The successful completion of Phase 1 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Section 2 of the $ 1.26bn financing deal, according to President Bola Tinubu, is hailed as a significant boost to Nigeria’s infrastructure drive.
The Federal Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Works, and the Debt Management Office all worked together to secure the funding, according to a statement from the President on Friday.
Onanuga emphasized the road’s transformative potential and noted that the milestone would guarantee the project’s unbroken progress.
One of President Bola Tinubu’s best gifts to Nigeria is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. When the Tinubu administration completes the road, “those who have condemned this historic project will be ashamed of themselves,” said Onanuga.
FG Temporarily Opens Section 1 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Tinubu emphasized that the highway is still at the forefront of the government’s economic and infrastructure agenda and that the financing milestone demonstrated his administration’s commitment to exploring novel funding options for significant national projects. Eleko in Lekki and Ode-Omi are connected through Phase 1, Section 2, which is roughly 55.7 kilometers long.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will continue uninterrupted as a result of closing this transaction.
The President said, “Our administration will continue to look for available funding opportunities to carry out significant economic and priority infrastructure projects across the country.”
Eleko in Lekki and Ode-Omi, two important economic corridors anticipated to improve national trade efficiency and logistics connectivity, are connected by Phase 1, Section 2 of the highway, which extends for about 55.7 kilometers.
The project’s scaleability and appeal to international financiers are strengthened by the funding, which follows an earlier $747 million secured for Phase 1, Section 1.
First Abu Dhabi Bank and Afreximbank provided the financing, which also had a portion of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) to support the partially mitigated risk.
Rumoured as a favourite to host Strictly, the family money is already on Zoe Ball says dad Johnny. But could the presenter – who has just left her radio show on BBC Radio 2 – be about to return to our TV screens?
View 4 Images
Zoe Ball addresses ‘tough year’ despite being ‘in the frame’ for Strictly job.(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
She’s stepped down from hosting her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show and is being replaced on the airwaves by Emma Willis, could 2026 be the year when Zoe Ball returns to telly?
Coming third as a Strictly contestant in 2005, she then hosted the spin-off show It Takes Two from 2011 until 2021, giving her the perfect pedigree for the job according to dad Johnny, who confirmed: “She’s in the mix.”
Remaining tight-lipped about her prospects, Zoe is happier to disclose her inside track on motherhood – as she reveals her role at her kids’ recent birthday parties.
Nelly turned 16, while Woody turned 25 earlier this month. And, deemed “cool enough” to go along early to Nell’s 16th drinks, she says: “I was allowed to pop in to the ‘prinks’ – the pre drinks. Nell deemed me important enough.”
Quite glad not to stay for the whole do, she says she could “feel Nell’s nerves.” After checking everything was in place, she left, safe in the knowledge that she would be kept informed of any mishaps.
READ MORE: ‘David Bowie wanted to make the album of his life before he died two days later’
“She had a sign which read ‘holy sh*t…you’re 16,’” laughs Zoe, confessing: “I was sent updates, because my friends were all hiding upstairs. And then Woody arrived and he had to hide upstairs.” As well as Nell’s dad, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) taking a turn as DJ, Zoe says: “Her boyfriend, Jacoby DJ-ed and Nell even played some tunes as well. It all wrapped up at 11.30pm and no one threw up. Hoorah!”
Zoe does say Woody was worse for wear, as he went clubbing afterwards. “The energy of that boy!” she remarks. “He came in about 4.30am looking for antihistamines.” But Zoe decided against cramping his style at his 25th. “He had a party where they’re all wearing suits and they’re going old school,” she says. “I was invited. I was like, ‘No son, you go and enjoy yourself.’”
Now 55, age is clearly preying on Zoe’s mind, as she opens up on the Dig It podcast, which she hosts with Jo Whiley. Speaking about her changing body at the menopause, Zoe, who earlier this month stepped down from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show, says: I think your shape changes slightly as you get older.
“It’s sort of around the boobage area, around your shoulders. Okay, and your arms. You sort of think, ‘oh, have I really filled out?’ The good thing is we have our girls, and they are always happy to receive our offcuts!”
Private about her personal life after high-profile splits from Norman Cook and, more recently in 2023 from carpenter Michael Reed, she is awestruck by celebrity power couples. She cites Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Oscar winning playright and director Martin McDonagh. She says of Waller-Bridge: “I saw her in the street with her fabulous partner, Martin McDonough. What a power couple they are, because he directed The Banshees of Inisherin.” Pausing, she adds: “Something about amazing power couples.”
In a contemplative mood, as the year ends and she looks ahead to 2026, Zoe reflects on friends who have had difficulties this year. “I know lots of my friends have had a really tough year this year. Lots of people worrying about money, people worrying about jobs,” she says. “I’m so grateful we’re all there for each other.”
And she wonders if she will ever develop the care free attitude rumoured to come with age – something she has been reading articles about. She ponders: “As you get older, do you become a bit more, f*ck it, do you stop worrying about things? I’ve been thinking about it. I don’t know if that’s true, because you might care less about some of the daft stuff that you used to worry about. But, actually, there’s loads of other stuff to worry about.”
Article continues below
Citing the fact “you never stop worrying about your kids” as an example, she adds: “I guess, as you come through menopause, I’m hoping there’s a bit the other side where you’re like, ‘ah, f*ck it. I don’t care.’ But there is always still so much to worry about. I’m looking forward to that f*ck it era. Will it come in my 80s?
“Life is a bit like Indiana Jones sometimes, isn’t it? Like when the massive ball is running down the hill, you’re like, ‘for f*ck’s sake’ just trying to deal with this.”
READ MORE: Ninja soup maker that makes ‘easy and delicious’ winter meals has been slashed by £50
Wills, Cowan-Dickie, Vermeulen, Ma’asi-White, Quirke, Jibulu Cons: Ford 2, Du Preez 2, and others.
Harlequins (17) 17
In a stunning second half performance, Sale completely outscored Harlequins on Boxing Day with five tries.
Marcus Smith and Jack Walker scored tries at the start and end of the half, giving Quins a five-point lead at the break.
In the second period, the Sharks fell to the ground in Greater Manchester, but the visitors put up 31 unanswered points with tries from Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Raffi Quirke, and former Quin Nathan Jibulu.
Harlequins too powerful for struggling sharks
Images courtesy of Getty
The Quins’ annual “Big Game” at Twickenham failed to go according to plan against Bristol last weekend, when they were led by 26-0 at half-time and ultimately lost 40-14.
With this point on their hands, Smith capitalized on Luke Cowan-Dickie’s quick lineout to give them a commanding lead.
However, the hosts soon took control of the game, with Cowan-Dickie driving home from the maul to make amends for his earlier error before Alex Wills scored his second Prem try.
The visitors were in control at the break thanks to Jack Walker’s try in the final act of the first half, but the Sharks’ lead didn’t last much longer as they recovered to completely dominate the second half.
Vermeulen’s first two tries, his first since joining the club from Exeter, helped them win the match and put them in the lead after the collapse of Harlequins.
After Ma’asi-White’s try, Quirke, who had been moved out of the wing, launched a long kick forward into the corner and launched a spectacular chase to find Smith on his own line, gave up the match’s most memorable moment.
As he attempted to catch the ball, the England fly-half slipped as he was just moved to full-back, leaving Quirke free to score his team’s fourth goal of the half.
The visitors had already been well beaten by Jibulu by the fifth goal. Before heading to Northampton on Saturday, Jason Gilmore’s side will need to bounce back from two devastating defeats.
Sale: T Curry, O’Flaherty, Du Preez, Louw, Wills, Ford, Quirke, Rodd, Cowan-Dickie, Harper, Bamber, Andrews, Vermeulen, Van Rhyn, O’Flaherty, O’Flaherty,
Replacements: Jibulu, McIntyre, John, Burrow, Dugdale, Warr, Ma’asi-White, and Wehr.
Wills, Cowan-Dickie, Vermeulen, Ma’asi-White, Quirke, Jibulu Cons: Ford 2, Du Preez 2, and others.
Harlequins (17) 17
In a stunning second half performance, Sale completely outscored Harlequins on Boxing Day with five tries.
Marcus Smith and Jack Walker scored tries at the start and end of the half, giving Quins a five-point lead at the break.
In the second period, the Sharks fell to the ground in Greater Manchester, but the visitors put up 31 unanswered points with tries from Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Raffi Quirke, and former Quin Nathan Jibulu.
Harlequins too powerful for struggling sharks
Images courtesy of Getty
The Quins’ annual “Big Game” at Twickenham failed to go according to plan against Bristol last weekend, when they were led by 26-0 at half-time and ultimately lost 40-14.
With this point on their hands, Smith capitalized on Luke Cowan-Dickie’s quick lineout to give them a commanding lead.
However, the hosts soon took control of the game, with Cowan-Dickie driving home from the maul to make amends for his earlier error before Alex Wills scored his second Prem try.
The visitors were in control at the break thanks to Jack Walker’s try in the final act of the first half, but the Sharks’ lead didn’t last much longer as they recovered to completely dominate the second half.
Vermeulen’s first two tries, his first since joining the club from Exeter, helped them win the match and put them in the lead after the collapse of Harlequins.
After Ma’asi-White’s try, Quirke, who had been moved out of the wing, launched a long kick forward into the corner and launched a spectacular chase to find Smith on his own line, gave up the match’s most memorable moment.
As he attempted to catch the ball, the England fly-half slipped as he was just moved to full-back, leaving Quirke free to score his team’s fourth goal of the half.
The visitors had already been well beaten by Jibulu by the fifth goal. Before heading to Northampton on Saturday, Jason Gilmore’s side will need to bounce back from two devastating defeats.
Sale: T Curry, O’Flaherty, Du Preez, Louw, Wills, Ford, Quirke, Rodd, Cowan-Dickie, Harper, Bamber, Andrews, Vermeulen, Van Rhyn, O’Flaherty, O’Flaherty,
Replacements: Jibulu, McIntyre, John, Burrow, Dugdale, Warr, Ma’asi-White, and Wehr.
After their bandmate passed away at the age of 65, The Cure is paying its respects. As they paid their respects to the star, the band revealed that Perry Bamonte had a “short illness.”
The band confirmed the depressing news by posting it on their official website. They claimed that their “great friend and bandmate” had passed away “after a brief illness at home over Christmas.” The statement continued, “Teddy was a warm-hearted and important part of the cure story. He was quiet, intense, intuitive, constant, and incredibly creative.”
In 1990, he joined the cure as a full-time member, playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboard “On the wish,” “wild mood swings,” “bloodflowers,” “acoustic hits,” and “the cure albums.” Additionally, he has performed more than 400 shows in 14 years.
Robert Smith and Perry Bamonte performing live on-stage
He rejoined the cure in 2022, playing 90 more shows, some of the best in the band’s history, culminating with a concert from a lost world in London on November 1, 2024. All of his family is in our thoughts and sending condolences. He will be greatly missed.
In 1984, Perry joined the band’s road crew. Then, he served as the tour manager under the supervision of his brother. He later worked for frontman Robert Smith as a guitar technician and as his personal assistant.
After Roger O’Donnell’s departure, Perry joined the band for a full-time period in 1990. He later reconnected with the band and joined them for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2019 despite being fired from the band in 2005.
He formally re-joined the group in 2022. He participated in their tour of “Shows of a Lost World.”
Fans took to social media to pay their respects following the sad news of his passing.
*This is a significant piece of showbiz news. Follow The Mirror on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Google News, Apple News, TikTok, Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads, or follow The Mirror on the official website.
Kevin O’Leary, Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Supreme co-star, has revealed that the Hollywood star turned down a stunt double for a very painful scene, and that he questioned his choice.
View 2 Images
Timothee Chalamet in Marty Supreme(Image: AP)
Timothée Chalamet turned down the offer of a stunt double for his new movie, Marty Supreme. Instead, the actor chose to bare all, leaving his bare bum on full show in the production.
Timothée, 29, appeared to be fully committed to the role he was playing, according to Kevin O’Leary, his co-star. Following a scene where Kevin’s character Milton is struck by Timothee’s character Marty with a paddle, viewers watched the scene.
Marty’s bare bum is visible in the video, and Kevin acknowledges that Timothée declined to accept a stunt double for the take. Kevin remarked, “That’s really Chalamet’s a**.”
READ MORE: Bride-to-be Holly Ramsay pictured in all white ahead of wedding to Adam PeatyREAD MORE: Kate Middleton and Zara Tindall-approved accessory brand slashes 30% off luxe handbags
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the 71-year-old said: “He didn’t want the stunt double. I said, ‘Timmy, I’m going to have to belt your a**, are you sure you want to do this?’
“He immortalised his a** on film for the rest of time. That scene freaks me out even now,” admitted Kevin, who was making his acting debut in the production. He is better known for his success in the business world.
Timothée reprises Marty in the film’s portrayal of a wealthy man who wants to travel to Japan and compete in a table tennis tournament there. Along the way, he plays Kevin’s Milton Rockwell, who he plays an enemy.
The businessman meets Marty, and during the scene in question, Milton paddles Marty’s bum in retaliation for the insults the businessman is subject to throughout the movie.
Away from acting, fans of the Wonka star are convinced he is doubling up as a rapper. They believe the star even adopts a Liverpudlian accent to keep fans guessing. It’s a wild theory that has picked up steam recently following his refusal to deny a question.
The Hollywood star sidestepped the burning question with a curt “no comment.” During the chat, BBC reporter Colin Paterson said to the star: “You’re here in the UK. You can clear it up. EsDeeKid. What is going on?”.
Timothée became aware of the name at that precise moment. He then began to shake his head and say, “No comment. “
However, the journalist wasn’t lying. He responded, “No comment, but give us a Scouse accent.” Give us your most admirable Beatle. You’ll see… all in time, Timothée said.
Continue reading the article.
EsDeeKid, a rapper from Liverpool, continues to maintain complete anonymity. He only appears in promotional videos with his eyes. Fans are frantically trying to discover the mystery, which has sparked a lot of speculation.
Following Timothee’s refusal to deny the links, one user wrote on Twitter/X: “Why wouldn’t he just say it’s not him?” Another added on Reddit: “Guys, I did a huge analysis looking at pics of Timothée’s hands vs. EsDeeKid’s hands. Same exact hands. Same vein placement and everything. I should make a video about it because it’s literally proof.”
