.

Opioid shock in West Africa: An AFP probe says millions of high-strength tapentadol tablets from India are being sold in blister packs across the region, fueling a deadly opioid crisis and even being added to “zombie drug” kush—despite no global approval and despite claims of crackdowns. Campus crackdown in Edo: Ambrose Alli University rusticated 27 College of Medicine students over alleged exam misconduct and impersonation, sending them away for two to four semesters. PWD access push (Ghana): A disability rights coordinator urged duty bearers to remove barriers so Persons with Disabilities can reach facilities, citing UN CRPD inclusion. UNIBEN shooting probe (Edo): Police are investigating a masked-gunmen attack near the University of Benin gate that killed a student and injured others, with Edo’s governor promising justice. Education updates: JAMB set 150 as the minimum UTME score for 2026/27 admission, while universities set higher course cut-offs.

Edo Campus Violence: Gunmen suspected to be cultists shot dead UNIBEN student Alexander Omogiate at the Ugbowo main gate, intercepting his Mercedes-Benz GLK and firing at close range; police say three others were injured, and the university distanced itself from the incident while investigations continue. Admission Pressure: JAMB set 150 as the minimum UTME score for 2026/2027, but universities can raise cut-offs—Pan-Atlantic tops the baseline at 220, while UNIBEN, UNILAG, UI and others sit at 200; top UTME scorer Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin recorded 372. Health & Recovery Research: A new study highlights long-term recovery options after childhood caustic esophageal injury, comparing two surgical approaches with similar overall functional outcomes. Powering Connectivity: Nigeria’s internet failures are blamed less on cables and more on unreliable electricity—diesel generators keep telecom towers running, and when they fail, calls and services drop. Edo Politics & Medical Leadership: Edo Governor Okpebholo congratulated Prof. Afekhide Omoti on his election as NMA national president and celebrated former Gov. Lucky Igbinedion’s 69th birthday.

Campus Violence in Edo: A University of Benin student, later identified as Alexander Omogiate, was shot dead at the Ugbowo main gate as masked gunmen intercepted a Mercedes-Benz GLK; three others were injured and rushed to hospital, while police say investigations are ongoing and details are still being clarified. Admissions Push: JAMB released the 2026 UTME top scorers and minimum cut-off marks—Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin leads with 372/400, and Pan-Atlantic University tops the cut-off at 220, while many major universities set 200. Media–Industry Partnership: The Warri NUJ chapel called for stronger collaboration with Manroy Global Services, focusing on journalist training, welfare, and capacity building, including AI. Health & Safety Watch: Separate reporting highlights rising drug costs driving some Edo residents toward native remedies, while broader regional coverage notes ongoing security and humanitarian pressures across West Africa.

Campus Violence in Edo: Gunmen suspected to be cultists shot dead a UNIBEN student, Alexander Omogiate, at the Ugbowo main gate while he was driving out in a Mercedes-Benz GLK; police say three others were injured and a female passerby was also hit, as Edo State Police investigate and UNIBEN distances itself from the incident. Police Action: Authorities also arrested 12 suspected cultists in Auchi, with confessions linked to Aye and Vikings confraternities. Education Push: JAMB released 2026 UTME top scorers and minimum cut-off marks—Pan-Atlantic University leads with 220, while UNIBEN, UNILAG, UI, UNN and others set 200; UTME’s top scorer is Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin with 372/400. Health Leadership: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo congratulated Prof. Afekhide Omoti on his election as National President of the Nigerian Medical Association. Politics Ahead of 2027: Stakeholders rallied behind Esosa Iyawe for Oredo Federal Constituency, urging Gov. Okpebholo to back his return.

Campus Violence in Edo: Police are investigating the killing of a University of Benin (UNIBEN) student shot dead at the main gate in Ugbowo, with three others injured after masked gunmen intercepted a Mercedes-Benz GLK and opened fire. UNIBEN Security Response: Edo Governor Okpebholo condemned the attack and promised justice as reports also point to wider cult-related fears around the university. Admissions Pressure: JAMB released 2026 UTME minimum cut-off marks—Pan-Atlantic University leads at 220, while UNIBEN and other top schools sit at 200, with some universities lower for baseline consideration. Health Cost Strain: Residents in Benin City say rising pharmaceutical prices are pushing people to skip prescriptions, use native remedies, or buy incomplete doses. Education Leadership: Delta SUBEB appointed its first female secretary, Eghene-Ezefili, marking a milestone in the state’s basic education administration.

Campus Violence: Suspected cultists struck again at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) main gate in Ugbowo, Benin City, shooting a student dead and injuring three others, with reports also mentioning a separate killing at the gate as videos circulate and police investigations continue. Human Rights Watch: The UN is facing fresh backlash over reports it may transfer ICTR/IRMCT detainees held in Benin and Senegal to Rwanda, with families warning this could violate key international protections and endanger prisoners’ health. Health Access Pressure: In Benin City, residents say rising pharmaceutical costs in Nigeria are pushing people to skip prescribed drugs, switch to native remedies, or buy incomplete doses—turning treatment into a daily financial gamble. Edo Health Services: Edo State has started free hydrocelectomy and lymphedema care across senatorial districts, aiming to cut the physical and economic burden of neglected conditions.