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Tag: Benin

  • JUST IN: FG secures release of Nigerian pastor jailed in Benin

    JUST IN: FG secures release of Nigerian pastor jailed in Benin

    The federal government has announced the release of the Nigerian Pastor, Benjamin Egbaji, who was jailed in the Republic of Benin.

    Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, was accused of sundry offences and detained in a hospital in Cotonou, under what was described as dehumanising conditions, for over two years while his health deteriorated. He was later sent to prison.

    The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced his release in a statement.

    According to the statement signed by the media aide to the Minister, Mr. Magnus Eze, the release was a result of diplomatic pressure.

    The statement read, “Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has secured the release of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, incarcerated in the Republic of Benin.

    “The minister disclosed that Egbaji was released on Thursday, January 8, following a Presidential Pardon by His Excellency Patrice Talon.

    “She noted that the gazetted presidential amnesty dated December 17, 2025, was on the heels of consistent diplomatic pressure from her office, including a visit to the detained citizen in a Cotonou hospital, August last year.

    “A viral photograph of the sick-looking Nigerian citizen chained to a hospital bed in the Republic of Benin had attracted umbrage from many Nigerians. This prompted immediate diplomatic moves to secure his release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    “Highly elated Odumegwu-Ojukwu attributed the diplomatic feat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to citizen diplomacy as one of the thrusts of his administration’s Foreign Policy. The Diaspora component of the 4-Ds (Democracy, Demography, Diaspora and Development) foreign policy approach of the Renewed Hope Agenda centres on citizen diplomacy.

    The minister who spoke with the pastor on the telephone shortly after he regained freedom said he was in high spirits and deserved good medical care.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had called on the Beninois authorities to release the Nigerian national so that he could have better medical care and also serve out his sentence in Nigeria. 

    The Ministry had requested the transfer of the Nigerian national to receive the deserved medical care and serve out his custodial term in Nigeria after Odumegwu-Ojukwu visited Egbaji in the Cotonou hospital alongside the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.

    She had explained that Nigeria was worried over the pace of the Beninnoise authorities in addressing the situation and acceding to its request, not minding the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries, founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, mutual respect, and a spirit of brotherhood.

    In a recent letter to the Foreign Affairs Minister of Republic of Benin, Odumegwu-Ojukwu had said: “It is against this backdrop of solidarity and mutual goodwill that I seek Your Excellency’s kind consideration regarding the plight of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been serving a custodial sentence in Cotonou since October 2023 for a jail term of ten (10) years. As Your Excellency may be aware, Pastor Egbaji has been in the Benin Republic for over three decades, contributing meaningfully as an entrepreneur, pastor, and community leader.

    “Regrettably, his health has deteriorated severely while in detention. Two independent medical experts appointed by the court recently recommended that he be transferred abroad for urgent medical care, as local interventions have proved ineffective.

    “In the spirit of our longstanding friendship and in recognition of the humanitarian imperative, not being unmindful of the grievous nature of the offence he is charged with, we kindly request that Pastor Egbaji be repatriated to Nigeria to serve out the remainder of his sentence in a Nigerian Correctional Centre.”

    The minister said this gesture would demonstrate in practical terms the enduring spirit of fraternity and cooperation that binds Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

    In a swift reaction, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Republic of Benin chapter, Alhaji Mohammad Munir, commended the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for her diplomatic savvy, leading to Egbaji’s release.

    Munir said that Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu has displayed uncommon commitment to the well-being of Nigerians in the diaspora.

    He praised President Tinubu for the effort in protecting Nigerians outside the shores of the country and urged that more diplomatic approaches be deployed, especially in rescuing innocent Nigerians being incarcerated in foreign prisons.

  • JUST IN: Senate approves Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to Benin for peace mission

    JUST IN: Senate approves Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to Benin for peace mission

    The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin on a peace mission aimed at restoring democratic order and stability.

    The resolution followed the Senate’s consideration of the President’s request in the Committee of the Whole during plenary.

    Tinubu had, in a letter read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, urged the Senate to approve the troop deployment to help restore governance following a recent coup attempt in Benin.

    The President had initially deployed members of the Nigerian Armed Forces on Sunday to assist in restoring democracy after a group of soldiers attempted a coup.

    In the letter titled, “Deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin for a peace mission”, Tinubu cited Section 5(5), Part 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and stated that, following consultation with the National Defence Council, he sought the Senate’s consent for the deployment.

    “This request is made further to a request received from the Government of Benin Republic for the exceptional and immediate provision of air support by the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The Distinguished Senate may wish to note that the Government of the Republic of Benin is currently faced with an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and disruption and destabilization of democratic institutions.

    “The situation as reported by the Government of Benin requires urgent external intervention.

    “The Distinguished Senate considers the close ties of brotherhood and friendship which exist between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, as well as the principles of collective security upheld within ECOWAS.

    “It is our duty to provide the support as requested by the Government of the Republic of Benin.”

    After reading the letter, Akpabio committed the President’s request for consent to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action.

  • Barau hails Tinubu for swift approval of military support to halt Benin coup attempt

    Barau hails Tinubu for swift approval of military support to halt Benin coup attempt

    The Deputy President of the Senate and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibrin, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for swiftly granting the request of the Benin Republic for Nigerian military assistance to foil a coup attempt in the neighbouring country.

    The commendation followed Sunday’s announcement by soldiers under the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), who declared the removal of President Patrice Talon in a broadcast on the state-owned television station.

    The swift intervention of the Nigerian Armed Forces played a leading role in foiling the coup and restoring law and order in the neighbouring country.

    Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, commended President Tinubu for his swift response to the country’s request.

    Describing Democracy as the best system of government, Senator Barau said military government has no place in the modern world’s scheme of things.

    “I commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for swiftly acceding to the request of the Government of the Benin Republic, for Nigerian military intervention to foil the coup in the country.

    “Military rule has no place in our society. Regardless of the situation, Democracy remains the best option for our subregion and continent. We must all work together to promote, defend, and make the system work based on our peculiarities,” he said.

    Through the ECOWAS Parliament, he said that they will continue to promote legislative cooperation, democratic development, regional integration, and shared prosperity across West Africa.

    “At the ECOWAS Parliament, the people’s parliament, our commitment to building a more integrated, stable, and prosperous West Africa is rock solid. We are collectively working to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, foster unity among member states, and advance peace and security for the development of our region,” he said.

  • Benin arrive Uyo for big showdown

    Benin arrive Uyo for big showdown

    The delegations of Nigeria and Benin Republic are scheduled to arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday afternoon, ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Series Matchday 10 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles earned a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday to put themselves firmly in contention for the lone automatic ticket from Group C, while table-topping Benin Republic scored late against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali to pick up the maximum points and maintain their three-point lead on their West African neighbours.

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    Three-time African champions Nigeria fly from the South African city of Polokwane to Uyo aboard a chartered ValueJet Airline airplane, just as the Cheetahs’ delegation will arrive about the same time at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport.

  • Benin beat Rwanda to jump to Group C lead

    Benin beat Rwanda to jump to Group C lead

    The Group C race for qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup will go right down to the final day after another dramatic round of fixtures on Friday left everything still to play for.

    With just one match remaining, Benin have taken a slender two-point lead at the top of the standings, but South Africa and Nigeria all remain in contention for the coveted ticket to the global showpiece.

    In Durban, Zimbabwe frustrated South Africa to a goalless draw in what was a must-win for Bafana Bafana.

    The result leaves South Africa second in the group, knowing that their final encounter against Rwanda will decide whether they can book their place at the World Cup for the first time since 2010.

    In another Group C tie played in Polokwane, South Africa, Nigeria revived their qualification hopes with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho. A penalty conversion by skipper, William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams’ strike was enough for the Super Eagles to secure a much-needed win that keeps their qualification hopes alive.

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    New group leaders, Benin, continued their impressive run with a disciplined 1–0 triumph over Rwanda. A late Tosin Aiyegun proved decisive, giving Benin an important two-point lead. The result marked another composed performance from Gernot Rohr’s side, who now find themselves just one match away from a historic qualification.

    With Benin leading the way, South Africa sitting two points behind, and Nigeria lurking just beneath, the final round of fixtures promises high drama and fierce competition.

    The Group C race for qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup will go right down to the final day after another dramatic round of fixtures on Friday left everything still to play for.

    With just one match remaining, Benin have taken a slender two-point lead at the top of the standings, but South Africa and Nigeria all remain in contention for the coveted ticket to the global showpiece.

    In Durban, Zimbabwe frustrated South Africa to a goalless draw in what was a must-win for Bafana Bafana.

    The result leaves South Africa second in the group, knowing that their final encounter against Rwanda will decide whether they can book their place at the World Cup for the first time since 2010.

    In another Group C tie played in Polokwane, South Africa, Nigeria revived their qualification hopes with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho. A penalty conversion by skipper, William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams’ strike was enough for the Super Eagles to secure a much-needed win that keeps their qualification hopes alive.

    New group leaders, Benin, continued their impressive run with a disciplined 1–0 triumph over Rwanda. A late Tosin Aiyegun proved decisive, giving Benin an important two-point lead. The result marked another composed performance from Gernot Rohr’s side, who now find themselves just one match away from a historic qualification.

    With Benin leading the way, South Africa sitting two points behind, and Nigeria lurking just beneath, the final round of fixtures promises high drama and fierce competition.

  • Benin monarch declares two-week fast

    Benin monarch declares two-week fast

    Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has asked indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo State to embark on two weeks fasting and prayer.

    He said the fasting would begin from September 15 to 28.

    This was contained in a statement by the Obamedo of Benin Kingdom, Chief Efosa Igbinomwanhia.

    The statement said the prayers and fasting were in line with age-long tradition before the beginning of the consumption of Emorho (new yam).

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    The statement said: “It is important that we fast and pray to God Almighty and the royal ancestors for a bountiful harvest and to shield us away from sudden death and for peace and tranquillity in our homes, families, state and country at large.

    “All Benin sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora are to fast and pray during this period.

    “The fasting period is from 6am to 6 pm daily.”

  • Nigeria, Benin sign landmark integration pact

    Nigeria, Benin sign landmark integration pact

    In a historic move aimed at redefining regional integration in West Africa, Nigeria and the Republic of Benin on Saturday signed a landmark agreement to deepen bilateral cooperation and set a precedent for broader collaboration across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    The signing ceremony, held during the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja, was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and his Beninois counterpart, President Patrice Talon. 

    The agreement, officials say, will serve as a template for actionable economic and political integration in the sub-region.

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, signed on behalf of Nigeria. 

    Representing Benin were the Minister of Industry and Trade, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Shegun Adjadi Bakari.

    According to a statement by Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Talon, while speaking at the event, hailed the agreement as a bold step forward. 

    “President Tinubu and I have agreed on full integration between Benin and Nigeria. The responsibility now lies with our ministers to implement it. Benin and Nigeria are more than twins—we are the same people. Let us show the region that integration is possible,” he said.

    Talon called for urgent reforms within ECOWAS, warning that the regional bloc was facing a crisis of credibility and functionality. 

    “ECOWAS is a perfect example of regional integration. Unfortunately, our ECOWAS is in crisis right now,” he declared.

    He cited the failure of key regional infrastructure projects, including the West African Gas Pipeline, which he said had been rendered ineffective due to bureaucratic inertia. 

    “It is ridiculous. This failure of regional cooperation wastes resources and undermines integration,” Talon said, revealing that Benin was now importing gas from Qatar via a floating storage and regasification unit.

    Similarly, he lamented the poor performance of the West African Power Pool. 

    “We invested heavily in this infrastructure. But it is not functioning as expected. Unless we act decisively, I’m not confident it ever will,” he added.

    Turning his focus to logistical bottlenecks along the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor, Talon criticised the persistent border harassment and delays that plague cross-border travel. 

    “The road exists. But a businessman should be able to travel from Lagos to Abidjan in hours—not days—without facing harassment at multiple checkpoints. That is not integration,” he stressed.

    The Beninois leader warned that poverty remained the most potent threat to democracy and stability in the region. 

    “Poverty is the main threat to democracy, security, and stability. If we do not address poverty through integration, our values will remain hollow,” he said.

    Invoking global trade tensions, Talon cited the United States’ protectionist shift under President Donald Trump as a wake-up call for African nations. 

    “The trade war should remind us that nations act in their interest, and so should we. At some point, we may even have to thank President Trump for that reminder,” he said.

    Talon urged his fellow West African leaders to abandon lip service and take concrete steps to deliver economic opportunity for their people. 

    “If we cannot create wealth and opportunity, all our other values—democracy, liberty—cannot be sustained. Integration must be real. Integration must be delivered,” he concluded.

    The summit, a precursor to the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government scheduled for Sunday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, featured remarks from several West African leaders and global officials.

    Liberian President Joseph Boakai reaffirmed his country’s support for ECOWAS and regional bodies like the Mano River Union in reducing trade barriers and harmonising economic policies. 

    He commended President Tinubu, Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, for what he described as a “timely, strategic summit.”

    “This summit offers a vital platform for reflection, coordination, and renewed commitment to the economic transformation of our subregion. While the challenges in the region are complex, they are not insurmountable”, Boakai said.

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    Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio called for a deeper, more strategic push for economic integration amid global uncertainty and domestic vulnerabilities.

    “This potential must be unlocked through strategic integration, particularly amid rising public debt, climate vulnerability, food insecurity, and geopolitical uncertainty,” he said.

    Bio emphasised the need for political will to drive regional trade initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the Common External Tariff. 

    “Trade integration must start with a strong political commitment,” he noted.

    He also expressed Sierra Leone’s support for a regional single currency to improve business confidence and reduce transaction costs. 

    “To deepen intra-regional competitiveness, we must accelerate progress toward monetary union. A single currency would reduce exchange rate costs, support price stability, and improve the business environment”, Bio said.

    The summit also featured recorded messages from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

  • Togo cleared of alleged fake degrees as Reps probe Benin July 10

    Togo cleared of alleged fake degrees as Reps probe Benin July 10

    The House of Representatives, based on information received through diplomatic channels in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has cleared the Republic of Togo of allegations that its universities issue fake certificates to students. However, it has scheduled a probe of universities from the Benin Republic for July 10, 2025.

    The Federal Ministry of Education has also been invited to testify on the matter.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Bitrus Kwamoti Laori, disclosed this in Abuja while considering Petition No: 445 of 2024, submitted by Sovereign Legal Practitioners on behalf of Stakeholders in Education. The petition was against the Federal Ministry of Education over the Minister’s pronouncement on fake certificates from universities in the Republics of Benin and Togo.

    At the resumed hearing on Thursday, the committee addressed a request from the petitioners’ counsel, who said he was indisposed. The chairman explained that the issue concerning Togo had been resolved, while that of the Benin Republic remained pending. He then fixed July 10, 2025, for continuation of the hearing.

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    The Federal Ministry of Education was not represented at the session.

    The chairman said, “Petitioners, we have a letter from your counsel, who is indisposed, asking that this matter be adjourned to the 10th of July, 2025. And this matter was earlier fixed for today for the Federal Ministry of Education to come and clarify the implementation of the 2024 directive on qualifying exams.

    “Also, with the earlier response we have from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the issue we have is with Benin Republic and not Togo. Of course, Togo Republic was cleared by the Ministry (Foreign Affairs). The only issue we have now is Benin Republic.”

    In his ruling, the chairman said, “Following the letter from your counsel, this matter is adjourned to the 10th of July. And we will still serve the Federal Ministry of Education to come and give us clarifications on the pre-qualification examinations in Benin Republic. That’s the issue that’s holding a lot of students and other graduands from Benin Republic. So, Togo has no issue, it is only Benin.”

    Recall that in December 2024, the federal government dismissed some civil servants with degrees from private tertiary institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo. The exercise affected federal workers who graduated from those institutions between 2017 and the present.

    Similarly, the House is currently investigating a report by an undercover reporter who exposed a certificate racketeering syndicate in the Benin Republic that sells university degrees to willing buyers in Nigeria.

  • Protest rocks Benin over selection of Okpella monarch

    Protest rocks Benin over selection of Okpella monarch

    Elders and physically challenged persons from Ukhomunyo clan in Okpella, Estako East local government area, on Wednesday, staged a peaceful protest in Benin City, over selection of a new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo had sacked Lukman Akemokue as Okuokpellagbe and a new selection process led to the emergence Michael Sado.

    Sado is expected to be installed next month.

    But the protesters said was their turn to produce the next Okuokpellagbe.

    They claimed their kingmakers were not allowed to participate in the selection process, adding that the selection and subsequent appointment of Sado as the new king were at variance with laws on the appointment of the Okuopkallagbe.

    Representative of the Ukhomunyio Council of Village Heads, High Chief Julius Ederefo said the selection of a new monarch was unfortunate and failed to reflect the image of an administration that stood for the rule of law, justice and fairness. 

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    “We had hoped for a clean break from the unlawful actions of the past. We beg rhe governor to cancel the flawed and unlawful process that led to the purported appointment of Michael Sado.

    “Direct the Ukhomunyio branch of the Oteku Ruling House, whose turn it is to present an Okuokpellagbe, to convene and commence a process to select a candidate in strict compliance with the provisions of the declaration.”

     President of the Ukhomunyio Youth Association, Comrade Merry Omoalu, they would continue the protest.

  • Governor inspects 7.2km road in Benin

    Governor inspects 7.2km road in Benin

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday inspected the ongoing construction of 7.2-kilometre Tamboga–Ekiuwa Road, linking University of Benin (UNIBEN).

    Okpebholo, on November 13, less than 24 hours after his assumption of office, kicked off the 7.2km Temboga and Oba-Erediauwa roads with storm-water channelisation through Ekiuwa Road, linking Uteh and other communities, terminating at UNIBEN’s Ugbowo main campus on Benin-Lagos Expressway.

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    The governor, who was in the area yesterday, as part of the fulfilment of his campaign promises to construct the road, said the road was of importance, in view of its serving as a bypass to Ugbowo.