
Businessman and politician Lanre Jim-Kamal has formally declared his intention to contest the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket for the 2027 general election in Lagos. Making his declaration in Ikeja, Jim-Kamal introduced a five-point agenda and claimed a $50 billion partners’ investment proposal for the state. His blueprint covers education, healthcare, infrastructure, urban restructuring, and human capital development, pledging "free automated education at all levels" and "free automated medical services." He also proposed "decongestion of concentric zones" to decentralize economic and residential pressure, particularly towards Badagry, where he claimed investor partners are ready to back a rice cultivation project. On social welfare, he outlined direct monthly stipends of ₦100,000 for unemployed youths aged 18-29 and ₦150,000 for residents aged 60 and above, to be administered through local government registration and employment linkage systems. Jim-Kamal, who is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerturk Consortium Limited, Abuja, aligned himself with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms and raised concerns about the marginalisation of indigenous Awori communities. For security, he proposed a state-wide controlled entry system with monitored access points. His declaration comes ahead of the APC primary nomination deadline of May 21 and introduces a new dynamic into the Lagos APC, where the Governance Advisory Council had previously endorsed Deputy Gove
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First Lady Oluremi Tinubu visited the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the Seat of the Caliphate. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to promote peace, unity, and national development. Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, expressed appreciation for the visit, highlighting it as a reflection of the strong relationship between the Presidency, the Sultanate, and the people of Sokoto State. Governor Aliyu noted that the meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and the government in addressing national challenges and improving the welfare of Nigerians. He commended Oluremi Tinubu for her dedication to improving citizens' lives through the Renewed Hope Initiative, recognizing her humanitarian efforts as a valuable contribution to national development. Governor Aliyu also prayed for the continued good health and wisdom of the Sultan of Sokoto, and wished President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady success in their service to the nation.
Must ReadSenegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched a new political party called Kiiraay, meaning "protection" or "shield" in Wolof. This development follows a public disagreement with his former mentor and ex-prime minister, Ousmane Sonko, who leads the Pan-Africanist party Pastef. Both men were previously members of Pastef, which brought Faye to power in 2024. Faye appointed Sonko as prime minister upon becoming president, but their relationship deteriorated, leading to Sonko's dismissal in May. The new Kiiraay party, with the slogan "Republican Patriots," was unveiled at an assembly in Dakar, with President Faye stating it is built on "republic, ethics, transparency, fraternity and work." Supporters expressed hope that the new party would allow Faye to implement his promised changes, including economic transformation, social justice, and a fight against corruption. While Kiiraay's electoral strength is yet to be proven, several Pastef officials and activists have reportedly resigned to join the presidential camp. Faye's communication team announced that the new party plans to hold a congress after the summer rainy season. Faye's presidency is largely attributed to Sonko, who was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction. The two leaders reportedly disagreed on policy issues, including how to address Senegal's substantial public debt. Sonko's allies subsequently appointed him speaker of parliament, and he remains the leader of P
Must ReadIran's oil ministry announced on Saturday that it sold $18 billion worth of oil during the recent war and subsequent ceasefire with the United States. The ministry stated that $11.5 billion in oil was sold during the war and an additional $6.5 billion during the ceasefire, which ended earlier this month. This revenue accounts for over 60 percent of the oil revenues projected in the annual budget amidst the crisis. However, in late June, Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, had indicated that Iran was unable to export oil due to a US blockade on its ports. The conflict began on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to Iranian retaliation against US allies. An April ceasefire largely halted the fighting, but hostilities resumed in early July as both sides contend for control of the Strait of Hormuz.