AI & Education Funding: University of Benin’s new Trust Development Fund got major backing for an on-campus AI Centre, with pledges from Nigerian tech philanthropists Tom Ilube and Hakeem Belo-Osagie to support AI curriculum and centre setup. Anti-Corruption: Nigeria’s Federal High Court ordered final forfeiture of about ₦941.99m tied to IPPIS “ghost workers,” following ICPC investigations into payroll fraud. Drug Enforcement & Cross-Border Trade Risks: NDLEA intercepted 1.63m tramadol pills in two Lagos-bound-to-Kano trailers linked to a Togo–Benin Republic–Nigeria corridor syndicate, arresting drivers and also seizing Canadian “Loud” cannabis at MMIA. Power Sector Litigation: Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) asked the Court of Appeal to stop auction of three operational Toyota Hilux vehicles over a ₦20m billing damages judgment, arguing the sale could derail its appeal. Energy & Human Capital Finance (Benin): Benin and the World Bank signed $320m in deals—$150m for the Dogo-Bis hydro dam and $170m for the ALAFIA nutrition/health/early childhood programme. Music Industry Investment: MTN Nigeria and Ultima Studios launched Next Afrobeats Star Season 2, raising the winner’s recording deal to ₦225m and adding a Mercedes-Benz SUV, with auditions across Lagos, Benin, Jos and Uyo.