July 2025 | Page 30 of 48

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Is a Scam — Babachir Lawal Alleges

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has dismissed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as a scam, citing a lack of transparency and visible impact on Nigerians. Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Lawal said he does not believe the project addresses the developmental needs of the country. He criticized the current administration for what he described as nonexistent or minimal infrastructure delivery across regions, particularly in the North. “If you ask me, ‘What projects has this government implemented so far that are visible to Nigerians and have impacted their lives?’ I cannot see any,” Lawal said, adding, “In the South-West, I don’t think there is any either. They are still talking about the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway — a project every government mentions, funds, but never completes.” He was especially scathing about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, calling it a premeditated fraud: “Even before they started, we knew it would be a scam, and it has become a scam.” The highway’s first 30-kilometre phase — from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in Lagos — was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu in May 2025. The entire project spans 700 kilometres and is estimated to cost about ₦15 trillion, with the Federal Government securing a $747 million loan in June to support its execution. Lawal questioned the value of such loans, suggesting that borrowed funds are often exhausted overseas before any real development occurs locally. “You borrow money from Europe, and before it comes, it is spent over there. What can Nigerians see? What are they doing with our money?” he queried. The project has faced widespread criticism, including from opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, as well as from property owners affected by demolitions along the construction corridor. Despite the backlash, Minister of Works David Umahi has insisted the coastal highway is a “catalyst for economic growth”, promising it will benefit all regions of the country. “When people stop the suspicion and digest the coastal road project very well, they will know it’s a catalyst for the growth of every state in this country,” Umahi told the Senate Committee on Works in December 2024. As debate over the project continues, public skepticism remains strong, especially amid Nigeria’s mounting debt profile and the lack of visible progress on major infrastructure.

Where Is President Tinubu? Nigerians Question His Whereabouts After BRICS Summit Ends

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Many Nigerians are raising eyebrows over the whereabouts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, days after the conclusion of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which ended three days ago. President Tinubu had embarked on a two-nation trip to Saint Lucia and Brazil starting Saturday, June 28, 2025, according to an official statement issued by the Presidency prior to his departure. The itinerary listed no further engagements beyond the BRICS summit and commemorative events in Saint Lucia, leaving many wondering why the President has yet to return — or even be seen publicly — since the summit ended. Despite mounting curiosity, no statement has been released by the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or any senior government official to clarify the President’s current location or activities. “Is it possible that the Nigerian President’s aircraft is passing through a zone where time is standing still?” a concerned X user sarcastically asked, tagging @grok and other monitoring platforms. The silence has further fuelled speculation on social media, with some questioning whether the President may have extended his trip for undisclosed reasons, or if something more serious is being kept under wraps. This is not the first time President Tinubu’s international travels have sparked opacity concerns. Previous trips have drawn criticism for lack of timely updates, unclear objectives, and absence of media briefings — trends that continue to worry citizens eager for transparency in governance. As of now, the Presidency has remained tight-lipped, and Nigerians continue to wait for answers on where their President is — and why he hasn’t returned home or addressed the nation.

Ghanaian Diplomat’s Aide Dies After Abduction in Abuja, Police Launch Investigation

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Freda Arnong, a staff member of the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, has died following an alleged abduction and assault, sparking concern within the diplomatic community in Nigeria’s capital. The tragic incident, which reportedly occurred on Monday, July 1, was confirmed to TheCable by officials of the Ghanaian mission. Arnong served as a Domestic Assistant to the Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission. “Yes… Ms. Freda Arnong was a Domestic Assistant to the Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission. The Police CID is investigating,” a staff member of the High Commission said on Wednesday. According to reports by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, Arnong boarded a taxi around 7:00 p.m. at Transcorp Junction, Abuja. The vehicle was reportedly already occupied by four unidentified men. The cab allegedly diverted from its original route under suspicious circumstances. She was later found in critical condition along Airport Road by a passerby, who rushed her to the National Hospital, Abuja. Arnong sadly succumbed to her injuries by Monday afternoon, sources familiar with the matter said. Her body has since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy and preservation. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is currently handling the case, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the culprits. The incident has sparked renewed concern among foreign missions and expatriates in the capital over security and safety. When contacted, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, had yet to provide an official response as of press time. The Ghanaian High Commission said it is cooperating with Nigerian authorities and closely following the investigation.

Tension in Ifako-Ijaiye: APC Loyalists Assault LP Agent at Lagos Polling Unit

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Some aggrieved loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Lagos State, reportedly assaulted the Labour Party (LP) polling agent, Spencer Dominic, on Saturday at polling unit 027 along Yaya Abatan, Ogba. The incident occurred during the local government elections, moments before the APC candidate, Usman Akanbi Hamzat, arrived to cast his vote. According to eyewitnesses, APC supporters confronted the LP agent and ordered him to move away from behind the electoral officers. When he refused, insisting on staying to monitor the process for transparency, the situation escalated. The loyalists allegedly dragged, slapped, and shouted at him in full view of security personnel who reportedly failed to intervene. Narrating the incident, Dominic said: “I was standing behind the electoral officers to ensure transparency and verify voter cards as people arrived to vote. Suddenly, the APC supporters told me to leave the spot. I refused, and they began beating me.” In response, an APC leader, Gbenga Adebowale, defended the action, stating that the LP agent had no right to stand behind electoral officials and question the credentials of voters, especially the sitting council chairman. “You don’t question the chairman of the council as a polling agent. There are rules. Polling agents are expected to maintain a certain distance. When you stand behind the electoral officers, it’s seen as an attempt to disrupt the process,” Adebowale said. The election in Lagos was generally marked by low voter turnout, with reports of voter apathy across several polling units in the state. The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is yet to officially comment on the incident.

Trump’s Such Good English Comment to Liberian President Sparks Backlash

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Liberians have reacted with confusion, frustration, and anger after United States President Donald Trump expressed surprise at President Joseph Boakai’s English proficiency during a White House meeting. “Such good English. Such beautiful English,” Trump remarked during a bilateral engagement on Wednesday with five West African leaders. “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where? In Liberia?” he added, prompting criticism from many Liberians who viewed the comments as patronizing. The remarks have drawn backlash, especially given that English is Liberia’s official language, a legacy of its founding by formerly enslaved African Americans in the 1800s. The country shares deep historical, political, and cultural ties with the United States, modeling its institutions—including the presidency, flag, and legal system—after those of Washington. Foday Massaquio, of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change, said the exchange was a reflection of the West’s ongoing disregard for African leaders. “President Trump was condescending. He was very disrespectful to the African leader.” Kula Fofana, spokesperson for President Boakai, tried to play down the controversy, saying the administration prefers to focus on the substantive issues discussed at the summit, including strengthening US-Liberia relations. Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, also weighed in, stating via X (formerly Twitter) that Trump’s remarks were simply a recognition of Liberia’s American-influenced linguistic heritage, and that “no offence was taken.” Still, many Liberians were not appeased. “President Boakai didn’t go to Washington for an English-speaking competition,” said Moses Dennis, a businessman from Monrovia. “Trump should have known that Liberia is an English-speaking country.” Siokin Civicus Barsi-Giah, an ally of former President George Weah, said the comment was not praise but mockery. “Joseph Boakai was not praised. He was mocked by the greatest president in the world, who is leading the greatest country in the world.” Critics also connected the remarks to wider discontent over Trump’s recent dissolution of USAID and a pivot away from foreign aid. Liberia, long dependent on U.S. assistance, was hit hard by the funding cut, which affected health, education, and infrastructure support. Abraham Julian Wennah, a researcher at the African Methodist Episcopal University, noted that such language from Western leaders often carries implicit bias: “In postcolonial contexts, language has long been weaponised to question legitimacy and competence.” However, Wennah added that within the context of Trump’s rhetorical style, the comments could also be interpreted as a crude form of admiration, albeit poorly delivered. Despite official efforts to downplay the incident, many Liberians say the episode has reinforced a sense of betrayal by a country they long viewed as a “big brother.” Ask ChatGPT

Wimbledon: Sinner Stops Djokovic, to Battle Alcaraz in Final

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

World no. 1 Jannik Sinner will play in his fourth consecutive Major final, and the first at Wimbledon. Jannik faced the seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-final on Centre Court and scored a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory in an hour and 54 minutes. Thus, the Italian sets up title clash against his greatest rival, Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner bested Djokovic for the fifth time in a row, becoming the second player to achieve that after Rafael Nadal. Novak played well en route to the semi-final at 38. However, he experienced a nasty fall in the closing stages of his quarter-final duel against Flavio Cobolli. The Serb could not move well against world no. 1, avoiding slides and failing to impose his strokes. Djokovic forged an early advantage in the third set. However, Sinner erased the deficit and brought the victory home following a rock-solid performance. The Italian lost 17 points on serve, six in the opening two sets. He lost serve once and grabbed 42% of the return points. Jannik turned them into ten break chances and seized five to control the scoreboard and seal the deal in straight sets. World no. 1 played flawless tennis in the opener, serving well and delivering two breaks for 6-3. The younger player grabbed another break early in the second set and kept the advantage for a massive 6-3, 6-3 lead in under 70 minutes. Novak led 3-0 in the third set and ha d a break point in the fourth game. However, the 24-time Major winner wasted it and lost ground. Jannik climbed back with a break in game five and moved in front with another at 3-3. Djokovic saved two match points on serve in game nine before Sinner seized the third on his serve in the next one for a place in his first Wimbledon final.

The Most Expensive Bag In The World: Jane Birkin’s Original Hermès Birkin Bag Sells for Record $10.1 Million

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The very first Hermès Birkin bag, once owned by the late British-French icon Jane Birkin, has sold for a staggering $10.1 million, setting a new world record for the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction, according to Sotheby’s. The iconic black leather accessory—crafted in 1984 and gifted to Birkin following a chance encounter with Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas aboard a flight from Paris to London—became the prototype for what would evolve into the ultimate status symbol. Birkin, who told Dumas she couldn’t find a stylish, practical bag as a young mother, inspired the fashion mogul to sketch what would become the Birkin bag. Designed with saddle stitching and a spacious build, it was born out of both function and flair. Though retail Birkin bags typically range between $20,000 to $30,000, they can command exponentially higher prices on the secondary market depending on rarity, color, and material. However, this historic piece transcended fashion—Sotheby’s noted its sale as a blend of celebrity legacy, design history, and cultural significance. Jane Birkin famously personalized the bag with stickers and charms representing her activism, including Médecins du Monde and UNICEF, transforming the luxury item into a canvas of humanitarian expression. She originally auctioned it in 1994 to support AIDS charities. Despite its fame, Birkin herself later admitted the bag was “too heavy” and rarely used it, opting instead to “fill her pockets like a man.” In interviews, she often dismissed the notion of being a fashion icon, saying she simply wore what she liked without regard for trends. Birkin passed away in 2023 at age 76, two years after suffering a stroke. Her namesake bag lives on—not just as a fashion statement, but now as a $10.1 million symbol of design, rarity, and a life well-lived.

Nigeria Says Dozens of Gunmen Killed in Military Operations Across Northwest and Northeast

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s military has reported killing dozens of armed men in separate operations across the country’s troubled northwest and northeast regions. In Katsina State, northwest Nigeria, authorities said security forces repelled coordinated attacks on multiple villages on Tuesday, killing at least 30 suspected gunmen. The state’s commissioner for internal affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, said the assailants were intercepted by troops and police after launching deadly raids that left a civilian, two soldiers, and three policemen dead. “Our gallant security forces successfully repelled the attackers. Thirty of the criminals were neutralised through coordinated air strikes as they attempted to escape,” Mua’zu said in a statement on Thursday. “We are working tirelessly with federal security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens.” In a separate operation in the country’s northeast, the Nigerian Army said 24 insurgents were “neutralised” between July 4 and 9 during joint land and air offensives in Borno State, targeting fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). “These coordinated operations were supported by close air support and local forces,” said Army spokesperson Reuben Kovangiya. “The operations underscore the determination of Operation Hadin Kai troops to place terrorists on the back foot and restore socioeconomic activities in the North East.” The northeast has been plagued by extremist violence since the Boko Haram insurgency erupted in 2009. Over 35,000 people have been killed and more than two million displaced, according to United Nations figures. Meanwhile, the northwest remains plagued by armed gangs involved in banditry and mass abductions. Despite occasional peace accords, including a recent one in Katsina with several bandit leaders, attacks and insecurity persist in the region. Nigerian military claims in similar operations have faced skepticism in the past, with independent verification often limited due to restricted media access to affected areas.