Nigerians in the diaspora who have been impacted by the alleged diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in the Okun Ajah area of Lagos State are calling on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to provide legal documentation supporting the alteration of the project’s original alignment, which was gazetted in 2006.
According to a report by The PUNCH on Monday, Umahi, during a stakeholder meeting on Sunday, demanded that Stella Okengwu, the CEO of Winhomes Global Services Limited, publicly release the financial records related to $250 million that she allegedly raised from diaspora investors.
Umahi further questioned the validity of the claims, stating, “There is one Mrs. Ifeoma, who frequents African restaurants in America and gives people small amounts of money, claiming she invested $250 million. If she truly collected $250 million, those who received payments should hold her accountable, as nothing has materialized on the land except for a gatehouse.”
In response, Okengwu, who represents the Nigerian investors, issued a statement calling for the legal documentation that authorized the diversion of the road.
She also rejected allegations that she bribed individuals at restaurants in America, calling such accusations false and damaging to her reputation.
“The minister’s request for me to disclose financial records for these investments is an attempt to distract from the real issue—the diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Highway in Okun Ajah. The minister must first present the legal approval from the President, National Assembly, or any state assembly authorizing this change,” she stated.
Okengwu also distanced the diaspora group from a woman who allegedly accused the minister of sexual harassment, demanding a retraction of that claim.
Meanwhile, the Association of Nigerian Diaspora Investors, which represents the affected investors, has urged relevant authorities to intervene and address the impact on their $250 million investments, which they claim were damaged by the highway project.
The group contended that their properties were illegally demolished despite having proper documentation and approvals.
In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, the association expressed their frustration, stating that the demolition was conducted without prior notice or consultation, leaving over 500 investors feeling abandoned and victimized.
The letter was signed by Olubokun-Basorun, Femi Adekoya, Arinze Onwumelu, and Kimberly Stark, on behalf of the affected investors.
