Edo Security Crackdown: Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo escalated the fight against kidnapping after the Benin City vegetable market abduction, announcing a special court for kidnappers and cultists and warning he will sign execution warrants for convicted suspects, while police arrested and neutralised key suspects and recovered items including a vehicle and cash. Healthcare Delivery Boost: Edo’s primary healthcare saw a major lift under the World Bank IMPACT project, with facility-based deliveries rising by over 100% since full rollout in 2024, plus upgrades to dozens of primary centres and new tablets/laptops for health facilities. Infrastructure & Traffic Relief: Residents in Benin City welcomed progress on the Ramat Park flyover, with the governor saying it is over 95% complete and targeting commissioning in November, alongside improvements to storm-water drainage and surrounding roads. Digital Broadcasting Push: Nigeria launched FreeTV, a national digital platform offering 100+ channels free of monthly subscription fees, supported by the Digital Switch-Over programme and accessible via compatible decoders and a mobile app. Trade & Payments: Cyprus-based Asbis expanded its Apple distribution across multiple African markets including Benin, signaling deeper consumer tech access and retail competition. Regional Health Funding: A $14.26m West African health systems grant approved for Togo and six neighbours (including Benin) targets cross-border disease surveillance and lab capacity under a “One Health” approach.