Nigeria: Babangida Calls for Integration, Not Federation Nov 23, 2009
Benin Nigeria's former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has again called for the abolition of "federal character", describing it as no longer fashionable in the country's socio-economic and political system. Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution states: "The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national... (allAfrica.com)
Democracy in Africa: A good example Oct 27, 2009
It was not until 1991, in the modest west African country of Benin, four decades after most African countries had achieved independence, that any leader in mainland Africa let himself be peacefully ousted at the ballot box. Since then, however, at least nine men have admirably accepted the same fate a far better record, incidentally, than in the Arab world. (The Economist)
West Africa: Ecowas Imposes Sanctions on Guinea, Niger Oct 19, 2009
Among the Heads of State present at yesterday's meeting were those of Nigeria, Yar'Adua, Republic of Benin, Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi, Burkino Faso's Blaise Compaore, Guinea Bissau's Malam Bacai Sanha, Liberia's Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Sierra Leone's Ernest Koroma and Togo's Faure Gnassingbe. Guinea was sanctioned for the killing, on September 28, of about 200 unarmed protesting civilians and the rape of some women by members of that country's security forces under the authority of the ruling National... (allAfrica.com)
Nigeria: FG, ASUU Face-Off to Be Resolved Soon Oct 16, 2009
Benin Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state yesterday assured that efforts were being made to prevent the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from continuing its strike action as all outstanding issues in the industrial dispute between it and the Federal Government would be resolved in the next two weeks. His assurance came on a day the University of Calabar branch of ASUU advised students not to hurry back to school following the two-week suspension of the union's nationwide strike. (allAfrica.com)
High-level SA delegation visits Al BashirUNAMID in fresh bid to tackle root-causes of Darfur conflictUN worried about increasing LRA attacks in Southern SudanGhana beats Sudan 2-0 in 2010 World Cup qualifier Libya, Somalia review cooperationBurundi sets conditions for keeping soldiers in SomaliaUganda 'regrets' arresting Somali ministerSomali minister's arrest blunder puts Uganda in tight situation DR Congo pays tribute to late popular musician, FrancoDRC journalists demonstrate against insecuritySouth Korea reopens Embassy in DRCBelgian organisation protests detention of Congolese woman, her three children Ivorian Prime Minister urges mutinous soldiers to remain calmGbagbo: "Whoever delays Ivorian elections is a criminal"Gbagbo reaffirms his desire for Ivorian peaceGbagbo signs Ivorian amnesty law ON THE WIRE ECOWAS holds extra-ordinary summit on Guinea, Niger SaturdayAbuja, Nigeria (PANA) - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)will hold an extra-ordinary summit inAbuja, Nigeria, to discuss the political and security situations in Guinea andNiger Saturday, the ECOWAS Commissionannounced here. 14/10/2009 Full Text... Oct 15, 2009
Saturday's extra-ordinary summit will also consider the report of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, which met in Abuja 24 August 2009, as well as the report of the findings of a four-member ad-hoc ministerial committee led by Nigeria and composed of Benin, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone, which visited Niger shortly after the Council's deliberations in Abuja. The committee was mandated to work with all political stakeholders in Niger, including the National Council for Dialogue, towards... (Panapress.com)
Bulgarian wins top UNESCO job after anti-Semitism row Sep 23, 2009
Other contenders for the UNESCO job included Lithuania's UNESCO ambassador Ina Marciulionyte, Benin ambassador Noureini Tidjani-Serpos, former Algerian foreign minister Mohammed Bedjaoui and Russian ex-deputy foreign minister Alexander Yakovenko. Recommend. (Yahoo! Asia News)
African view: A big fish Sep 22, 2009
Ohio Ezekiel, Benin City, Nigeria ... bob Emwanta, Benin City. (BBC News -- Africa)
Africa: Curse of Monarchical Tendencies in African Politics [opinion] Sep 19, 2009
In places like Nigeria, the Sokoto Caliphate, the Benin Kingdom and the Oyo Empire gave the sons of new politicians and public administration officials training in patronage politics. Jomo Kenyatta, Houphou t-Boignyand Senghor each selectively turned to rooting loyalties for their regime around Mouride religious leaders, administering oaths and clan mutual-support mechanisms. (allAfrica.com)
AfDB Reaffirms Support to Benin's Development Efforts Sep 16, 2009
Mr. Kaberuka mentioned that technical meetings between the two sides have already been set in motion following preliminary meetings held by senior Bank Group management and members of the Beninese delegation, who arrived in Tunis on Thursday evening. "Mr. President, your visit is particularly timely. It is taking place at a time when we are going to take decisive action for the future," he said, citing the beginning of preliminary discussions on the Bank Group's Sixth General Capital Increase,... (allAfrica.com)
President Boni Yayi in Tunis for Talks on Future Cooperation Sep 12, 2009
Tunis, 11 September 2009 - Benin Republic President, Boni Yayi arrived in Tunis on Thursday September 10, heading a strong ministerial delegation on a working visit to the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group ... Following his election in April 2006, President Yayi is focused on achieving accelerated and sustainable economic growth with a view to transforming Benin into an emerging economy, mainly through good governance, promotion of private sector activities, development of economic... (allAfrica.com)
Ghana, Togo direct security chiefs to meet on trans-border crimes Aug 27, 2009
"They noted with great satisfaction the contribution that the Co-Prosperity Alliance Zone comprising Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo could make in accelerating the process of regional integration," the communiqu=E9, read by Alhaji Mumuni said. On the political reforms Togo, the leaders appreciated the recent reforms in the Electoral Code and the restructuring of the Independent Electoral Commission and their impact on future elections. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Timeline: Nigeria Jul 27, 2009
circa 11th century onwards - Formation of city states, kingdoms and empires, including Hausa kingdoms and Borno dynasty in north, Oyo and Benin kingdoms in south. 1472 - Portuguese navigators reach Nigerian coast. (BBC News -- Africa)
Gadangme hope on its Unions in Europe Jul 24, 2009
This group again moved on to Ile Ife in Nigeria and the journey later continued to Boney in Dahomey (now Benin). At Boney they separated into five divisions and came to the then land of modern day Ghana where they settled at present day Greater Accra Region. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Nigeria: President Barack Obama in Ghana - Matters Arising Jul 11, 2009
Today Nigeria can only be strong if it is linked up with Benin, Togo, Ghana, Libya and. Author: richerson88 Fri Jul 10 18:23:19 2009. (allAfrica.com)
African Union in rift with court Jul 4, 2009
But, says BBC Africa analyst Martin Plaut, despite the Sudanese satisfaction a number of countries, including Chad and Benin, are reported to have expressed disquiet about the text. It is also limited in scope, our analyst adds. (BBC News)
Ondo Assembly asks govt to withhold council funds Jun 26, 2009
Meanwhile, all the removed chairmen and their councillors have appealed against the Wednesday judgment at the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin. Former Chairman of Akure South local council and leader of the state branch of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Adedayo Omolafe, said the legal team of the dissolved council administrators filed the papers yesterday. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
West Africa: Ecowas Targets 2020 for Single Currency Jun 24, 2009
UEMOA was created in 1994 by Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo and Guinea-Bissau. Two member countries, namely Cape Verde and Liberia, do not belong to either WAMZ or UEMOA, although they are under intense pressure to join. (allAfrica.com)
ECOWAS to pay G'Bissau troops, shifts single currency date Jun 23, 2009
" Chambas said that without the strengthening of the regional integration process, confronting the global economic meltdown would be impossible for any member-state. Besides Nigeria, the Presidents and Heads of Governments of Togo, Mali, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Benin Republic are attending the summit while Niger, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde and Guinea sent their Vice Presidents. In an 18-point statement issued at the end of its meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, WAMZ... (Guardian News, Nigeria)
SARS spurs China to act on AIDS Jun 21, 2009
Techniques to improve the nutritional content and processing of crops are better spread using video, suggests a programme in Benin. IN BRIEF: 09:00 21 June 2009 5 comments. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
View: Obama snubs Nigeria? Jun 16, 2009
" 'Giant of Africa'As the discussion or, more appropriately, the lecture went on, I found that the former career diplomat's discomfiture was caused, not by the apparent snub of "the Giant of Africa", as Nigerians love to describe their country, but by what he concluded was the death of Nigeria's foreign service. As far as my respected friend was concerned the government had declared the foreign service redundant. Nigeria has intervened in regional conflicts in Sierra Leone and Liberia "That... (BBC News -- Africa)
Gabon ready for funeral of Bongo Jun 16, 2009
The presidents of Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Sao Tome and Togo are among those expected to attend Tuesday's ceremony. Foreign dignitaries will pass in front of Mr Bongo's coffin at the presidential palace, where it has lain in state since last Thursday. (BBC News -- Africa)
Govt rejects choice of VCs on ethnic, religious bases Jun 1, 2009
Asked to state if the Federal Government would allow the Governing Council of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to appoint a vice chancellor in a situation in which the Binis want their kinsman to head the school, Egwu described the issue as a sad development. "There is no way a federal university can be turned to a community institution. Universities are universal centres of excellence, and appointment of vice chancellors cannot be reduced to where one comes from, or one's religion. "Again, this... (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Obamas Visit Whats In It For Us And U.S.? May 25, 2009
This $700 million onshore-offshore pipeline will run 681km from the Western Niger Delta of Nigeria via Benin and Togo to Ghana, and was cooperatively underwritten by the World Bank in 2004. The Bank, however, refused to underwrite the Bui Dam project designed to generate 400MW of electricity for Ghanaians. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Togo: Alleged Coup Attempt Tests Country's Stability May 7, 2009
Koukou Amegbl; told IRIN he was in his 30s when he fled to Benin during election violence. "It is not easy to leave your country and take refuge in another. I never wish to relive the experience in 2005 that forced me to [flee to] Benin. Whatever happens, I implore political actors to spare [us] the violence that would lead us outside our borders again.". (allAfrica.com)
Ekiti: The Untold Story May 3, 2009
The Guardian gathered that the stake in Ekiti became higher two months ago after the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin removed Dr. Agagu from office ... From there on, close political associates and some commissioners that served in his administration were reportedly never guarded in telling top political leaders from the area what Agagu confided in them during and after the Benin verdict. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Nigeria: Labour Threatens Strike Over Electoral Reform May 2, 2009
In Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole during the May Day rally in Benin, lifted the embargo on employment placed by previous administrations and appealed to Yar'Adua to avoid any obnoxious law that could weaken the labour movement in the country. This year's workers' day celebration witnessed a low turn-out in Ebonyi State apparently in compliance with the directive of the state's Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) which directed workers to shun the celebration as a result of the... (allAfrica.com)
THE PRESIDENT'S INTERVIEW Apr 30, 2009
But for now where we have the gas is up to Ajaokuta, Obajana Cement, Lagos and Port Harcourt and around Benin ... Besides this, we are working on the concessioning of two other major highways - Benin-Ore-Sagamu and Kano-Kaduna-Abuja ... From the information I got, they were from Benin Republic, waiting to be smuggled in. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Future at stake as PDP holds convention today Apr 20, 2009
The faction loyal to chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Tony Anenih, over the weekend met in Benin City to pick delegates for the event. Briefing newsmen after the meeting attended by factional chairman, Samson Ekhabafe, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Zakawanu Garuba, Majority Leader, Frank Okiye and other party faithful, the Publicity Secretary, Nosa Adams, said the meeting was to finalise arrangements on the convention and to mobilise delegation from the state. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Ghana .@50.com Apr 12, 2009
Major native kingdoms at the time were Futa Toro for Senegal, Futa Jalon for Sierra Leone, Kaarta, Boure and Macina forming the Empire of El Haj Omar (present day Mali); the Mossi States for Burkina; Dahomey for Benin and Togo, the Empire of Sokoto, Bornu, the Yoruba States and Adamawa as present day Nigeria courtesy Prelude to the Partition of West Africa, circa 1865 authored by John D. Hargreaves. Ghana, then Gold Coast would probably have been South Africa or Zimbabwe because the European... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Benin joins EU aviation blacklist Apr 9, 2009
The EU's blacklist of airlines banned from flying to the 27-nation bloc has been expanded to include all of Benin's carriers and six based in Kazakhstan ... All airlines certified in the West African state of Benin are banned "on the basis of the negative results of an audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)," the commission said on Wednesday. (BBC News -- Africa)
Nigeria: Yar'Adua Will Run in 2011, Says Minister Mar 16, 2009
Coming about the same time former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ex-governors met in Benin City ahead of his planned return to the party, Aliero's statement may have kickstarted permutations towards the 2011 election. Atiku reportedly met with the PDP ex-governors on Friday night ahead of last Saturday's wedding between Nosazena, the eldest daughter of former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion, to Mr. Ebeagbo Enaholo, which primarily brought all of them to... (allAfrica.com)
Nigeria: Alleged N25 Billion Fraud - EFCC Arrests Agagu Mar 5, 2009
Agagu was removed two weeks ago as governor of the state by the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City which voided his election and declared that the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, should take over immediately. EFCC sources said the former governor was arrested following a tip-off that he had perfected plans through a former aide to escape from the long arms of the law by fleeing the country. (allAfrica.com)
EFCC quizzes Agagu over alleged N25b fraud Mar 5, 2009
The EFCC might also want Agagu to render accounts on his six-year leadership in Ondo State, which ended last Tuesday when the Court of Appeal, Benin City, upheld the nullification of his election by the Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal, chaired by Justice Garuba Nabaruma. In the twilight of Agagu's second tenure, the anti-graft agency stopped the payment of about N14 billion cheques issued in respect of some contracts allegedly awarded hurriedly by the embattled governor. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
West Africas burdened democracy Feb 26, 2009
Only Mali, Ghana, Cape Verde and Benin are democratically free out of the 15 West African states surveyed ... Ghana, Mali, Cape Verde and Senegal are emerging as serious democracies, but one country standout in the regions democratic evolution - Benin Republic ... Yes, Ghanas democracy may be running into its 17th year and hailed globally but Benin tells the West African attempts at democratic consolidation better. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Nigeria: Elections Boss Rejects Calls to Resign Feb 26, 2009
Only on Tuesday, the Nigerian Labour Congress joined the call on the Federal Government to sack the INEC chairman on the heels of the voided governorship election of April 14, 2007 in Ondo State by the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, which subsequently declared the petitioner, Dr Olusegun Mimiko as duly elected governor of the state. In the past, countless individuals, civil society groups, activists and the Nigerian Bar Association among others had called for the removal of the INEC boss as... (allAfrica.com)
Nigeria: Ondo, Yet Another Landmark Judgment Feb 26, 2009
Indeed, Abdullahi seems to have also established himself as the nightmare of election riggers in the Benin division of the Appeal Court ... Even with the PDP still striding a large chunk of the political landscape, many have argued that the addition of Ondo on the list of states the ruling party has lost, may be the beginning of the steady climb to sound democratic ethos which have made Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Benin Republic the toast of the world from Africa. (allAfrica.com)
Rare cheetah captured on camera Feb 25, 2009
The animal is known with certainty to range in six countries: Algeria, Togo, Niger, Mali, Benin, and Burkina Faso. But the total population may be fewer than 250 mature individuals. (BBC News -- Africa)
Mimiko assumes office, pledges sweeping reforms Feb 25, 2009
The inauguration of the Labour Party (LP) administration yesterday ended his 22-month struggle to reclaim the mandate conferred on him on April 14, 2007, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) gave to Dr. Olusegun Agagu, who the Appeal Court, Benin Division, removed from office on Monday. The appellate court, which dismissed all the grounds of Agagu's appeal, affirmed the earlier verdict of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on July 25, 2008, which quashed... (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Mimiko takes over in Ondo, vows not to fail Feb 24, 2009
30 a.m. with a bomb disposal van packed at about 10 metres from the gate to the court situated along Auchi Road, Ikpoba Hill Benin, the Edo State capital. A Toyota Hilux Van with registration number AM 807 DGE mounted with a sub-machine gun was stationed directly opposite the court building entrance while stern-looking but polite uniformed and plain-clothes security operatives searched accredited persons at the gate. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Nigeria: New Governor Announced in Ondo State Feb 24, 2009
The Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, Edo State early yesterday affirmed the decision of the lower tribunal which had on July 25, 2008 declared Mimiko as the winner of the governorship election. The verdict ended the two-year legal tussle over the seat and put paid to the 21-month reign of former governor Olusegun Agagu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). (allAfrica.com)
Nigeria: Anxiety in Ondo State Over Guber Appeal Verdict Feb 20, 2009
Lagos Anxiety mounts in Akure, the Ondo State capital, and other major towns in the state as the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin-city delivers judgment on Monday in the state gubernatorial tussle ... Politicians in Ondo State were said to be gearing up to mobilise their supporters to Benin for the verdict ... The Spokesman of the Edo state Police Command, ASP Peter Ogboi, told reporters in Benin City, that the command had completed security arrangement, particularly within and outside the... (allAfrica.com)
Elections in Ghana and South Africa... Feb 19, 2009
of the National Democratic Institute, based in Washington, stated optimistically that: Hopefully, Ghana will continue to serve as a democratic role model for other African countries along with Benin, Botswana, Mali, Mauritius and South Africa. Mr. Fomunyoh s optimism may be somewhat misplaced in the case of South Africa, however. (Suite101.com)
Establish technically-based universities - Dr. Glover Feb 19, 2009
He promised to use his rich experience in tourism development and as chairman of the country's separate joint permanent commission for cooperation on tourism, with Benin and Cote d' Ivoire to develop the sector in the country. Dr. Glover urged government to rehabilitate roads in the region to facilitate the development of tourism. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Tribal chic moving in Feb 13, 2009
Grant recently traveled to Togo and Benin, two adjacent West African nations, bringing back turn-of-the-century currency. "There's interest now in some of the old throwing knives, disks and bones that were used as money, as well as some of the large, rustic furniture pieces," he said. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
Integration, security top ECOWAS agenda for 2009 Feb 8, 2009
The minister, who spoke on the implementation of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons - a major aspect of the regional integration programme - commended the Lagos State government for initiating a public-private sector partnership to expand the Lagos-Badagry-Seme Road, which leads to Benin Republic, to decongest traffic as well as facilitate free movement of persons, goods and services. IFAD, a UN specialised agency, which election comes up later in the month, the AU has endorsed choice... (Guardian News, Nigeria)
