🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Businessman Lanre Jim-Kamal declares intention to contest Lagos APC governorship ticket
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
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
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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.
The Benue State Government has initiated an investigation into a suspected Mpox case reported in the Konshisha Local Government Area. Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, stated that the ministry activated its surveillance system and deployed officials to the Tyokula Achihi residence in Korinya, where the suspected case was reported. He emphasized that laboratory confirmation is necessary before diagnosing any case as Mpox, as skin rashes and fever can stem from various medical conditions. The Director of Public Health and the State Epidemiologist have deployed a Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer to the location for assessment, investigation, and sample collection. The commissioner urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to the nearest health facility. He confirmed that the state's disease surveillance system is active across all 23 local government areas and that the ministry is collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization for prompt detection and response to public health events. The public will be informed once investigation and laboratory findings are available.
Arsenal is reportedly exploring a potential deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, although there has been no direct club-to-club contact. Vinicius, 26, is in the final year of his contract with Real Madrid, and the Spanish club might consider selling him if a new agreement isn't reached, rather than risk losing him for free next summer. Arsenal is also considering other forwards, including Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande, and Bradley Barcola. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is intensifying its efforts to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, 19, after an initial bid of £85.4 million was rejected. Liverpool and Arsenal have also shown interest in Diomande. Reports suggest that if Real Madrid secures Diomande, it could make Vinicius more open to a move, potentially boosting Arsenal's chances. Vinicius was the runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or and is considered a key attacking player for Real Madrid, having also been named one of the club's captains for the new season. Arsenal is looking to strengthen its left-wing options this summer, having sold Leandro Trossard and signed Christos Tzolis.