TheNewsGuru

Tag: Benin

  • 2026 WCQ: South Africa, Rwanda go top of group C, Nigeria remain 5th

    2026 WCQ: South Africa, Rwanda go top of group C, Nigeria remain 5th

    South Africa  on Tuesday night rallied back to joint top of group C after inflicting a 3-1 victory against Zimbabwe in the ongoing FIFA 2025 qualifying series.

    Another group C member country, Rwanda also won its matchday 4 game against Lesotho  to go joint top with South Africa.

    Recall that Benin defeated Super Eagles 2-1 in Abidjan.

    South Africa  posted a 3-1 win at home against Zimbabwe just as Rwanda also won 1-0 away at Lesotho.

    Hosts Bafana Bafana opened scoring in the first minute through Iqraam Rayners but the visitors responded a minute later from Tawanda Chirewa  and held on till halftime.

    It was substitute Thapelo Morena with a brace in the 55th and 76th minute  gave the Rainbow Nation their second win in the series and put them at seven points on the log.

    In the last match of the group, visiting Rwanda shocked host, Lesotho with a lone goal scored on the dot of halftime by Jojea Kwizera.

    Zimbabwe now occupy the last position on the log while the Super Eagles of Nigeria are presently second from behind.

    Rwanda top the group with 7 points, South Africa on second but only trailing on goal difference, Republique Du Benin occupy the third position also with 7 points.

     

    The FIFA qualifiers in Africa will not hold this year but will resume in March 2025 as Rwanda hosts the Super Eagles while South Africa will play host to Lesotho in Durban.

    The whopping boys Zimbabwe will play Benin in Abidjan.

  • Enigie/artefacts palaver: BTC puts the records straight, gives condition for reconciliation

    Enigie/artefacts palaver: BTC puts the records straight, gives condition for reconciliation

    …demands abolition of the seven traditional councils in Edo South

    The Benin Traditional Council, BTC has put the records over the creation of seven traditional councils in Edo and have conditions on the way forward.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports this was contained in a public statement issued and signed by its legal representatives, Professor Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, and Professor, Edoba Omoregie, SAN entitled:

    Public statement:
    Re: Plan For Amicable Resolution Of Conflicts Between
    Edo State Government And The Benin Traditional
    Institution’ stating that:

    “As Solicitors to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and on its instructions, we hereby
    make the following public statement without prejudice to the pending legal challenges involving the BTC and the Edo State Government:
    The conflicts between the BTC and the Edo State Government appears to
    have begun with the bitter dispute over ownership of the ancient artefacts looted from
    the Palace of the Oba of Benin by the British Colonial forces during the Benin Massacre
    of 1897.

    “The federal government has since settled the issue of rightful ownership in
    favour of the Palace by the gazetting of the ownership and custody of the artefacts in
    the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II.

    “When the idea of creating new traditional councils in Edo South
    was subsequently mooted by some Enigie in a letter to the State Government
    of November, 2022, the BTC through the lyase of Benin and other chiefs of the Oba
    Palace made formal and informal efforts to dissuade the government from acceding to
    the request of the applicant Enigie.

    “The BTC had emphasized that the government’s
    plan would amount to balkanizing the Benin Kingdom as there is no other traditional
    ruler in Edo South to preside over the proposed traditional councils than His Royal
    Majesty, the Oba of Benin.

    “Despite the conciliatory effort of the BTC, the State Government proceeded to
    announce the creation of new traditional councils in the seven local government areas
    of Edo South to co-exist with the BTC. The State Government also seized the statutory
    financial entitlement of the BTC.

    “The decision of government to create the new
    traditional councils is currently being challenged by the BTC before the State High
    Court.

    “Upon the creation of the new traditional councils, the State Governor publicly received
    some Enigie who had mooted the idea, including those suspended for sundry violations
    of traditional norms. Following the petition of the BTC of impersonation against two Enigie, the police brought a criminal charge against one of them, and was at the verge of arraigning the other when the State Government intervened by nullifying the first
    charge.

    “The State Government also wrote to the National Assembly to affirm that
    the creation of the new traditional councils in Edo South is a fait accompli.

    “The two
    Enigie have since filed a joint suit in the State High Court to challenge their suspension.
    In the midst of these conflicts, the State Government has, without due process, written to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II on 19th April, 2024 to revoke
    the concession of Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, a concession which has been
    frustrated since November, 2016 by the decision of the State Government to convert
    the Centre to a motor park.

    ” The BTC emphasizes that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin is the father of all Benin
    people including members of the Royal family. Therefore, any matter that affects the
    customs and traditions of the Benin people, of which His Royal Majesty is the exclusive
    custodian, cannot be reduced to a family affair of the Benin Royal Family as asserted
    by the State Government in its public release on the suit instituted by the two Enigie
    against His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.

    “The BTC notes the reported interest of the Edo State Government in an amicable
    resolution of the conflicts. While not averse to any such resolution, the BTC believes
    that this can only be genuinely achieved through:
    1. The abolition by the Edo State Government of the new seven traditional
    councils in Edo South.
    2. Complete restoration of the statutory financial entitlement of the BTC to
    the status quo prior to the date of the creation of those seven traditional councils
    in Edo South; and the refund of
    the balance of
    statutory financial entitlement of the BTC withheld since that date.
    such
    3. A clear commitment by the Edo State Government to avoid further
    interference with the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Institution as
    prescribed by the Benin Customary Law including the established disciplinary
    processes, under the authority of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His
    Royal Majesty Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.
    4. The withdrawal of the letter issued by the Edo State Government revoking the
    concession of Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre; and the restoration of the
    Centre by the State Government to its previous enviable condition, to be
    suitable for the purpose of the concession.

  • EFCC arrests 39 suspected internet fraudsters in Benin City

    EFCC arrests 39 suspected internet fraudsters in Benin City

    Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arrested 39 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City.

    EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale in a statement in Abuja said that the suspects were arrested following “actionable intelligence” on their suspected involvement in a computer-related fraud.

    He said that items recovered from them included eight cars, laptops and phones.

    ”The suspects will be charged to court soon,” he said.

  • Cynthia Morgan reveals how she prevented being sexually harassed in music industry

    Cynthia Morgan reveals how she prevented being sexually harassed in music industry

    Controversial Nigerian singer, Cynthia Morgan, has revealed how she prevented being sexually harassed in the music industry.

    She spoke about her experiences with sexual harassment in the music industry in a now-deleted post on her Instagram.

    Cynthia Morgan said that she had never being harassed sexually owing to her forceful interpersonal skills and tomboyish behaviour.

    She disclosed how sad it that most Nigerian female singers find themselves in this situation and how it affected their career growth in the industry.

    She said:

    “When I tell people I never witnessed sexual harassment in the music industry they are always surprised. Firstly, in real life, I was a tomboy and secondly, I always use to threaten people on how I will import people from Benin to fuck everybody up. Then they fear me for that Lagos.

    “It’s just so sad how being feminine and wanting to be successful makes you prey. I really pray for a better Nigeria/world.
    Stay tough.
    God will see us through”.

     

  • Police arrest 22 suspected cultists in Benin

    Police arrest 22 suspected cultists in Benin

    Operatives of the Police Command in Edo have arrested 22 suspected cultists in the state.

    The suspects were reportedly arrested in a hotel in Benin where they were holding a meeting, ahead of an attack on some members of a rival group.

    Spokesperson of the command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed the arrest, said that the police acted on credible intelligence about the secret plan of the cult members.

    “The police received information that members of the Black Axe confraternity were holding a meeting at a play house, along Okhoro road in Benin, planning on how to carry out killings on other rival cult group members.

    “Police stormed the venue and arrested 22 cultists and recovered some chams from the suspects,” he said.

    Nwabuzor stated that investigation had begun and that the suspects would soon appear in court.

  • Israel DMW reveals why he will never relocate from Benin

    Israel DMW reveals why he will never relocate from Benin

    Israel DMW, logistics manager to Davido, has explained why he would never relocate from his hometown, Benin City.

    According to him in an Instagram story, Benin is where a real Oba lives.

    He stated that even his boss, Davido, and Senator Ehanire Daisy Danjuma already know his desire to live in his hometown while declaring that there is no place like Benin City and reaffirming that he goes nowhere.

    He wrote: “I would never in my life relocate from Benin to anywhere on this planet. Benin is where a real Oba really lives. Senator Ehanire Daisy Danjuma and Oga know already. No place like Benin City. I go nowhere.”

  • Benin residents decry hike in price of cooking gas

    Benin residents decry hike in price of cooking gas

    Many residents of  Benin have decried the hike in price of cooking gas, which now sells for N1,400 per kilogramme.

    The development has led to hardship as the residents are finding it difficult to cope.

    A kilogramme of gas that sold for N1,000, two months ago in some parts of the city, increased to N1,100 in January, 2024 and now sells for N1,400.

    Mrs Ekata Ogieva, a cooking gas vendor said that the recent increment in the price of cooking gas was due to short supply.

    “We bought 50kg of cooking gas for N45,000 a week ago, but it has gone up to N60,000. In 2023 December, we bought 50kg cooking gas for N44,000.

    “The painful situation is that we can only get about 45kg of gas from the 50kg gas cylinder after sales, so we do not make enough profit.

    “We are losing our customers due to the incessant hike in price of cooking gas. Some persons have resulted to firewood and charcoal,’’ she said.

    Mrs Loveth Osunde, a mother of three, also told NAN that families were finding it difficult to put food on the table, noting that the sudden spike in cooking gas price was crippling the already strained budget.

    “We can barely make ends meet as it is, the rising gas prices only add to our financial woes, making it even harder to provide for our children.’’

    According to Mr Raymond Omobude, a civil servant, workers are not smiling because the burden of higher gas prices eats into their hard-earned wages and salaries.

    “I used to rely on cooking gas to prepare meals for my family, but with the recent price hike, I am forced to explore alternative, like the use of firewood, though it is not also cheap, just to make ends meet,’’ he said.

    Operators of eateries and food stalls are finding it difficult to cope, as it has increased their operating cost. .

    Mrs Sarah Obioma, a restaurant owner said that the increase had translated to higher operational costs, jeopardising their profitability and threatening the livelihoods of their employees.

    “Food business is competitive and we are already struggling to stay afloat in the business, the surge in gas prices only adds insult to injury, making it harder to sustain our business.

    “Things are just so expensive, I don’t know why the gas we produce in the country will keep be so expensive,’’ she said.

    On his part, Mr Felix Aliyu, a welder said artisans relied on gas for welding and other essential tasks of their trade

    “We are grappling with the effects of the price surge.

    “Gas is indispensable to my work, but with each refill costing more than before, I am forced to pass on the added expenses to my customers, many of whom are already struggling to afford my service,’’ Aliyu said.

    He called on the government to roll out more palliatives and other forms of intervention to address the soaring cost of gas.

     

  • Togo, Benin Universities to lose over N7.5billion after suspension of degree evaluation by Nigerian government

    Togo, Benin Universities to lose over N7.5billion after suspension of degree evaluation by Nigerian government

    Following the derecognition of universities in Republique du Benin and Togo last week by the Nigerian government as a result of certificate racketeering, the institutions in these two neighbouring countries are set to lose about N7.5billion which  they  make annually from their Nigerian students, findings have shown.

    Recall that  the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday  suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from universities in the two countries following investigation by an undercover reporter alleging an institution of trading certificate for money.

    The reporter who wrote the story revealed how he obtained a degree certificate in Mass Communication from the institution  in six weeks without attending any classes or writing an examination.

     

    However, the President of  the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in  Benin Republic  Ugochukwu Favour while granting interview on Channels TV  put the number of Nigerians studying in tertiary institutions in that country  alone at 15,000.

    Findings show that institutions in the two countries charge  tuition fees ranging between N50,000 and N500,000 per annum.

    The tuition fees  exclude application form, accommodation, textbooks and living  expenses.

    Checks also reveal that to attract Nigerians to their institutions, many of the universities teach in both English and French 

    They also peg their fees  in Naira as a means to accomodate Nigerian students.

    More checks also show that some of them  have accounts in Nigerian banks into which students could pay.

  • MURIC hails FG’s suspension of degrees from Benin, Togo

    MURIC hails FG’s suspension of degrees from Benin, Togo

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Federal Government for suspending the accreditation of degrees from the Republic of Benin and Togo.

    Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director, MURIC stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “A laudable move was made by the federal government when it suspended the accreditation of degrees from the Republic of Benin and Togo for their irregularities and fraudulent practices (FG Suspends Accreditation of Degree Certificates from Benin Republic, Togo

    “It will be recalled that Umar Audu, an investigative journalist of Daily Nigeria newspaper, reported recently that he bagged a degree within six weeks of being admitted into one of such universities and also served as a corper in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the certificate obtained. The undercover journalist received both the transcript and certificate of the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT), Cotonou, Benin Republic after six weeks only.

    “MURIC lauds FG for banning those fraudulent certificates. The holders of such fake credentials pose grave danger to the lives of Nigerians and the quality of public service too.

    “We charge the ministries of education at both federal and state levels to be wary of holders of such certificates. Those found to have been employed with them should be shown the way out. Furthermore, the security agencies should fish out those behind the fraudulent admissions within Nigeria. Those are agents of the fake tertiary institutions in faraway Benin and Togo. They should be made to face the full wrath of the law,’’ Akintola said.

    He added: “We demand investigation into circumstances surrounding the clearance letter issued by the Federal Ministry of Education which confirmed that the university (ESGT) is on the ministry’s list of accredited institutions. It was this letter which enabled NYSC to accept 51 fake graduates to serve in the scheme. On its own part, NYSC authorities must take necessary action on the 51 fake corpers from ESGT who are serving illegally. They must be flushed out.

    “We also advise gullible but innocent Nigerians who have obtained the certificates to quickly set the machinery in motion to correct the anomaly.

    They should upgrade themselves by seeking authentic university admission either within or outside the country.

    “Education may be the key to technological breakthrough and the concomitant industrial progress, but half-baked education and fake certificates are deadly dynamites in the system which are capable of destroying everything that may have been achieved.

    “Before we draw the curtain, we find the undercover journalist equally worthy of encomiums. He went underground to unearth this educational fraud. He put his life on the line for the sake of his country. Umar Audu is worthy of emulation by his colleagues in the Fourth Estate of the Realm.”

  • Benin, Togo Degrees: ICPC boss, set to meet undercover reporter who revealed alleged corrupt practices

    Benin, Togo Degrees: ICPC boss, set to meet undercover reporter who revealed alleged corrupt practices

    Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has called for a critical meeting at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with the reporter who exposed the alleged degree certificate fraud in some neighbouring countries.

    The ICPC director of press, Azuka Ogugua, put out a statement saying that the invitation was to discuss the story published on December 30 by the reporter on the alleged corrupt practices at a Cotonou university.

    The statement said that meeting with the reporter was aimed at deepening the investigation and initiating relevant actions against parties involved in the certificate scandal.

    Recall that the investigation into Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et de Technologies, ESGT, in Cotonou revealed a concerning situation where degrees are allegedly awarded in as little as six weeks, bypassing standard academic procedures like application, registration, coursework, and examinations.

    In response to these critical allegations, the ICPC said it is embarking on a thorough investigation.

    According to the Commission, “the probe will rigorously examine the networks and individuals engaged in these malpractices, with the objective of restoring and preserving the integrity of our educational system.”

    The Commission said it will engage in a synergistic collaboration with relevant domestic and international bodies to jointly evaluate the legitimacy of academic qualifications procured from overseas institutions, especially those highlighted in the investigative report.

    The ICPC then called on all stakeholders in the educational and governmental sectors to join hands in this critical endeavor.

    “Together, we can work towards a future where the credibility of our educational qualifications is unimpeachable, and where corruption finds no refuge,” the Commission said.