Daily News Roundup
What matters today across Edo State, Nigeria and the world.
Edo State & Benin City
Edo Revokes Benin-Abraka Road Contract, Plans Fresh Award
The Edo State Government has approved the revocation and re-award of the contract for the failed section of the Benin-Abraka Road at Ikpe Waterside in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
The decision follows concerns over the condition of the affected section of the road and is intended to facilitate fresh work on the route.
Edo Begins Free Malaria Testing and Treatment in Government Hospitals
The Edo State Government has introduced free malaria testing and treatment in government hospitals across the state.
The policy was disclosed during the state's monthly briefing in Benin City. Officials said the initiative is intended to reduce financial barriers to malaria diagnosis and treatment.
The government also reported that 65 Primary Health Centres across the state's 18 local government areas and 35 secondary health centres have been renovated.
Edo Farmers Report Gradual Return to Farms as Security Improves
Farmers in parts of Edo State have reported a gradual return to their farms after years of disruption linked to kidnapping and insecurity.
Farmers said improved security has encouraged them to resume agricultural activities that had previously been abandoned because of fears over attacks.
Appeal Court Stays Judgment in Okpella Kingship Dispute
The Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City has granted an interim order staying the execution of a judgment of the Edo State High Court in the long-running dispute over the stool of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.
The order followed an application by His Royal Majesty Michael Sado, who is challenging the lower court's judgment.
MOWAA Publishes Audited Accounts, Reports Edo's Financial Contribution
The Museum of West African Art has published its 2025 audited financial statements, reporting that the Edo State Government contributed ₦3.95 billion toward the development and equipping of its institute in Benin City.
BusinessDay reported that the contribution represented about 17.7 per cent of the reported ₦22.26 billion cost of developing and equipping the institute.
Nigeria
CBN's 23% Rate Cut Begins to Shape Nigeria's Financial Markets
The Central Bank of Nigeria's decision to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5 per cent to 23 per cent remains a major economic story.
The policy change is expected to influence borrowing costs, investment decisions and returns across financial markets, although the extent to which commercial lending rates fall will depend on how quickly the policy change passes through to banks and other lenders.
Nigeria's External Reserves Rise Above $54 Billion
Nigeria's gross external reserves have risen to approximately $54.61 billion as of September 14, according to CBN data reported by Punch.
The figure represents an increase of more than $21 billion from the level recorded when Olayemi Cardoso became CBN governor in September 2023.
NIMC Denies Viral Claims of NIN Database Breach
The National Identity Management Commission has dismissed a viral video claiming that Nigeria's National Identification Number database had been breached.
NIMC said the claim was false and described the video as a recycled report that had previously been addressed. The commission said its national identity database had not been compromised.
NIMC urged Nigerians to rely on its official communication channels for information about the national identity system.
EFCC Declares Former Pension Boss Abdulrasheed Maina Wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, wanted in connection with an ongoing case involving allegations of receiving stolen property.
The EFCC urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the commission, police or other security agencies.
NEMA Activates Emergency Teams as 15 States Face Flood Risk
The National Emergency Management Agency has placed its zonal and operations offices on heightened alert following a high-risk flood advisory from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
NEMA advised residents living around floodplains, riverbanks and low-lying areas to move to safer ground and warned against driving or walking through flooded roads and fast-moving water.
World News
Trump and Xi Jinping Meet as US-China Relations Remain in Focus
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are meeting on Thursday as the two countries continue discussions on trade, technology and broader strategic relations.
Reuters reported that the leaders are expected to discuss issues including artificial intelligence, trade and defence. The meeting comes during a week of intense international diplomacy at the United Nations.
Iran's President Delivers Defiant UN Address as Diplomacy Continues
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to defend Iran's position in the ongoing conflict and reject pressure from the United States.
The speech came as Iranian and US officials continued diplomatic contacts over the conflict. Reuters reported that the two sides remained far apart on how to end the war, while Iranian officials said diplomacy should continue.
Ukraine War Remains Central Issue at UN General Assembly
The war in Ukraine remains one of the major international issues being discussed by world leaders gathered in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued to seek international support while pressing for measures aimed at increasing pressure on Russia.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Concern for Global Energy Markets
The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains central to diplomatic discussions surrounding the conflict involving Iran and the United States.
An Iranian official previously told Reuters that Tehran could reopen the waterway within seven days if the United States eased military pressure and lifted its blockade on Iranian ports.
World Leaders Continue High-Level UN General Assembly Debate
The 81st United Nations General Assembly continues in New York with world leaders discussing conflicts, international cooperation, artificial intelligence, economic issues and global security.
The gathering has been marked by strong differences over the wars in Iran, Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside discussions about the future of multilateral cooperation.
That's Your NaijaWORLD Pulse Briefing
From new developments in Edo State and Nigeria's economy to major diplomatic events at the United Nations, these are some of the key stories shaping Thursday, September 24, 2026.