AGP Executive Report

Child Protection & Maternal Health: Edo State Women Affairs took custody of an 11-year-old girl, Rejoice Godswill, after a viral abuse allegation in Benin City; the ministry ordered arrest of her mother and stepfather and says the child is receiving medical attention, psychosocial support, and shelter while investigations continue. HIV & Regional Health: Benin has been selected to host ICASA 2027 (Dec 5–9, 2027) in Cotonou, the first West African country to stage the continental AIDS and STIs conference, with a focus on HIV, STIs, TB, malaria, hepatitis and stronger health systems. Maternal/Newborn Care & UHC: NHIA congratulated Edo Specialist Hospital on its CEmONC accreditation, calling it a milestone for maternal and newborn care and progress toward Universal Health Coverage. Public Health Messaging: An Edo nurse urged patients to share complete, truthful health histories so doctors can diagnose and treat correctly, warning that withheld details can lead to wrong tests and higher costs. Health Workforce & Access: Nigeria’s education ministry says the federal government has invested over ₦1tn in tertiary education in two years to remove financial barriers and expand infrastructure. Digital Health & Safety: A Benin pharmacist warned residents to store over-the-counter medicines properly during the rainy season to avoid moisture damage that can reduce effectiveness. Mental Health & Care Gaps: Nollywood actress Chidera Adiele appealed for help over her brother’s seven-year struggle with drug addiction and mental illness after repeated psychiatric hospital admissions. Tobacco Control Capacity: Advocates from Benin and other countries trained in Lagos on monitoring and countering tobacco industry interference in public health policy. Cybersecurity for Health Systems: Benin will host the Cyber Africa Forum in November (Cotonou) to build “digital trust” and tackle cybercrime risks.

HIV & STIs: Benin has been selected to host ICASA 2027 (Dec 5–9) in Cotonou, the first West African country to stage the continental AIDS and STIs conference, with a focus on HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, hepatitis and strengthening health systems. Maternal health: UNFPA says maternal mortality won’t fall without fixing health system weaknesses, social inequalities and inadequate financing, even as countries like Sierra Leone show progress. Maternal care accreditation: NHIA praised Edo Specialist Hospital’s CEmONC accreditation, highlighting progress toward Universal Health Coverage and better emergency obstetric and newborn care. Public health practice: A nurse in Benin City urged patients to share complete, truthful health histories so clinicians can diagnose and treat correctly. Community eye care: NEPL/Seplat and Edo Specialist Hospital delivered a free “Eye Can See” outreach with screenings, surgeries and eyeglasses for residents. Health safety (OTC): A pharmacist warned Benin residents to store over-the-counter medicines properly during the rainy season to avoid moisture damage and reduced effectiveness. Digital health & trust: Cyber Africa Forum 2026 will hold in Cotonou Nov 16–17, aiming to build digital trust and tackle cybercrime risks. Mental health plea: Nigerian actress Chidera Adiele publicly appealed for help after her brother’s years-long struggle with drug addiction and mental illness, including repeated psychiatric hospital stays. Research & environment: Sonar and underwater drones helped rediscover deep-water coral reefs off Benin once thought dead, showing a thriving ecosystem.

HIV & STIs: Benin has been selected to host ICASA 2027 (Dec 5–9, 2027) in Cotonou, the first West African country to stage the continental AIDS and STI conference, with a focus on HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, viral hepatitis and strengthening Africa’s health systems. Maternal health: In Nigeria, Edo Specialist Hospital marked its 7th anniversary as NHIA praised its CEmONC accreditation, highlighting progress toward better maternal and newborn care and Universal Health Coverage. Eye care outreach: NEPL/Seplat Energy JV and Edo Specialist Hospital ran a free “Eye Can See” outreach in Benin City, offering screenings, surgeries, eyeglasses and basic checks for residents in Edo and Delta. Public health practice: A nurse in Benin City urged patients to share complete, truthful health histories so clinicians can diagnose and treat accurately. Drug control: Benin City also saw NDLEA and Army action in Edo, seizing 1,359kg of cannabis and arresting two suspects. Global HIV warning: UNAIDS says HIV progress is fragile as funding cuts threaten prevention and community services, even as some countries (including Benin) reduced new infections. Wellness in daily life: A pharmacist warned Benin residents to store OTC medicines properly during the rainy season to avoid moisture damage and reduced effectiveness.

Tertiary Education Push: Nigeria’s Federal Government says it has invested over ₦1tn in tertiary education in two years, including ₦250bn for new student hostels and ₦150bn for hostel/classroom and workshop rehabilitation, aiming to remove financial barriers and improve quality. Public Health Access & Safety: A Benin City nurse urged patients to share complete, truthful health information so doctors can diagnose and treat correctly, warning that withheld details can lead to wrong tests and higher costs. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS reports HIV progress is fragile as funding cuts threaten prevention and community services; it highlights 2025 figures including 1.2m new infections and 570,000 AIDS deaths. Regional Health Leadership: WAHO appoints Prof. Vincent Palokinam Pitché as new DG, succeeding Benin’s Dr Melchior Aïssi, with a mandate to strengthen ECOWAS health cooperation and outbreak preparedness. Benin Hosts ICASA 2027: Benin will host ICASA 2027 in Cotonou (Dec 5–9), focusing on HIV, STIs, TB, malaria and stronger health systems. Tobacco Control Training: Advocates from 12 countries, including Benin, trained in Lagos to monitor and counter tobacco industry interference in public health policy. Drug Seizure in Edo: NDLEA and the Nigerian Army nabbed two suspects in Edo after seizing 1,359kg of cannabis (including seeds) from a residential warehouse. Eye Care Outreach: NEPL/Seplat JV and Edo Specialist Hospital ran “Eye Can See,” delivering mass screenings, surgeries, and free glasses in Edo and Delta. Coral Reef Rediscovery: Scientists report a deep-water coral reef off Benin, long presumed dead, is alive and teeming with marine life.

Tertiary Education Push: Nigeria’s Federal Government says it has committed over ₦1trn in the past two years to expand access to universities, polytechnics and colleges, insisting no qualified student will be blocked by financial hardship. Patient Safety & Care Quality: A Benin nurse urges patients to share complete, truthful health histories—warning that hiding symptoms, past diagnoses or medications can lead to wrong tests, higher costs and poorer treatment. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS reports major progress in countries including Benin, but warns the HIV response is fragile as international funding cuts threaten prevention and community services, risking resurgence. Marine Health & Conservation: Sonar and underwater drones helped rediscover a deep Benin coral reef long thought dead, revealing a living mesophotic ecosystem that could support fish and biodiversity. Primary Healthcare Focus (Edo): Stakeholders in Edo sign a PHC sustainability commitment after the Edo Shine PHC Summit 2026, aiming to strengthen primary care and accelerate universal health coverage. Regional Health Leadership: WAHO appoints Prof. Vincent Pitché as new Director General, tasked with boosting ECOWAS health cooperation and outbreak preparedness. OTC Medicine Storage: A Benin pharmacist warns residents to store over-the-counter drugs properly during the rainy season to avoid moisture damage and reduced effectiveness. Elder Care Needs: Edo’s First Lady’s office discusses plans for an elderly care facility, stressing dignity, specialized support and public awareness for seniors. Digital Vital Registration: Nigeria’s NPC says births and deaths registration for Nigerians abroad is now available via a secure online self-service platform.

Rainy-season medicine safety: A Benin-based pharmacist is warning people to store Over-the-Counter drugs properly during the damp season, saying moisture can reduce effectiveness and that medicines dispensed outside original packaging need extra care. Primary healthcare push in Edo: Stakeholders in Benin City signed an Edo State PHC Sustainability Commitment after the Edo SHINE PHC Summit 2026, with renewed focus on stronger primary care to speed up universal health coverage. Regional health leadership: WAHO named Prof. Vincent Palokinam Pitché as its new Director General, aiming to deepen ECOWAS health cooperation and improve outbreak preparedness. Digital vital registration: Nigeria’s NPC says Nigerians abroad can now start birth and death registration via a secure self-service online platform from anywhere, replacing paper processes nationwide. Eye care outreach: NEPL/Seplat Energy JV and Edo Specialist Hospital ran a “Eye Can See” campaign with mass screenings, free glasses, and surgeries for vision problems in Edo and Delta. Coral reef rediscovery: Scientists report a Benin coral reef long thought dead is alive and “teeming with life,” offering hope for marine conservation.

Healthcare Funding & HIV: UNAIDS warns global HIV progress is at risk as funding cuts hit prevention and community health, with millions still not on treatment and new infections rising. Regional Health Leadership: WAHO appoints Prof. Vincent Palokinam Pitché as new DG, aiming to strengthen ECOWAS health cooperation and outbreak preparedness. Primary Healthcare in Edo: Edo stakeholders sign a PHC sustainability commitment at the Edo SHINE PHC Summit, pushing stronger primary care to accelerate universal health coverage. Maternal & Eye Care Support: NEPL/Seplat JV and Edo Specialist Hospital run “Eye Can See” with mass screenings, surgeries, and free glasses, while Edo hospitals expand fertility and residency services. Digital Vital Registration: Nigeria’s NPC launches a secure online system for birth and death registration nationwide, including for Nigerians abroad, replacing paper processes. Benin Marine Health: Scientists rediscover a coral reef off Benin long presumed dead, finding it teeming with fish and coral life. Safety & Trust: Ondo police arrest officers over an alleged ethnic remark during a stop-and-search, and Ogun police report arrests tied to illegal petroleum dealings under Operation KOSAYE.

Eye Care in Edo/Delta: NEPL/Seplat Energy JV and Edo Specialist Hospital ran a “Eye Can See” outreach with thousands of screenings and surgeries, plus free glasses and dental care—boosting access to vision health. Primary Healthcare Push: Edo State signed a PHC Sustainability Commitment at the Edo SHINE PHC Summit 2026, reaffirming plans for stronger primary care, universal health coverage, digital health, and better disease surveillance. Birth/Death Registration Goes Digital: Nigeria’s NPC says Nigerians abroad can now start birth and death registration online via a secure self-service platform from anywhere, replacing paper processes and aiming to cut delays, errors, and fraud. Regional Health Leadership: WAHO appointed Prof. Vincent Pitché as new Director General, with a mandate to deepen ECOWAS health cooperation and improve outbreak preparedness. Coral Reef Discovery (Benin): Underwater drones and deep-sea cameras found a presumed-dead Benin coral reef alive and teeming with fish and coral types, reviving hopes for marine conservation. Security & Health Risks: Ogun police reported arrests in diesel bunkering and vandalism cases under Operation KOSAYE, while Nigeria’s health workforce brain drain remains a major concern after reports of 20,000+ health workers leaving abroad.

Maternal & Child Health: Edo State Police exhumed the remains of a preterm baby in a Benin City “baby theft” case and arrested the mother and another woman over an alleged false report, after the mother claimed her newborn was alive and demanded the child be produced. Primary Healthcare & UHC: Edo State opened the EDO SHINE PHC Summit 2026 and later stakeholders signed a PHC sustainability commitment, focusing on stronger primary care, disease surveillance, digital health, workforce expansion, and progress toward universal health coverage. Eye Care Access: NEPL/Seplat JV and Edo Specialist Hospital delivered free eye screening, cataract surgeries, glasses, and basic health checks under the “Eye Can See” initiative. Regional Health Leadership: WAHO appointed Prof. Vincent Pitché as its new Director General, aiming to deepen ECOWAS health cooperation, outbreak preparedness, and equitable access. Digital Vital Registration: Nigeria’s NPC launched a secure online self-service platform for Nigerians abroad to initiate birth and death registration, replacing paper processes and aiming to cut delays and fraud. Health Workforce Pressure: A report says 20,966 Nigerian health workers left the country in one year, with the UK, US, Canada and Saudi Arabia leading destinations. Health & Safety in Focus: Police and officials continued to respond to major public incidents, including the Enugu Air runway excursion at Benin Airport where passengers were evacuated safely.

Primary Healthcare Push in Edo: Edo stakeholders signed the PHC Sustainability Commitment at the Edo SHINE PHC Summit 2026, renewing focus on stronger primary care to accelerate Universal Health Coverage, with plans spanning workforce, surveillance, digital health and quality improvement. Eye Care Outreach in Edo: The NEPL/Seplat JV “Eye Can See” initiative delivered free eye screening, cataract surgeries, glasses and basic checks at Edo Specialist Hospital, aiming to expand access to quality vision care. Digital Vital Registration: Nigeria’s National Population Commission says Nigerians abroad can now start birth and death registration online via a secure self-service platform from anywhere, replacing paper processes and improving speed, security and record retrieval. Regional Health Leadership: WAHO appointed Prof. Vincent Palokinam Pitché as its new Director General, tasked with deepening ECOWAS health cooperation and outbreak preparedness. Benin Coral Reef Discovery: Underwater drones and deep-sea cameras found a coral reef off Benin long presumed dead, now showing a thriving mesophotic ecosystem with diverse fish and coral life. Security & Health System Strain: Reports highlight Nigeria’s worsening brain drain, with over 20,000 health workers relocating abroad in a year, raising alarms for staffing and patient care.

Primary Healthcare Push (Edo): Stakeholders signed the Edo State Primary Healthcare (PHC) Sustainability Commitment at the Edo SHINE PHC Summit 2026 in Benin City, pledging stronger, people-centred primary care to accelerate universal health coverage. Digital Vital Registration (NPC): Nigeria’s National Population Commission says Nigerians at home and abroad can now start birth and death registration online via a secure self-service platform that went live nationwide on July 1, replacing paper records. Regional Health Leadership (WAHO/ECOWAS): WAHO appointed Prof. Vincent Palokinam Pitché as its new Director General, aiming to deepen ECOWAS health cooperation and improve outbreak preparedness and access to care. Maternal Care Capacity (Edo): NHIA and Edo Specialist Hospital are uniting to tackle maternal deaths with a life-saving CEmONC programme. Health Workforce Crisis (Nigeria): A report warns of worsening brain drain as 20,000+ doctors and nurses reportedly relocated abroad in one year, raising fears for hospital capacity. Health Safety & Access (Benin Airport/Enugu Air): An Enugu Air runway incident at Benin Airport led to safe evacuation of passengers and temporary flight disruptions, with aviation authorities assessing the situation.

Digital Vital Records: Nigeria’s National Population Commission says Nigerians abroad can now start birth and death registration online via a secure self-service platform, operational nationwide from July 1, replacing paper records and aiming to cut delays, errors, duplication and fraud. Primary Health Care & UHC: Edo State opened the EDO SHINE Primary Health Care Summit 2026 in Benin City, with leaders reaffirming a people-centred push for Universal Health Coverage through stronger primary care, immunisation, antenatal services, disease surveillance and digital health. Maternal/Newborn Care Boost: NHIA and Edo Specialist Hospital renewed their partnership to roll out the CEmONC programme, expanding emergency obstetric and newborn services to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. Eye Care Access: Edo Specialist Hospital marked its 7th anniversary with free eye care services and received WACOG accreditation, reinforcing its role in wider UHC efforts. Health & Food Safety: An Edo State University professor urged Nigerians to lean more on indigenous medicinal plants and leafy vegetables, warning that toxic chemicals in food and the environment may be driving disease and premature ageing. Cross-border Health Diplomacy: AU health leaders meeting in Accra called for moving from commitments to implementation to end AIDS and TB, cut maternal and child deaths, and strengthen resilient health systems. Aviation Safety (Benin City): Enugu Air’s runway incident at Benin Airport triggered flight disruptions and renewed calls for clear safety communication after passengers were evacuated safely.

Digital Civil Registration: Nigeria’s National Population Commission says a nationwide digital platform for birth and death registration is now live (operational nationwide from July 1), replacing paper processes and aiming to cut delays, errors, duplication and fraud. Primary Healthcare & UHC: Edo State opened the EDO SHINE Primary Health Care Summit 2026, reaffirming a push for universal health coverage through stronger primary care, workforce expansion, disease surveillance and digital health. Maternal & Newborn Care: NHIA and Edo Specialist Hospital renewed their partnership to roll out the CEmONC programme, expanding emergency obstetric and newborn services to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. Health Facility Access: Edo Specialist Hospital marked its 7th anniversary with free eye care and received WACOG accreditation, boosting specialist care capacity. Air Safety Disruption: An Enugu Air runway excursion at Benin Airport led to safe evacuation and temporary flight cancellations, with investigations underway. Roads & Access to Care: Nigeria’s Senate demanded higher FERMA funding and emergency rehabilitation of failed federal roads, including the Onyagede–Ogobia road, citing impacts on transport, healthcare and education. Health Security: An international report says 101 attacks hit Nigerian healthcare facilities from 2023–2025, with 91 health workers kidnapped and 15 killed. Food & Drug Safety: NAFDAC arrested a suspected counterfeit alcohol producer in Benin, while a pharmacist urged Nigerians to check expiry dates and avoid expired or poorly stored medicines. AU Health Agenda: AU leaders at an Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra called for faster implementation to end AIDS and TB, cut maternal deaths, and strengthen resilient health systems.

Roads & Health Access: The Senate pushed for a bigger FERMA budget, approving emergency funding for Benue’s Oyagede–Ogobia Road after only two kilometres were still motorable, warning that failed federal roads are disrupting transport, healthcare access, and education. Agro-Industry & Jobs: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima led six governors to Benin to learn from the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone near Cotonou, including its textile park, as Nigeria seeks a new investment path for agro-processing and export-ready production. Maternal Care Boost: NHIA and Edo Specialist Hospital renewed their CEmONC partnership, with the hospital accredited to expand emergency obstetric and newborn care and strengthen Universal Health Coverage. Medicines Safety: A pharmacist in Benin City urged people to check expiry dates and avoid expired or poorly stored drugs, warning that “cheap” mistakes can become serious health risks. Health Under Pressure: An international report flagged rising violence against healthcare in Nigeria, with 91 health workers kidnapped and 15 killed across 101 attacks from 2023–2025. Marine Conservation: Benin designated its first protected coral reef off Ouidah, safeguarding a habitat mapped with local knowledge and documented with 200+ fish species.

Maternal health push: NHIA and Edo Specialist Hospital in Benin City renewed their partnership to roll out the CEmONC programme, aiming to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths through expanded emergency obstetric and newborn care. Reproductive care upgrade: Edo Specialist Hospital marked its 7th anniversary with free eye care and also highlighted new IVF equipment for infertility treatment, alongside full residency accreditation progress. Medicines safety: A pharmacist in Benin City urged residents to stop buying expired medicines and to verify expiry dates and storage conditions before use. Health security alarm: An international report says Nigerian healthcare facilities faced 101 attacks from 2023–2025, with 91 health workers kidnapped and 15 killed—raising urgent concerns for health worker protection. Drug control in Benin: NAFDAC arrested a suspected counterfeit alcohol producer in Benin, Edo State, after a month-long surveillance operation. Africa health agenda: At an AU extraordinary health summit in Accra, leaders—including Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni—agreed to accelerate action on AIDS, TB, maternal health, and local pharma manufacturing. Environment-health link: Environmental groups called for urgent action over an alleged oil wellhead blowout in Uzere, warning of damage to farmlands and aquatic ecosystems. Digital health policy: A review of African national digital health strategies highlights a shift toward more integrated, legally binding digital health laws and agencies. Nutrition innovation: NourishNext West Africa launched a youth agrifood innovation challenge focused on improving fruit and vegetable availability and affordability across Benin and other West African countries. Local wellness message: A university don in Benin City urged a “back to our roots” approach—using indigenous medicinal plants and leafy vegetables to reduce harm from toxic chemicals in food and the environment.

Medicine Safety: A pharmacist in Benin warned people to stop buying expired drugs and to always check expiry dates (even if faint or rubbed off) and ask pharmacists to verify before use. Health Workforce Violence: A new report says armed groups kidnapped 91 health workers and killed 15 in Nigeria between 2023 and 2025, with 2025 hitting a three-year high. Regional Health Leadership: At an AU health summit in Accra, leaders including Benin’s president pushed for Africa’s health sovereignty through stronger health systems, local pharma and vaccine production, and better implementation of health commitments. Reproductive Health Boost (Edo): Edo Specialist Hospital in Benin City announced it has acquired IVF equipment to expand fertility care, alongside full residency accreditation for Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Nutrition & Youth Innovation: NourishNext West Africa launched a youth agrifood innovation challenge to improve fruit and vegetable availability and affordability across Benin, Nigeria, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. Drug Control (Benin corridor): NDLEA intercepted over 1.5 million tramadol pills hidden in trucks entering Nigeria via the Togo–Benin Republic route. Environment & Health Link: Beninese researchers rediscovered a deep-water coral reef off Benin long presumed dead, finding it “teeming with life,” highlighting the value of protecting marine ecosystems.