Author: David Great

Senegal has officially cancelled plans for Akon City, a $6 billion futuristic smart city project proposed by Senegalese-American singer, Akon. The project, which was first announced in 2020, aimed to transform the quiet coastal village of Mbodiène into a modern, tech-driven metropolis inspired by Marvel’s Wakanda. Despite initial enthusiasm and a grand vision that included solar power and a cryptocurrency ecosystem based on Akon’s own “Akoin,” the project failed to take off. After five years of inaction and unmet financial obligations, the Senegalese government has reclaimed most of the 136 acres of land previously allocated for the development. “That project…

Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Christian Norgaard from Brentford in a deal worth an initial £10 million, with the potential to rise to £15 million through add-ons. The North London club had been monitoring the Danish international since the end of the season, aiming to strengthen their midfield depth. Norgaard, who captained Brentford since 2023, now makes the move to the Emirates Stadium to join Mikel Arteta’s side. While Arsenal have yet to disclose the full length of the contract, reports suggest the deal runs until the summer of 2028. Reacting to the signing, manager Mikel Arteta said,…

Professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, has inaugurated a shadow cabinet under the platform of The Big Tent coalition, proposing it as a vehicle for policy alternatives to the current federal government. During a press briefing in Abuja, following a two-day retreat, Utomi named Nana Kazaure (Information), Riwang Pam (Security), Nike Omola (Women and Gender Development), and Peter Agada (Infrastructure) as key members of the shadow cabinet. According to him, the initiative is not meant to rival the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration but to provide expert policy reviews. “The progress of any government is to ensure the welfare of…

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside his wife, Sara Netanyahu, held an emotional meeting in Washington, D.C., with families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. The prime minister reassured the relatives of his continued commitment to securing the hostages’ release. Among those in attendance were family members of Itay Chen, Matan Angrest, Segev Kalfon, and Elkana Bohbot—individuals who were abducted during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office revealed that Netanyahu emphasized the significance of the hostage issue during his recent engagements with U.S. President Donald Trump. “The utmost efforts…

An Abuja-based legal practitioner, Yahuza Maharaz, has initiated contempt proceedings against the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, alleging defiance of a valid court order. The contempt suit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Bwari, also targets Alhaji Isah Yusuf-Musa and two others. Justice M.A. Madugu had, on June 25, 2025, issued an ex parte ruling directing all parties in the matter to maintain the status quo. The suit, marked HC/BW/CV/199/2025, stems from a lease dispute involving Pamodi Pharmacy, located at Hillcrest Shopping Complex, Lokogoma, Abuja, and Yusuf-Musa. The defendants listed include Yusuf-Musa, Hillcrest Estate…

A coalition of civil society organisations on Wednesday held a peaceful demonstration in Lagos to protest the alleged forceful displacement of residents and landowners in the Okun Ajah community, reportedly affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The protest, Chronicle NG gathered, took place at the annex office of the Federal Ministry of Works at Tafawa Balewa Square. Among their demands was the release of an activist, identified simply as Obanla, who was allegedly detained during a land clearance operation connected to the ongoing highway construction. Coordinator of the coalition, Shina Loremikan, accused government officials and private developers involved in…

The Nigerian Senate has launched a wide-ranging investigation into the surge of Ponzi schemes in the country, following the collapse of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), a digital investment platform accused of defrauding Nigerians of over N1.3 trillion. The scheme (CBEX) has been described as one of the largest financial frauds in Nigeria’s history. Lawmakers cited institutional failures and regulatory lapses as key enablers of such scams, warning that the consequences—ranging from suicides to public mistrust—now threaten the nation’s financial and social stability. The motion was jointly sponsored by Senators Tokunbo Abiru, Osita Izunaso, and received unanimous support from senators across…

Nigeria has obtained a $747 million syndicated loan to fund Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, covering a 47.47-kilometre stretch from Victoria Island to Eleko Village in Lagos. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, described the facility as the largest syndicated road infrastructure loan in Nigeria’s history, signalling strong global investor confidence in the country’s reform agenda and infrastructure plans. Deutsche Bank acted as global coordinator, initial mandated lead arranger, and bookrunner, participating in the syndicate alongside other regional and international lenders. The…

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday reacted to the recent visa restrictions imposed on citizens of the country by the United States of America. In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria noted that it is in talks with the US to reverse the visa restrictions but did not state whether it would reciprocate if the US refuses to rescind its action. Nigeria noted that the three-month single entry visa restriction would hamper many of its citizens seeking to study, work or even visit the US. “The attention of the Federal Government of…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rolled out more stringent entry requirements for Nigerian travellers, including a complete suspension of transit visa applications. Travel agents confirmed on Tuesday that Dubai immigration has issued a new directive significantly limiting visa eligibility for Nigerians. Under the updated policy, Nigerian nationals aged 18 to 45 will no longer qualify for tourist visas if travelling alone. Only those accompanied by others may be considered. Applicants aged 45 and above must now present a personal six-month bank statement with a monthly balance of at least $10,000 (or its naira equivalent) to be eligible for a…