标签： Africa

In the heart of Lagos, Nigeria’s sprawling metropolis, a humanitarian crisis unfolds as thousands of residents face forced evictions from their waterfront homes in Makoko, the country’s largest informal settlement. The Lagos State government maintains these demolitions target structures built dangerously close to high-voltage power lines, citing critical health and safety concerns. However, community members and advocacy groups allege these actions represent systematic land appropriation for elite urban development projects.

Anna Sobie, a mother of five, exemplifies the human toll of this operation. Her family now sleeps on the fractured wooden platform that once supported their home, exposed to the elements without adequate shelter. “We’re sleeping in an open space under the rain,” Sobie recounts, describing how excavators arrived with minimal warning while her family was inside their home.

The demolitions, which began two days before Christmas, have reportedly displaced over 10,000 residents and destroyed more than 3,000 structures including homes, schools, clinics, and churches according to a coalition of ten non-governmental organizations. These groups document alarming tactics including the use of armed security personnel, bulldozers, and alleged arson attacks on occupied dwellings.

Historical context reveals Makoko was established in the 19th century by fishing communities, with residents claiming customary land rights predating modern Lagos. The settlement’s population estimates range from 80,000 to 200,000 people, many of whom are low-income families and migrants seeking economic opportunities in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration defends the actions as necessary urban management, emphasizing the proximity of structures to electrical infrastructure that poses lethal risks. Special Adviser on Urban Development Olajide Abiodun Babatunde stated: “No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways.”

The government has promised financial compensation to affected families but has not provided alternative accommodation. This response has failed to satisfy residents like Elizabeth Kakisiwe, who returned from market to find her home demolished and possessions destroyed. “When rain fell days later, we were drenched,” she describes. “At night, we sit in the cold.”

Tensions escalated recently when police deployed tear gas against more than 1,000 protesters marching toward the state legislature, resulting in injuries and alleged fatalities. Community leaders report five deaths, including children, from tear gas exposure during earlier demolition operations—claims the government says it will investigate.

Urban development experts note this conflict occurs against Lagos’s severe housing deficit, which has grown from 2.95 million units in 2016 to 3.4 million in 2025 despite increased construction. The city’s rapid population growth and escalating costs have pushed more residents into informal settlements, creating recurring clashes between urban development goals and community rights.

As excavators continue their work along the lagoon, displaced residents salvage firewood from debris while children repair fishing nets amid the destruction. The remaining structures stand as fragile testaments to a community fighting to preserve its existence against the pressures of modern urban development.

Ghana has temporarily suspended citizenship applications for members of the African diaspora as authorities work to streamline what many applicants describe as a challenging and costly process. The program, established in 2016, enables individuals who can demonstrate African ancestry—particularly descendants of transatlantic slave trade victims—to obtain Ghanaian nationality.

This initiative has attracted significant interest, with over 1,000 people securing citizenship in recent years, including renowned African American musician Stevie Wonder. However, the application process has faced criticism for its complexity and financial barriers.

Dr. Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, highlighted several practical obstacles facing applicants. The requirement to submit DNA evidence within one week of application has proven particularly problematic, with many describing the timeframe as “impossible” to meet. Questions regarding the reliability of DNA testing have also emerged among potential candidates.

The financial commitment presents another significant hurdle. While the initial application fee is $136, shortlisted candidates must pay an additional $2,280 before undergoing vetting, attending a citizenship orientation, and finally receiving their nationality at a ceremony presided over by President John Mahama.

The suspension has created uncertainty for those planning relocations or investments, though government officials have indicated that updated timelines and guidelines will be issued “in due course.” Dr. Bennet remains optimistic that the issues will be resolved and the application process will resume.

Ghana’s diaspora outreach program stems from the Pan-African vision championed by the nation’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, following independence. The program was revitalized in 2019 as the “Year of Return,” reigniting global interest in reconnecting with Ghana. Today, diaspora members frequently invest in real estate, agriculture, technology, and small businesses, with citizenship enabling property ownership, voting rights, and access to public services.

Other African nations, including Benin and Sierra Leone, offer similar citizenship pathways based on verified ancestral connections, though Ghana’s program remains among the most prominent initiatives of its kind.

Abu Dhabi’s renowned Big Ticket raffle has unveiled a substantial Dh15 million grand prize for its February promotion, setting the stage for another life-changing win following January’s record Dh30 million award to a Filipino expatriate. The live draw event scheduled for March 3 will crown one fortunate millionaire while simultaneously distributing five consolation prizes of Dh100,000 each.

The February calendar features an expanded reward structure with four weekly electronic draws, each granting Dh50,000 to four separate winners. This month’s promotion introduces the innovative Big Win Contest, offering customers who purchase multiple tickets between February 1-24 the opportunity to attend the live draw with guaranteed cash prizes ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000.

January’s finale witnessed four Indian nationals claiming Dh50,000 each in the final weekly e-draw. Among them, Hakkim Sha Habeeb expressed initial disbelief upon missing the winning notification, later describing his overwhelming delight upon confirmation.

Vinoth, a 38-year-old electrical supervisor with 19 years in Qatar, celebrated his first-ever raffle victory after three years of consistent participation. “This represents the happiest moment of my life,” he shared, noting his plans to divide the winnings among his group while investing further in tickets and creating special memories for his daughter.

Abdul Rahuman, a 54-year-old Kerala native residing in Abu Dhabi for six years, initially suspected a scam before experiencing profound relief and happiness. His participation through a 22-member group exemplifies the collective approach many adopt for sustained motivation.

Shalini Suvarna, a Mumbai-born administrative professional in Umm Al Quwain since 2008, resumed ticket purchases last year after a hiatus. Her win will facilitate debt clearance while restoring confidence in the process. “Consistency matters profoundly,” she advised, reflecting on her interrupted participation pattern.

The Big Ticket initiative continues to demonstrate its legitimacy through transparent processes and verifiable outcomes, strengthening participant trust across the UAE expatriate community.