General News
BENIN CITY WINS ONE MILLION DOLLAR GLOBAL INNOVATION PRIZE IN BLOOMBERG MAYOR’S CHALLENGE
Benin City, the Edo State capital, has secured a major international recognition after emerging among the top cities globally in the prestigious Bloomberg Mayor’s Challenge, winning a one million dollar innovation award. The global competition attracted participation from over six hundred cities worldwide, with only twenty-five cities across twenty countries making the final list. Notably, Benin City stands as one of only four cities in Africa to achieve this milestone.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, confirmed the development in a statement. The recognition places Benin City firmly on the global map of innovation and urban leadership, highlighting the city’s capacity to develop bold and practical solutions to pressing public challenges, particularly in healthcare delivery.
Reacting to the development, the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, described the achievement as a reflection of the state government’s commitment to innovation and the ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems across Edo State. This recognition is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of our team to transform healthcare delivery in Edo State, Governor Okpebholo said. It reinforces that bold ideas from Benin City can compete and win on the global stage.
The governor congratulated the Edo State Ministry of Health and the entire team that worked tirelessly on the initiative, noting that the award demonstrates the state’s growing reputation as a hub for forward-thinking governance and impactful public sector reforms. Governor Okpebholo also commended the people of Edo State for their continued support and confidence in the administration’s programmes and policies aimed at improving the welfare of citizens. Congratulations to my hardworking team and to the great people of Edo State, the governor added. The world is watching, and we are just getting started.
Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele noted that the Bloomberg Mayor’s Challenge is widely regarded as one of the most competitive global platforms for cities to present innovative solutions to urban challenges, with selected cities receiving funding and technical support to implement transformative ideas. The recognition, he stated, is a proud moment for Edo State and a validation of the government’s reform agenda.
Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated on Tuesday after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that it would prevent oil shipments from leaving the Middle East if the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets continue.
According to Iranian state media, the Revolutionary Guards said they would not allow “one litre of oil” to be exported from the region until the military operations against Iran are halted, raising fears of a major disruption to global energy supplies.
The warning prompted a sharp response from the U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened severe retaliation if Tehran attempts to block oil exports, particularly through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the United States would strike Iran “twenty times harder” if it interferes with the flow of oil through the critical shipping route.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, with roughly one-fifth of global oil supply passing through the narrow waterway daily. Any disruption could trigger sharp increases in oil prices and widespread economic instability.
The latest exchange of threats comes amid an escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has already disrupted shipping and energy markets across the region. Iran has launched missile and drone attacks in retaliation for joint U.S.–Israeli strikes, while Western governments warn the situation could significantly affect global oil supplies.
Energy analysts say an Iranian blockade of Middle Eastern oil exports could have catastrophic consequences for global markets, given the region’s central role in supplying crude oil to Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Despite the heated rhetoric, global markets have shown cautious optimism that the conflict may de-escalate, with some investors betting that diplomatic or military developments could bring the crisis to an end before it severely damages the global economy.
The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to exchange warnings, raising concerns about the risk of a broader regional confrontation and its potential impact on international energy security.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the nomination of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance.
The request was contained in a letter read during plenary by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in accordance with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires Senate confirmation for ministerial appointments.
President Tinubu nominated Oyedele last week to replace Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been reassigned to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as Minister of State. The new role marks her third portfolio since joining the administration.
Oyedele, 50, is from Ikaram in Akoko area of Ondo State. Before his nomination, he served as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, where he played a key role in efforts to reform and modernize Nigeria’s tax system.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 18 for the commencement of trial of a man, Innocent Chukwuma, accused of using social media to call on the military to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter on Monday following a request by the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, who asked the court for more time to study the case file.
Kaswe told the court during the resumed hearing that he had only recently been briefed on the matter after the Department of State Services (DSS) transferred the case file to his office.
He therefore requested an adjournment to enable him properly review the file before proceeding with the trial.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the case to May 18 and May 19 for trial.
Chukwuma had earlier been arraigned before the court over an alleged post on social media considered to be inciting.
Reports indicate that operatives of the Department of State Services tracked him to Oyigbo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was arrested.
The charge before the court, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025, is between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly posted on his X handle, “@TheAgroman,” calling for a coup in Nigeria and urging the military to suspend the current government.
Part of the post reportedly read: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now.”
The trial is expected to begin on the next adjourned date.