Oba Ghandi Appoints New Imam, Identifies His Roles 

Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has on Friday appointed new Imam,Habib Ahmed Adekunle.

This is coming amidst rift with the Ogbomoso Chief Imam, Sheikh Tolihat Yunus Ayilara.

The conferement of the new Imam was done immediately after a special prayer organized by Ogbomoso Muslim community to celebrate Oba Ghandi’s 63rd birthday anniversary.

Identifying roles of the new Imam after issueing letter of appointment, Oba Ghandi, said he will assume the position of “The Imam of Soun’s Palace”.

The monarch further explained that the Imam of Soun’s Palace will not only lead prayers within the palace but also represent him in religious matters concerning the Muslim community both within the town and beyond.

“I firmly believe that the peaceful coexistence of all religious bodies is essential to fostering growth and progress in Ogbomoso. I remain committed to supporting and promoting this unity for the benefit of everyone in our community.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and pray with me.” Oba Ghandi’s statement reads in part.

 

Al Ahli Signs Victor Osimhen for €80 Million: A Game-Changing Move in Middle Eastern Football

In a groundbreaking transfer that has sent shockwaves through the global football community, Al Ahli Football Club has officially announced the signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli for a reported fee of €80 million.

This deal not only solidifies Al Ahli’s ambition to elevate their status in the footballing world but also highlights the growing competitiveness of leagues outside of Europe.

A New Chapter for Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen’s transfer to Al Ahli comes on the heels of an impressive stint at Napoli, where he emerged as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. His contributions were pivotal in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph, as he finished as the league’s top scorer, showcasing his remarkable speed, aerial ability, and clinical finishing.

The 24-year-old forward has quickly established himself as a key player for both club and country. With over 50 caps for Nigeria and a stellar track record in European competitions, Osimhen has caught the attention of top clubs across the continent. However, his decision to join Al Ahli is a testament to the club’s ambitions and the growing allure of the Saudi Pro League.

Al Ahli’s Ambitious Vision

Al Ahli, one of the most historic football clubs in Saudi Arabia, has made significant efforts in recent years to attract top talent and increase its competitiveness. With this signing, the club aims to bolster its squad ahead of the upcoming season, and Osimhen’s addition is expected to play a crucial role in their pursuit of domestic and continental glory.

The substantial investment of €80 million represents more than just a transfer fee; it is a strategic move aimed at placing Al Ahli on the global football map. Osimhen’s experience in high-pressure situations will be vital as the club looks to challenge for titles in the Saudi Professional League and make a mark in the AFC Champions League

Victor Osimhen’s arrival is likely to have a ripple effect throughout the Saudi Pro League. His transfer signifies the league’s growing capacity to attract elite talent, which will elevate the standard of football in the region. As teams across the league invest heavily in their squads, the competition for both domestic and international supremacy will intensify.

Additionally, Osimhen’s presence will surely excite fans, not just in Jeddah, but throughout the kingdom and beyond. His marketability and playing style will attract attention, prompting increased viewership and attendance at matches, thereby enhancing the overall profile of the league.

The signing of Victor Osimhen for €80 million marks a pivotal moment in Al Ahli’s history and the broader trajectory of Middle Eastern football. As the landscape evolves, clubs in the region are positioning themselves as serious players on the world stage. With Osimhen leading the charge, Al Ahli is poised to make significant strides in domestic competitions and beyond. Football fans around the globe will undoubtedly be watching closely as this exciting chapter unfolds.

What’s Next?

As the transfer window continues, all eyes will be on Al Ahli to see how they integrate Osimhen into their squad and what further moves they might make to solidify their championship ambitions. The world of football is ever-changing, and with such dynamic shifts in player movement, the excitement is palpable. Stay tuned for more updates on Osimhen’s journey in the Saudi Pro League, and what this means for the future of the game in the region.

 

How Dealers Frustrated Our N3,500/ Bag Policy – BUA 

The Chairman of  BUA Cement, Alh. Abdul Samad Rabiu, yesterday recounted how cement dealers frustrated his company’s N3, 500/bag policy, last year. 

He spoke at the 8th Annual General Meeting of the company in Abuja.

He said that while his company sold over a million tones of cement to dealers at N3, 500, per bag, with the intention that they would pass the benefits to end-users, the dealers sold a bag of cement to consumers at as high as N7000 and N8,000.

A ton is equal to 20 bags of 50 kg weight.

He said the company had to discontinue the policy as its intervention was not to subsidise dealers.

According to him,  BUA Cement could not stop the dealers whom he said made huge profits from the high margin because the company had no control over prices in the open market.

He added that the Naira devaluation last year and the fuel subsidy removal also played roles in making the policy unsustainable. 

Alh Rabiu said, “We were selling cement at N3,500 with the expectation that the dealers and the retailers would pass the benefits of the low price to the end-user customers. 

“It’s such that whatever price you sell cement at, you pay. It doesn’t matter what happens if the price doubles or triples if it’s less than that. So, we didn’t actually have that price.

“So, a lot of the dealers took advantage of that policy.  Rather than pass the low prices to the customers,  they were selling at even double the price we sold to them.

“Some were selling at N7, 000 and 8 000 per bag. They made a lot of money from.the very high margin.  I think we had sold  more than a million tons, yes at N3,500 before we realised what the dealers were doing.”

“And then, because of the issues that Nigeria faced at the time about devaluation of the.Naira last year and the removal of fuel subsidy, we could not continue that policy.

“We wanted that price to stay at that level but dealers refused. So, we could not sustain that simply because we did not want to be in a situation where we are subsidizing dealers. We are subsidizing the dealers.

“So, I’m referring to the point where the FX rates, the exchange rates, from when we decided to sell it at N3,500, the rate was about N600 to maybe N1,800, N1,900 to the US Dollar. So, it became even more challenging and more difficult for us to actually sustain that price.”

 DSS Secures Court Order To Freeze 20 Bank Accounts Linked To Alleged Female Terrorist

The Department of State Services (DSS) has obtained a Federal High Court order in Abuja to freeze 20 bank accounts connected to a suspected female terrorist, Aisha Abdulkarim.

 Reports indicate that these accounts, spread across eight different banks, will remain frozen for 60 days, allowing the DSS to conduct forensic investigations into the alleged terrorist activities associated with the account holder.

Justice Peter Lifu issued the freezing order following an ex-parte application presented by the DSS.

The secret police argued that the freezing order was essential to facilitate their investigation without hindrance.

In addition to Aisha Abdulkarim, the DSS has also detained Yehusa Idris and Abdullahi Babayo Umar in connection with the same alleged terrorist activities. They were apprehended at different locations by the security agency.

The DSS’s legal representative, Yunus Ishaku Umar, emphasized to Justice Lifu that access to the bank accounts was crucial for the ongoing investigation. The ex-parte application, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1036/2024, was reviewed by the court during the proceedings.

The accounts are held at various financial institutions, including Opay Digital Services Limited, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Union Bank of Nigeria, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

The account distribution is as follows: five accounts each at Access Bank and Moniepoint, four at Opay, two at UBA, and one each at GTB, First Bank, Union Bank, and FCMB.

Although the DSS initially sought a 90-day freeze on the accounts, Justice Lifu granted a 60-day period, urging the agency to expedite its investigation.

The judge also noted that, according to the law, the suspected terrorists are presumed innocent until proven guilty and should not face undue hardship due to the account freeze during the investigation.

 Court Freezes N178.7 million After Banker Allegedly Diverts Customers’ Money Meant For Dollar Purchase

The Federal High Court in Abuja has frozen approximately N178,750,000 held in eight Nigerian banks, due to alleged fraudulent practices by a suspect resulting in a failed USDT transaction.

The order was made against Teehbiz Logistics, Ibisi Anthony Emeka, Ibisi Anthony, Stephixx Nigeria Limited, and Teehbiz Global Services Limited, following a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, as seen exclusively in its motion ex parte (filed on August 19, 2024), marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1204/2024.

The motion ex parte (filed by Barrister Stanley O. Obila) is an application where a party seeks a court order against others without notifying the latter in advance.

EFCC’s Allegations Against the Suspect

According to the EFCC’s affidavit in support, deposed by Halima Bello, an investigator attached to the Procurement Fraud Section of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the commission received a petition on January 17, 2024, submitted by Patloma Partners on behalf of Mr. Anikwe Ifeanyi against one Anthony Emeka Ibisi, alleging fraud involving N178,750,000.00.

The petition alleges that in September 2023, the suspect, Ibisi, approached the petitioner and presented himself as an employee of Guaranty Trust Bank PLC with the ability to help process foreign currency amounting to N178,750,000.00 through the official window of the bank for the petitioner’s partners outside Nigeria.

Mr. Anikwe Ifeanyi, a businessman working with Phlex Solutions Ltd, was said to have paid N178,750,000.00 in various tranches to the suspect’s company accounts in the identified banks.

“Upon receiving the money, the suspect failed to transfer the USDT equivalent to the petitioner’s partners outside Nigeria as agreed, which negatively impacted the petitioner’s business.

“All efforts to contact the suspect to either make refunds or deliver the agreed dollar equivalent failed, as the suspect became evasive,” the EFCC investigator added.

USDT is a symbol for Tether, a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar.

The EFCC further noted that upon preliminary investigation into the suspect’s statement of account, it was found that the suspect transferred various amounts of money into certain bank accounts allegedly linked to him.

The official stated that the preliminary investigation is ongoing, and there is a need to preserve the funds in the accounts listed to prevent their dissipation.

The Commission argued that if the funds are dissipated, it would render any subsequent court order useless if the suspect is eventually found guilty and convicted after prosecution.

“It is in the interest of justice to grant the freezing order to preserve the said money, stem the trend of fraudulent practices in our society, and deny the suspect the opportunity to enjoy proceeds suspected to be from unlawful activity,” the motion added.

What Transpired in Court 

At the resumed hearing on Monday, August 26, 2024, EFCC counsel Barrister Muazu B. Bayara urged the court to authorize the EFCC or an authorized officer of the Commission to direct the Managing Directors of the identified banks to freeze the accounts as per the affidavit.

He stressed that the court action is part of an investigation into criminal breach of trust and obtaining by false pretenses, and should remain in effect until the investigation is complete.

Ruling on the motion, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC application, finding it meritorious. However, he added that the order shall elapse after a period of 90 days.

The court subsequently adjourned the case to November 26, 2024, for a report on the EFCC’s conclusion of the investigation.

What This Means 

Tether USDT is a popular payment method among Nigerian remote workers and freelancers working for foreign firms.

The court has temporarily frozen some bank accounts due to EFCC allegations of fraud related to failed USDT transactions.

It is expected that those involved may file their respective processes for or against the freezing order.

 

Jailed After Forging More Than 2000 Marriage Certificates For Nigerian Nationals

Four people have been jailed after forging more than 2,000 marriage certificates to help people live in the UK illegally.

Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41), Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38), Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31), and Adekunle Kabir (54), were all sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court in London on Tuesday.

The Home Office said the four were part of an organised criminal group that made fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications for Nigerian nationals.

They carried out the enterprise between March 2019 and May last year, and were also found to have provided false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documentation to help applicants remain in the country.

An investigation from the Home Office in the UK and Lagos found more than 2,000 false marriage documents were facilitated by the group, who themselves were Nigerian.

Home Office chief immigration officer Paul Moran said: "This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice.

"As with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain. I am delighted that my team was able to intercept their operation, and I hope these convictions will serve as a warning to unscrupulous gangs who exploit people's desperation to remain in the UK.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money."

Onifade, from Gravesend in Kent, and Shodipo, from Manchester, were both found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud. They were jailed for six years and five years respectively.

Gbadamosi, from Bolton, was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation and sentenced to six years.

Kabir, from London, was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but was cleared of obtaining leave to remain by deception. He was jailed for nine months.

 OPC Urges Tinubu To Restore Pipeline Security Contract

The Oodua People's Congress (OPC) founded by Late Dr. Fredrick Isiotan Fasehun has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore the pipeline security contract to the organization to enhance the energy security of the country.

This appeal was handed out by the president of the organization, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi during the 30th anniversary ceremony of the organization held in Lagos on Thursday, August 29th 2024.

Otunba Afolabi appealed to President Tinubu to give opportunity to the organization to contribute its own quota to the energy security of Nigeria by restoring the pipeline security contract which was cancelled by former president Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the OPC boss, the restoration of the contract will not only help to checkmate oil pipeline vandalism across the South-west states but also tackle unemployment in the region including Kogi, Kwara and Edo states.

Otunba Afolabi remarked that OPC which was formed as a child of necessity in 1994 by Dr. Fredrick Fasehun had fought vigorously for the restoration of democratic rule in the country by mobilizing the bravest and the best of Yoruba race to fight for the restoration of the June 12 mandate of Chief MKO Abiola.

He added: "The result of OPC's courage and sacrifice is the democracy that Nigerians have today."

During the struggle for the restoration of democracy in the country, Otunba Afolabi stated that many OPC loyalists died, even as many others shed their blood while others lost everything they ever worked for without any hope of compensation.

Regrettably, the OPC boss noted that the organization has received virtually zero-benefit in the struggle for democracy for which it sacrificed so much to produce. "In the last 25 years of civilian rule, Yoruba land has been blessed with two sons as Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

"In the last 25 years, each of the six states of Yoruba land has had at least four governors. Put together, the entire South-west has been ruled by no fewer than 32 elected governors. Which of them has remembered OPC? Which of the 137 local government areas of the South-west with over 1000 council chairmen can boast of doing anything for OPC since 1999?. He queried.

As a panacea for moving the country out of its social and economic down turn, Otunba Afolabi advised government to listen to the NLC and #EndbadGovernance agitators. "Let the poor breathe. Give us affordable electricity, education, fuel, gas and food," Otunba Afolabi advised.

 

I Didn’t Waste Money I Got From Gov Yusuf – Bayero’s Daughter

Zainab Jummai Ado Bayero, one of the daughters of the late Emir of Kano, has refuted claims that she squandered the money Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf gave her family. 

In June this year, Bayero had come out to the public to seek financial support when she, alongside her mother and brother, was on the brink of being evicted from a Lagos apartment.

According to Zainab, her family had been going through a lot of difficulties since the demise of their father including not having accommodation of their own and money to continue with their education.

Following the plea, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, reached out to the royal family to settle their accommodation bill and other expenses

In a statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, said he had visited Lagos on Tuesday 25th June, 2024 at the behest of the governor to meet with the General Manager of the apartment where the Ado Bayero family had lived since early this year, Mr. Sunel Kumar, who vowed to evict them.

Zainab, who thanked the governor for the gesture, reportedly said that the intervention had come at the right time as some youths had been mobilised to evict them from the apartment because they were unable to pay the rent.

However, two months later, Bayero came out again to solicit for more help, pleading that they needed more money to be able to settle their bills and take her brother back to school.

This generated mixed reactions as some persons said she squandered the money the governor sent to her and the family.

But in an interview with news men, Zainab refuted the allegation of squandering the money released by the governor.

She said she was not being greedy and has no intentions to extort Governor Yusuf, adding that she only came out to the media again because they needed more help to buy house and get her brother back to school.

“I can’t be in this situation with no home, my brother not in school and we’ll be going out from place to place. I decided to plead with him (the governor) again. I did interviews, and in those interviews, I thanked him. I’m not blackmailing him but said we need more help to get my brother back to school, to get a home, anything he wants to help us with. I was trying to reach out to him that instead of rent, maybe if he could buy us a home. I was pleading, seeking his assistance. That was why I went back to the media but he felt he has given us enough, he could have just made that clear but not making it seem like I’m greedy or I’m trying to blackmail him. I’m not greedy. I’m not trying to extort the governor if that’s what they’re trying to put out there. That’s not the case.”

She added, “I’m all over the social media being seeing as someone who is greedy. It is easy to judge what you don’t know. My story goes a long way. This is not something that started two months ago. It has been going on for 10 years. I keep saying that it’s like people don’t understand what’s going on. Ever since my Dad died 10 years ago, his family denied us any part of his inheritance and that is why this journey has been going on this way, where we have been trying to survive.”

Zainab lamented how their siblings and people close to their father abandoned them after his death.

 NFF Confirms German Bruno Labbadia As New Super Eagles Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that it has reached an agreement with German tactician, Bruno Labbadia, to become the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said in the early hours of Tuesday: “The NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Mr. Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The appointment is with immediate effect.”

Born in Darmstadt, Germany on 8th February 1966, Labbadia, who won two caps for Die Mannschaft in his playing career that took him through clubs such as home-town team Darmstadt 98, Hamburger SV, FC Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich, FC Cologne, Werder Bremen, Armenia Bielefeld and Karlsruher SC, triumphed in the German Bundesliga with Bayern Munich as a player in 1994. 

He coached famous names Hertha Berlin and VfB Stuttgart this decade, and previously, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen, among others, and holds a UEFA Pro License.

He is only the sixth German, after Karl-Heinz Marotzke (who had two stints between 1970 and 1974), Gottlieb Göller (1981), Manfred Höner (1988-1989), Berti Vogts (2007-2008) and Gernot Rohr (2016-2021) to lead the Super Eagles. Höner led the Eagles to runner-up position at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, while Rohr qualified and led Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

Labbadi’s immediate challenge is to take charge of the three-time African champions for two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic (Saturday 7th Septemberin Uyo) and Rwanda (Tuesday, 10th Septemberin Kigali), with four other matches to conclude the qualifying race following in the months of October and November.

 

Primate Ayodele Warns Osimhen Against Joining Chelsea 

Nigerian prophet Primate Ayodele has issued a second warning to Victor Osimhen about his future as the Napoli forward seeks a move away from Italy. 

Osimhen has been the most talked about and sought-after striker in Europe during this transfer window, as he is expected to leave Napoli after four seasons at the club. 

Paris Saint-Germain were initially in discussions for his signature but walked out of the deal after an agreement could not be reached with the Italian Serie A.

Chelsea have been the club who have sounded out the Neapolitans in the past week for a move, but nothing has materialised with the Blues’ loan offer rebuffed.

The Nigerian prophet has spoken to the Super Eagles striker for the second time, warning him that a move to Chelsea could be perilous for his flourishing career.

“Osimhen cannot work in Chelsea, if he goes to Chelsea he will not shine. Let him be looking for Arsenal,” he said in a video circulating on social media .

Ayodele initially warned the Napoli striker weeks ago that he should avoid going to Stamford Bridge at all costs as it could be the end of his career because he will flop.

The move to Chelsea hangs in the balance, with the Blues wanting to do the deal on their terms, while Napoli and Osimhen also insist on their terms with five days left in the window.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano last night reported that Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are close to reaching an agreement with Napoli over a package worth €65 million, even though the player has yet to agree on personal terms.

The reports originated from the English media, and Vincenzo Credendino debunked it as false news that he wants to be the Premier League’s highest-paid player.

 

How Adebutu Collected N650m To Work Against  Atiku’s Election In 2019 – Akinlade

 The deputy governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic (PDP) candidate in the 2023 general election in Ogun, Adekunle Akinlade, has alleged that his former boss, Ladi Adebutu, sacrificed the presidential election in 2023 for his personal ambition.

He further alleged that Adebutu refused to release campaing fund for mobilisation until the morning of the election.

He revealed that Adebutu also collected N650m cash to work against PDP in the 2019 general election.

The former House of Representatives member said despite the huge money, Adebutu added no value to the election as he lost his ward, his local government and the senatorial district to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akinlade, who was the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, in the 2019 election, in a statement submitted to the PDP caretaker Committee in Ogun, said Adebutu’s anti-party was responsible for the PDP coming fourth with 70,000 votes in the election.

In 2019, Adebutu battled the ticket of the PDP with late Senator Buruji Kashamu, who was later favoured by the court few days to the election.

In the statement tagged ‘My Position’, a copy of which was obtained by the media, Akinlade also alleged that Adebutu’s high handedness cost the PDP victory in the 2023 election.

“In the buildup to the 2019 general elections, the ‘leader’ collected N650, 000,000 cash from us to support my candidature in APM against his party’s candidate while remaining in PDP."

Asked who was the 'leader' Akinlade said it was Adebutu, confirming further, “About three days when Buruji Kashamu emerged as the candidate of the party, some people reached out to Adebutu and his group that they should come and support my candidature in APM.

“Naturally in politics, except for people like us who do things with passion, they requested for money and we gave then N650m cash, we gave the money, they took the money and eat the money and did nothing because he lost his ward, he lost his local government, he lost his senatorial district, he did not win it for me in that election.”

According to him, all pleas by the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to have former Governor Gbenga Daniel on the PDP’s ballot as senatorial candidate in 2023 were rebuked by Adebutu, the development which he said cost PDP three House of Reps seats in Ogun East.

“In 2022, the PDP presidential candidate, H.E. Atiku Abubakar visited Ogun State twice to plead with him to allow Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a two-time governor of the state, his political benefactor, to run on PDP platform as the senatorial candidate, but in his usual high handedness, he vehemently refused. This action cost PDP the three House of Representatives seats in Ogun East, at least.

“In February 2023, the presidential campaign funds was delivered to Dr Sunday Solarin at ParkInn Hotel Abeokuta, he did not disburse the funds until early morning on election day…we later found out that he deliberately jeopardised the presidential election for his personal ambition.”

Responding, Adebutu described Akinlade as a terrible ingrate adding that the PDP was only mobilised in 2019 election and that he had to made available additional fund for election logistics.

Ade but who spoke through his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, who’s also a member of Caretaker Committee in the state, said the PDP did not engage in anti-party activity but a decision made with consultation with the national leadership of the PDP.

“He’s saying he gave N650m, did he have that money? Where would he get N650m in 2019? And did Ladi Adebutu collected any Kobo from him? Was he there when Gov. Amosun sent their party leaders to meet with the party leaders of PDP then?

“It was an alliance just like we also enjoyed in 2023 which was made public. It was not as if it was an anti-part activity that was done under disguise, it was in the public glare.

“No Kobo was given to Adebutu as a person, leadership of their party mobilised the leadership of the party for logistics and not to Ladi Adebutu, of which Ladi Adebutu still gave additional fund to support that mobilisation,” he said.

 How Zainab Ado Bayero Lavishes N10 Million Grant From Kano Government In Two Months

There are fresh account on how Princess Zainab Jummai Bayero, the daughter of the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero received N10 million from Kano State Government to offset her financial liability.

Zainab last Friday granted exclusive interview with Premium Times specifically requesting Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf to support her housing and financial needs.

But before the recent public outcry, Zainab had made similar appeal in June 2024 for financial assistance to settle backlog of house rent in Lagos, an emotional concern that attracted the attention of Gov. Yusuf who urgently approved the necessary financial support.

Barely two months later, Zainab had opened up again about the struggles her family has endured since her father’s death. She revealed that they have been living in precarious conditions, moving from one hotel to another, and have been unable to secure a stable home.

“I know a lot of people will be very surprised that the daughter of an Emir is in this kind of situation,” Zainab said, describing the challenges of being born into a polygamous family where divisions became more pronounced after her father’s death.

“His death left a void within the family. Everyone was alone, especially me, my mother, and my younger brother. We were not given a part of his estate, so we were left in a terrible situation, which has been going on for 10 years.”

She told Premium Times that her family has been trying to rebuild their lives and find a permanent residence, preferably in Lagos, where they hope to start anew. 

She added that the escalating cost of living, particularly the high real estate prices in Lagos, has made this aspiration challenging. Zainab estimated that they would need around N150 million to purchase a house in Lagos.

However, available evidence indicated that Zainab received a total sum of N10 million from Kano state government between June and July 2024 for housing and upkeep and suddenly went broke again and return to seek for another round of public begging.

According to evidence, a transfer of N6m was directly made to Zainab’s account in July to pay a one year advance rent of new accommodation and take care of some financial needs courtesy of Kano state government.

Before the N6 million, it was also revealed that Kano state government made N4 million transfer to Zainab’s account in June 2024 to relocate from a service apartment to a rental apartment and settle a backlog on previous rent.

Instead of Zainab making good use of the financial support from the state government, she diverted the N6 million to pay for placement of her documentary film in a Lagos cinema, a credible source revealed.

Although, Zainab confessed to have recieved financial support from Gov. Yusuf, she had failed to disclose the exact amount she received to the public.

The same Zainab who openly appreciated the state government for coming to their rescue when it matters most, is now telling the public that the earlier financial support recieved was insufficient to cover their expenses.

 

Napoli Receive €65million Offer For Osimhen

Napoli on Sunday, received a €65million offer for Victor Osimhen from Al Ahli.

The Serie A club are looking to sell Osimhen this summer window.

They have already agreed a deal to sign Chelsea misfit Romelu Lukaku, who spent the last two seasons on loan in Serie A with Inter and Roma.

Despite the financial riches on offer in the Saudi Pro League, Osimhen, according to Fabrizio Romano, remains far from convinced that leaving Europe at this stage of his career represents a logical move.

Stamford Bridge has long-been viewed as the Nigeria international’s most likely next destination, but Arsenal too are reported to harbour long-term interest in the 25-year-old.

Chelsea scored six goals on Sunday as they thumped Wolves at Molineux in a game which saw Noni Madueke register a hat-trick and Nicolas Jackson get off the mark.

 Wunmi, Mohbad's Wife Pens Emotional Note To Late Husband

. As Mohbad's Mum Accuses Her Of Seizing Son's Properties

Cynthia Omowunmi Aloba, the wife of late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba often known as Mohbad, has penned a heartfelt and profound message in remembrance of her husband.

Recall that Mohbad passed away on September 12th, 2023. His demise sparked numerous debates, and many people are still unsure of the exact cause of his death.

“The cherished husband of my youth, the loving father of our child. It still feels surreal, as if reality hasn’t fully sunk in since you departed from this world. Is it true that you’re not coming back? Is this truly the end for us and for our son Liam? All our dreams, our plans and promises shred in an instant. I can’t accept ever again experiencing the joy of our playful banter, our inside jokes, or our silly dance moves and much more.

"I believe you hear me when I pour out my heart to you in the quiet of the night as I sense your presence in the subtle signs around me. When I see Liam giggling in the same joy he felt when you throw him playfully into the air, I can’t help but feel that it’s your spirit at play. I long for the moments when you’d try to make amends with sweet gestures after a disagreement, or when you’d affectionately call me by pet names just to see me smile even when I tried to act like a hard guy! You sure had your way with me my sweet and surest guy!

"The nights seem colder now, and the In my heart deeper by the day than I ever thought possible. The pill sometimes feels unbearable, yet when I glance at my phone’s screensaver and see your infectious smile, warmth fills me, even if only temporarily.

"

I still cry every day, and my entire being mourns for you. My heart , soul and body yearns for you Okomi. "The weight of your loss has crushed me, and I struggle to envision a path toward healing. Tonight, as with every night. I'm overwhelmed by my grief, but I find solace in sharing this pain with the world! it’s a burden too heavy for me to bear alone. Moh don’t sleep oooo. it’s not yet time to sleep. I missssssss you.”

Meanwhile, Abosede, the grieving mother of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, has made a shocking revelation that has stunned the public.

She accused Wunmi, Mohbad’s partner, of a deep and unforgivable betrayal that has left her devastated.

In an emotional Tik-Tok audio recording that has gone viral, Abosede expressed her anguish, claiming Wunmi allegedly sneaked into Mohbad’s home and took all his personal belongings without informing her or Mohbad’s younger brother, leaving the family blindsided and reeling from yet another loss.

With a voice choked by grief and anger, Abosede expressed her profound hurt and disappointment. She spoke about standing by Wunmi’s side during the difficult days following Mohbad’s untimely death, offering support and comfort as they navigated their shared pain.

Now, however, she feels her loyalty and compassion have been met with deceit and disrespect. Abosede believed in Wunmi’s sincerity, only to find that the woman she once trusted had allegedly acted in secrecy, emptying Mohbad’s home of his belongings and keeping the grieving family in the dark.

Abosede added that when she confronted Wunmi about the removal of Mohbad’s belongings, Wunmi’s response was shocking—allegedly hurling insults and verbal abuse at her.

This emotional outcry from Mohbad’s mother has sparked a wave of outrage and sympathy across social media, with many rallying around Abosede, expressing support for her and anger at Wunmi’s alleged actions

 Oshiomhole’s Wife, Iara Fortes, Suffering From Depression Due To Marital Strain – Family Sources Reveal

Close family members of former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, have disclosed that his wife, Iara Fortes, has been struggling with depression.

The cause, according to insiders, is the ex-governor’s alleged controlling and narcissistic behaviour, which has put immense strain on their marriage.

Iara Fortes, who married Oshiomhole in 2015, has maintained a low profile since their marriage, often seen only at official functions or in the background during political events. However, it now appears that behind the scenes, she has been enduring emotional turmoil.

“There is always tension between them because the man is so controlling and doesn’t give her breathing space,” revealed a family member who requested anonymity.

“It’s like she’s living in a gilded cage—beautiful on the outside, but incredibly restrictive on the inside,” she said.

The couple’s relationship, which was once the subject of public fascination, especially given the age difference and their high-profile wedding, has reportedly been deteriorating.

Insiders say that Oshiomhole’s authoritarian demeanour has been a major factor in Iara’s declining mental health.

“He has always been very demanding, not just politically but personally. He likes things to be done his way and expects everyone, including Iara, to fall in line,” a close relative of Iara shared.

“At first, she tried to keep up, but over time, it became too much. The constant pressure has taken a toll on her,” the relative lamented.

According to another source within the family, Iara’s depression has become a serious concern.

“She’s been suffering in silence for years. The public sees a smiling, supportive wife, but they have no idea what she’s going through behind closed doors. It’s heartbreaking.

“Oshiomhole is a man who believes he knows best, and he expects everyone to follow suit. This attitude extends into his marriage, where he often dismisses Iara’s feelings and concerns. He has a way of making her feel insignificant, which has deeply affected her mental health.”

The insider further explained that Iara has been reluctant to speak out about her struggles due to the stigma surrounding mental health and the fear of public backlash.

“She’s afraid that if she says anything, it will be used against her. She’s in a very vulnerable position,” she said.

“We are really worried about her. She needs support, not just from professionals but also from her husband. She needs to be treated with kindness and respect, not controlled and manipulated.

“This isn’t about politics; it’s about a woman’s well-being. We hope that by bringing this to light, it will prompt him to reflect on his behaviour and make the necessary changes. Iara deserves to be happy and healthy.”

 Late Emir's Daughter Begs Kano Gov. Abba Yusuf

 

Says:  'We Need Home, Money To Survive’ 

Zainab, daughter of the late Emir of Kano Ado Bayero, has sought Governor Abba Yusuf’s help for a house and financial support.

 83-year-old Bayero died on 6 June 2014 and was buried according to Islamic rites in Kano.

He ruled from 1963 to 2014 and became the longest-serving emir in Kano’s history.

In a recent interview, Zainab shared the challenges she, her mother, and her brother have been facing since her father’s death.

The first-time filmmaker said: “I know a lot of people will be very surprised that the daughter of an Emir is in this kind of situation. Being born into a polygamous home, there are a lot of intrigues and divisions. The whole thing started when my daddy died; his death left a void within the family. Everyone was alone, especially me, my mother and my younger brother. We were not given a part of his (my father’s) estate, so we were left in a terrible situation, which has been going on for ten years.

“We’ve been trying to survive and find ways to get back on our feet and return to a proper environment—to have a home, not renting or moving from hotel to hotel. We would love the governor to help us buy or give us money to get a house here in Lagos. Since our father’s death, we believe it would be better to relocate to Lagos and start a new life for safety and freedom and to live our lives the way we want. However, with the current skyrocketing prices, we’re looking at around N150 million for a house in Lagos.”

Previous Help

Additionally, Zainab acknowledged that Mr Yusuf had assisted them in June but stated that it was insufficient to address their ongoing struggles.

She said the financial support for housing and other expenses was insufficient to alleviate their financial burdens, and they have returned to the same situation.

She also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and compassionate Nigerians for support.

“I reached out to the governor in a publication on 23 June when my mother, brother, and I were staying at a hotel in VI. We haven’t had an apartment since last year and were behind on hotel bills. The next day, he sent someone to settle the bills and asked, ‘What do we need?’ We told him we wanted a home, for my brother to return to school, and something to do

“He (the governor through his representative) gave us some money, but we didn’t meet the governor in person; it was all through an intermediary. We don’t know the governor’s plans, but he mentioned wanting to buy us a house in Kano. I told him, no, we want a house in Lagos. What he gave us wasn’t enough to rent a house for a year. So, we’ve been trying to find a place, but the funds aren’t sufficient. We’re in the same situation again,” said Zainab.

More so, she said their hotel booking has expired, and they’ll have to check out on Saturday with no place to stay.

Documentary

The late Emir’s daughter also requested the governor’s support for her filmmaking career and a biopic documentary (My Father, the Emir: A Portrait of Ado Bayero).

She stated that the documentary narrates the journey of a daughter retracing her father’s legacy, significant achievements, and the experiences he had in Nigeria.

Zainab added, “I was thinking he (Mr Yusuf) could launch it (the documentary) as a project about the longest-reigning monarch in Kano’s history. My father made history as the most powerful and influential monarch during a pivotal time in both Kano and Nigeria’s history. For nearly five decades, he was synonymous with Kano, earning immense respect from the people of Kano and Nigeria."

 I'm Waiting For The Right Man

 – Yoruba Actress, Adunni Ade Spills

Popular Yoruba actress, Adunni Ade, has disclosed that she is still waiting for the right man to marry just as she loves to do anything humanly possible to make her relationship work.

In a recent chat with newsmen, the single mother of two said she is very much open to love.

“I’m a sucker for love, I love hard, that’s why I take my time before diving into any relationship with the person I will love," Adunni said.

“I will do whatever I can, humanly, in a relationship to make it work because I just don’t get involved with people any how. 

"If the chemistry or connection is not there, then you would never find me there. But in my heart, if I feel like I have a connection with that person, I’d try and take it as far as I can and if I know it’s not going to work, I’d end it quick.

“I am a big fan of love, Love is good. There is still some love out there even though people try to deny and say there is no more love; there is still love." She stated.

Speaking further on her marital status, she said, “I was with one man for eight years but I walked away when the relationship was not going the way I planned.

“I was with my ex, Michael Boyd, for eight years. He is the father of my children. Things did not work out and I just let it go and that has been three years ago,” she said.

“I have said this, it’s not something I want to hide, it’s a part of me and I don’t think there’s any need to lie, or make myself look good or whatever, but I have never been married,” she added.

 Lagos FA Appoints CEOs For State League, Also U15, U17 Leagues

The board of Lagos State Football Association led by Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, have recently announced the appointment of Wale Joseph, a veteran sports journalist and former Lagos FA board member as the Chief Executive Officer of the State Football League.

The board also appointed experienced football administrator, Dele Gbajumo, as the Chief Executive Officer of the State Under-15 and Under-17 football leagues.

Speaking at the LSFA Secretariat during the meeting with the State Divisional FAs and the State Football League Clubs, the Vice-Chairman of LSFA, Dotun Coker, said the board is determined to develop the game from the grassroots, hence the engagement of the two astute football administrators.

He stated that the State League, as a matter of urgency needed to be restructured, rebranded and repackaged to attract sponsorship.

Speaking further, he disclosed that the league board has been mandated to set up an Elite State League, that will not only be competitive, but also attractive to sponsors and partners, adding that this will raise the standard of the league and the game in the state.

Coker advised that an attractive league with awards and monetary rewards for the players and clubs at the elite league, should be the focus of the league board.

Coker also revealed that the Under 15 and 17 leagues are one of the priorities of the board hence the appointment of Dele Gbajumo, a former Chairman of Ikeja Divisional FA.

He noted that the FA, has a very good scouting system for the under 13s and under 15s, even as he added that further development of the young footballers is very paramount to the State FA, hence the needs to have a well packaged and properly structured league.

Wale Joseph, will be assisted by the duo of Musbau Oseni and Adeleke Ibiyemi, while Dele Gbajumo, will be assisted by Victor Akinmoyo and Bello Ishola.

 Estranged Super Eagles Forward, Kayode Olanrewaju, Revives Football Career After Marital Scandal

. Signs For Turkish Second Division Side, Şanlıurfaspor FC

Nigerian forward Olanrewaju Kayode has completed a transfer to Turkish Division 2 side, Şanlıurfaspor FC, months after he was involved in a marital scandal.

It has been a torrid year for Kayode. Early this year, news broke that he was embroiled in a marital battle with his wife Ezinne.

The 31-year-old forward joined Genclerbirligi in September 2023, but his time at the club was cut in March this year.

In an earlier report, Kayode’s wife was allegedly involved in an extra-marital affair with her pastor Tobi Adegboyega and was using his money to bankroll her pastor’s lifestyle. 

Also, she allegedly plotted with some friends to defraud Kayode of some of his properties.

There were also issues with the paternity of their children, as Kayode was involved in a back-and-forth with his wife concerning a purported DNA test. The last that was heard about the issue was that Kayode had filed for divorce.

But it appears that the Nigerian forward has put most of that behind him, as he has forged on with his career. He has joined Turkish second division club Şanlıurfaspor

The 31-year-old forward penned a one-year contract that will keep him at the club until next season. Kayode will be looking to impress at the club and probably move to a bigger club next summer.

Olanrewaju Kayode’s road to Şanlıurfaspor

Kayode looked like he was destined for greatness after Manchester City bought him from Austria Vienna in 2015.

 However, that deal did not work out, as he was eventually sold after City sent him out on different loan deals at Girona and Shaktar Donetsk.

 Kayode joined Shaktar Donetsk permanently in 2018, but he was loaned out a year later. 

Whilst in the books of the Ukrainian giants, he went on loan at Sivasspor and Ümraniyespor before joining Genclerbirligi permanently last year.

 'Why Tosin Dokpesi, Ambrose Somide, Other Were Sacked From Daar Communications'

The Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, owners of AIT, Raypower and Faaji FM, Raymond Dokpesi (Jnr), has offered explanations on why he had to ease 10 Directors, including Dr. Oluwatosin Dokpesi, the wife of his late father, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, out of the company.

Dokpesi offered the explanation in an interview days after the sack was confirmed by the firm.

He said: “I think the first thing to recognise is that it is not a personal decision to ask anyone to go.

“If I had it left to me and to myself, I would definitely want to harness the experiences, the relationships and the skills that the existing management has for a little bit longer.

“But the reality of the matter is that we are a publicly listed company.

“We have persons who are leaving the organisation after 27 years; we have people who are leaving after 22 years.

“We are the only publicly listed media company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and that means we are also bound by the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and the code of corporate governance is mandatory for all publicly listed companies.

“So, that means our responsibilities to our shareholders transcend personal choices or personal opinions.

“The vast majority of this time, they have spent in executive management positions and yet, the code of corporate governance and our internal documents state we should only do a maximum of two terms of five years.

“So, their retirement is, in fact, long overdue.

“It was a decision which ought to have been made, even as far back as five, six, seven years ago.

“But as of that time, my dad was still alive, very present and very active and also, we were going through different political turbulence as far as our organisation is concerned

“Nobody needs to be reminded of the history of the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration with reference to the treatment of AIT and our founder in particular.

“Notwithstanding, whatever you want to say about the incumbent administration, I think, to some large extent, they have shown their capacity for accommodation of all shades of opinions from public broadcasters.

“We don’t feel the heat and the intimidation of governments as we did a couple of years ago and the time is opportune and right as well for us to review where exactly we want to go, going forward from here.

“For me, and I think also for the vast majority of members of our board, the decision comes down to simply determining: Do we want to continue on our existing trajectory or do we want to do something differently?

“And if we are looking at doing something differently, it means we have to subject ourselves to abide by the terms and conditions of extant laws and regulations to give the investing public confidence into our organisation and the administration and also to be able to attract the kinds of funds and investments we need to grow and expand beyond our existing programmes.”

DAAR Communications PLC announced the retirement of members of its Executive Management with effect from October 31, 2024 in compliance with Code of Corporate Governance as well as Company’s Internal Control Policies and Procedures Manual

A statement signed by the Company Secretary, Miji Jonah, said the affected officials have spent over 10 years in such capacity.

Those affected were Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, Dr. Oluwatosin Dokpesi, Dr. Ambrose Somide, Anthony Uyah, Paulyn Ugbodaga, Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi, Faith Ikems, Imoni Amarere, John Iwarue and Johnson Onime.

The Board of DAAR Communications PLC expressed gratitude to all the retiring Executive Board members for their invaluable contributions to the company during their tenure and wished them the very best in their future endeavours

The statement added that the media conglomerate is working on major restructuring of its leadership and once this is concluded, the Nigerian Exchange Limited and other regulatory authorities, its shareholders and the general public would be notified.

 EXPOSED: Dangote’s Brother, Sayyu Dantata, Among Importers of ‘Dirty’ Petrol From Malta

The half-brother of the African richest man Aliko Dangote, Sayyu Dantata, has been revealed as one of the importers of petroleum products from Malta.

Dantata is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of MRS Oil and Gas.

Documents published by Daily Nigerian revealed that MRS imported fuel into Nigeria in February through the vessel ‘MT AETHER’.

Last month, Aliko Dangote, founder of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, revealed that some officials of NNPC and oil traders have blending plants in Malta, where they produce and import dirty petroleum products that are brought to Nigeria for consumption.

The newspaper also said in separate letters dated March 4 and addressed to the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory (NMDPRA) and the CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), MRS confirmed that it had purchased 91,219.232 Mt Vac (MTV) of unleaded petrol 91 research octane number (RON) from PETROCAM DMCC.

The letter was said to have been signed by Moyosola Kuku, MRS Oil’s General Manager (GM) of Risk Management.

Findings revealed that unleaded petrol is a premium motor spirit (PMS) that has not been treated with a lead compound, which is included in petrol to serve as an ‘antiknock agent’ which improves the efficiency of vehicles and the performance of the engine.

On the other hand, RON is a measure of petrol stability, and the higher an octane number is, the more stable the petrol, as the octane rating tells you how resistant the petrol is to detonation, known as knocking or pinking, it was revealed. RON 91–94 is considered premium petrol, it was learned.

The MRS GM said the product was loaded at the port of OPL MALTA, onto ‘MT AETHER’.

The letter reads thus: “We hereby confirm that MRS Oil and Gas Co. Ltd. purchased 91,219.232 Mt Vac of unleaded gasoline 91 Ron from PETROCAM DMCC, was loaded at the port of OPL Malta onto vessel MT AETHER with bill of lading dated 19/02/2024 as evidenced by the following documents attached, bill of lading, cargo manifest, certificate of origin, and certificate of quantity,” the letter reads.

“In line with the February 2024 spot gasoline supply contract, we subsequently sold full cargo on board MT AETHER [91.219.232 MTV] to NNPC for delivery offshore Lagos.

“We remain at your disposal for any further information you might require.”

MRS Oil and Gas, in another letter dated March 4 2024, and sent to the Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, also confirmed the sale of full cargo on board MT AETHER to Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for delivery offshore Lagos.

The letter was titled ‘Confirmation of Sale of Cargo to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’.

“We MRS Oil and Gas Co. Ltd., hereby confirm that we sold full cargo on board MT AETHER (91,219.232 MTV) with bill of lading dated 19/02/2024 to NNPC for delivery offshore Lagos,” said the letter.

“We remain at your disposal for any further information you might require.”

Last month, a dispute broke out between Dangote Refinery and regulators when the CEO of NMDPRA Farouk Ahmed, said local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, produce inferior products compared to the ones imported into the country.

Dangote, on July 20, denied the allegations by testing diesel from his refinery when federal lawmakers visited the plant.

The African richest man also called for an investigation into the allegations of the NMDPRA.

Subsequently, Dangote went ahead to accuse “some officials of NNPC” and oil traders of owning blending plants in Malta, where they produce and import off-spec petroleum products that are brought to Nigeria for consumption.

The Group CEO of NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari, immediately denied Dangote’s allegations, saying he did not have interests in any plant in Malta.

 Seyi Tinubu, Chagoury's Son Co-own Company

The Nigerian president’s son owned an offshore company with the son of a tycoon who recently received the contract to build a 700-kilometer highway spanning the West African country’s coast, leaked corporate documents reveal.

The contract was awarded without any public bidding process, and a minister told OCCRP the government is now facing a legal challenge.

In May, the government announced the first phase of building by Hitech Construction Company Ltd., which is a subsidiary of a conglomerate owned by the brothers Ronald and Gilbert Chagoury. 

Hitech Construction has been awarded the contract for the entire project, which will cost an estimated $13 billion, with funding to be secured as it progresses.

Activists and opposition politicians lambasted the deal, arguing that it violated regulations because it was not done through a public tender. Minister of Works David Umahi said the government is fighting a legal battle in relation to the highway.

“The entire process is before the court,” he said in a text message to OCCRP.

Critics also highlighted the longstanding business dealings and friendship between the Chagoury brothers and President Bola Tinubu. Umahi said the relationship played no role in the construction contract.

“The Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway procurement followed due process and the president hasn’t any hand in the award or execution,” he said.

The association between Tinubu and the Chagoury brothers is well known to Nigerians. But OCCRP has discovered that the younger generation also had a corporate relationship.

The president’s son, Oluwaseyi Tinubu, was a majority shareholder in an offshore company alongside Ronald Chagoury Jr, who shares a name with his father. The firm was incorporated eight years ago in the British Virgin Islands.

The BVI offers corporate anonymity, but the involvement of the two men was revealed in company documents leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The current ownership of the BVI firm is unknown.

Oluwaseyi Tinubu and Ronald Chagoury Jr did not respond to requests for comment, nor did the Chagoury Group.

Ayotunde Abiodun of SBM Intelligence, a Nigeria-based risk consultancy firm, said public officials and their close relatives are expected to avoid conflicts of interest in order to uphold public trust.

He added that the business and personal relationships between the Tinubu and Chagoury families fuels suspicion among Nigerians due to “systemic corruption and pervasive lack of accountability within the country's governance.”

Nigeria last year ranked 145 out of 180 countries on an annual index measuring perceptions of corruption, which is published by the advocacy group Transparency International. A country perceived to have the lowest corruption level is ranked at 1.

Graft has long plagued Nigeria, and Gilbert Chagoury was convicted in Switzerland in 2000 of laundering money for the country’s former military dictator, Sani Abacha. 

The relationship between Nigeria’s current president and the Chagoury brothers goes back to at least 2007 when Tinubu was governor of Lagos State. That year, Tinubu’s administration granted the Chagoury Group title to 10-million square meters of land on the seashore of the country’s commercial capital, Lagos

Hitech Construction is now building Eko Atlantic City on that land, which is held by South Energyx, a Chagoury Group subsidiary where the younger Ronald serves as vice-chairman. The highway begins at Eko Atlantic City, running south down the coast to Calabar, in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

In February, the government approved 1 trillion Nigerian naira (about $670 million depending on currency fluctuations) in funding for Hitech to build the first 47 kilometers of road. The government plans to provide up to 30 percent of the funding for the entire project, Umahi has said, with Hitech expected to raise the rest.

President Tinubu said the highway would boost Nigeria’s economy and “provide 30 million people with improved access to production and marketing centers.”

In a May statement, he also “applauded” the Chagoury brothers “for being worthy stakeholders and for believing in the future of Nigeria.”