Daily News Roundup
What matters today across Edo State, Nigeria and the world.
Edo State & Benin City
Edo Queens Resume Training Ahead of 2026 CAF Women's Champions League
Edo Queens FC are set to resume training today as preparations intensify for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League scheduled to take place in South Africa later this year.
The reigning WAFU-B champions will begin preparations for the continental competition after their regional success. The team is expected to use the coming weeks to build match fitness and prepare for the demands of the tournament.
Edo Opens Electricity Market to Competition and Private Investment
Edo State has moved toward full operation of its regulated electricity market following the issuance of a provisional electricity licence to BEDC Electricity Edo Ltd by the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Officials said the new regulatory framework is intended to encourage investment, improve infrastructure and strengthen electricity service delivery to households, businesses and industries across the state.
Edo Police Report Arrests in Kidnapping and Other Crime Investigations
The Edo State Police Command reported several arrests during intelligence-led operations in the state, including the arrest of a 50-year-old man over allegations involving the abduction and sexual abuse of five girls in Akoko-Edo.
Police also reported the arrest of a man accused of impersonating a military officer, the arrest of another suspect in a car-theft investigation and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle. The command said 10 suspects had been arrested for violent crimes during the period under review.
Company Reconstructs Edo Community School and Supports 20 Pupils
Yongxing Steel Company Nigeria Limited has reconstructed Ozolua Primary School in Egun Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State after the school was vandalised.
The intervention included new furniture, classroom improvements and a generator-powered borehole to support the school and surrounding community. The company also announced ₦50,000 education support for each of 20 pupils, totalling ₦1 million.
Edo Council Chairman Redeems ₦20m Pledge to Family of Fallen Soldier
The Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Sunny Ekpeson, has redeemed a ₦20 million pledge made to the family of late Lance Corporal Fahad Sani of the Nigerian Army's 195 Battalion, Agenebode.
The soldier died in July after a road accident while returning from a successful rescue operation involving kidnapped victims in the Okpella area.
The support is intended to assist the deceased soldier's wife and two children, including provisions for a sustainable business and education-related needs.
Nigeria
CBN Cuts Benchmark Interest Rate to 23%
The Central Bank of Nigeria has reduced its benchmark Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5 per cent to 23 per cent, following the latest meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee.
The 350-basis-point reduction is the latest major development in Nigeria's monetary policy. Business groups have subsequently called for lower borrowing costs for businesses as commercial banks adjust to the new rate environment.
23 Nigerian Firms Secure More Than $630m in Investment Support
The UK-backed Manufacturing Africa programme says it has supported 23 Nigerian businesses to reach financial close on investments worth more than $630 million.
The transactions have the potential to create or safeguard more than 21,400 direct jobs, according to the programme. A new fundraising toolkit was also launched to help Nigerian businesses prepare for investment and engage potential investors.
Investigation Continues Into Deaths of 37 Detainees in Niger State
An investigation is underway following the deaths of 37 detainees in Minna, Niger State. Survivors and witnesses have described conditions inside an overcrowded detention cell, while authorities have disputed or not yet established the precise cause of the deaths.
President Bola Tinubu ordered an investigation, and a 10-member panel was established to examine the incident. Several senior officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were also suspended pending the investigation.
Residents Protest as Hundreds Remain Missing After Niger State Mass Kidnapping
Residents in Niger State's Borgu district have protested over the continued captivity of people abducted during attacks on several communities in August.
Residents have previously estimated that about 600 people were abducted, while some community representatives now put the figure closer to 700. Reuters reported that the higher figure could not be independently verified and that authorities have not provided a confirmed total.
Enugu Air Begins International Operations With Enugu–Douala Route
Enugu Air is scheduled to begin its first international route today, connecting Enugu with Douala in neighbouring Cameroon.
The route is expected to operate twice weekly, marking an expansion of the airline's operations beyond Nigeria's domestic aviation market.
World News
Trump's UN Speech Focuses on Iran, Ukraine and US Foreign Policy
US President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to defend US policy toward Iran and discuss the war in Ukraine and other international issues.
Trump said the United States could take further military action against Iran if a peace agreement is not reached. He also discussed the possibility of future negotiations with Tehran.
Iran Signals It Could Reopen Strait of Hormuz Under Conditions
Iran has indicated that it could reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within a week if the United States reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.
The development comes amid continuing diplomatic activity around the Iran conflict and the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Zelenskyy Set to Meet Trump as Ukraine Pushes for Energy Truce
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet US President Donald Trump at the United Nations as Kyiv seeks support for an energy truce with Russia.
Ukraine has raised concerns about attacks on energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Russia has not indicated that it is prepared to halt its aerial attacks.
Xi Jinping Begins US Visit as China and America Seek Dialogue
Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the United States from September 23 to 25 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump.
China's Foreign Ministry said the two leaders are expected to discuss China-US relations and wider international issues, with Beijing describing dialogue and management of differences as important objectives.
UN Chief Calls for Stronger Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence
UN Secretary-General António Guterres used his final address to the General Assembly to call for stronger international governance of artificial intelligence and renewed efforts to address major global conflicts.
He called for a multilateral framework for managing AI risks, including independent oversight, while also urging stronger action on climate change and humanitarian crises.
That's Your NaijaWORLD Pulse Briefing
From Edo State developments and Nigeria's economy to major diplomatic events around the world, these are some of the key stories shaping Wednesday, September 23, 2026.