NYCN Badagry West Champions Empowerment, Celebrates One-Year Milestone

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Badagry West Local Branch has celebrated its One-Year Anniversary and 2025 Youth Week Celebration. With the Theme: Beyond Campaign Promises: Sustainable Youth-Centric Policies for Badagry West,

The event, held on Thursday, brought together community leaders, youth advocates, and local residents to reflect on a year of tangible progress and chart a course for future empowerment. Central to the celebrations was the commendation of Hon. Ibrahim Rauf, the Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, whose administration was repeatedly praised for translating campaign pledges into active youth support and infrastructural projects.

In his opening remarks, Comrade Joseph Agbomenu, Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Badagry West Branch, outlined the Council’s impressive portfolio of activities over the past year. He highlighted key focus areas including education and skills training, technology and innovation, and community development initiatives.

Guest speaker Mrs. Sesi Fagbeji Agemo addressed the gathering on the theme, acknowledging the historical pattern of political promises but noting a positive shift. “Glory be to God, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemiren, pledged that his administration would entertain more youth activities, which has been happening, including projects like the CBT building,” she stated. 

This view of fulfilled commitments was echoed by Comrade Boyon John, the Council’s Social Secretary, who declared, “The youth did not face any challenges this past year. Instead, we are proud of our achievements so far.”

Comrade Agbomenu expanded on the Council’s vision, connecting recent government actions to a broader agenda. He referenced a massive youth empowerment scheme launched by the LCDA chairman just days prior as evidence of forward momentum. 

“Today is not just a celebration it is also a call to action,” Agbomenu asserted. “We are here to appeal to the government to do more and to emphasize the critical role of youth-centric policies in steering Badagry West towards genuine, sustainable progress.”

The Council presented a comprehensive ten-point blueprint for harnessing youth potential, positioning young people as vital drivers of local development. 

The strategic areas outlined include strengthening entrepreneurship and job creation in Badagry, advancing technology and innovation in Lagos communities, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in Badagry West, and improving infrastructure and urban development in Lagos. This plan aims to equip the youth to address community needs while laying a foundation for long-term economic growth and social stability in the region.

Cross River Anchors Future on Blue Economy, Launches World Bank-Backed Maritime Skills

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Governor Bassey Otu 

CALABAR, Nigeria – Cross River State has launched a major maritime upskilling programme, backed by the World Bank. Governor Bassey Otu officially flagged off the initiative on Friday, marking a significant step in positioning the state as a central hub for Nigeria's growing blue economy.

Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, described the programme as a "landmark opportunity" to translate the state's extensive coastline into jobs, economic growth, and sustainable development. He emphasized that this initiative is designed to equip Cross River citizens with globally competitive maritime skills.

"Cross River’s long coastline positions it to benefit significantly from the national push to expand the blue economy," Mr. Otu stated. He cited impressive figures to underline the sector's potential, noting that Nigeria’s maritime sector contributed a staggering ₦113.5 trillion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2025.

Linking skills development to critical infrastructure, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to completing the Bakassi Deep Seaport. He revealed that a substantial $3.5 billion investment has already been secured for the project, which now awaits presidential approval for its groundbreaking ceremony.

"This programme, alongside strategic infrastructure like the deep seaport, underscores our promise of continued collaboration with the World Bank and federal authorities," the Governor added.

The launch attracted high-level federal endorsement. Busayo Fakinlede, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, commended Cross River’s leadership in pioneering sustainable marine development. He confirmed that the state’s initiative aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s national priorities on food security, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.

In a lighthearted moment, Mr. Fakinlede suggested that Cross River should be recognized as Nigeria’s "fish basket," highlighting its robust fishery output as a foundation for broader maritime growth.

World Bank Team Lead, Morales Yolanda, affirmed the institution's strong backing for the project. She pledged that the World Bank would mobilize essential funding and technical expertise to ensure the programme's success, calling it a model for coastal state development in Nigeria.

Outlining the programme's direct impact, Melodie Lebo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, explained that trainees will acquire modern, internationally recognised maritime competencies. The curriculum is designed to offer clear pathways to employment, internships, and future industry collaborations.

Ms. Lebo stressed the coordinated effort behind the launch, noting the strong involvement of federal agencies like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which projects the national blue economy sector could eventually exceed $296 billion in value.

"The launch today is more than a ceremony; it is the first concrete step in building a coordinated blue economy strategy and cultivating the maritime workforce that will drive it," Lebo concluded.

(NAN).

Badagry PDP Candidate's Home Vandalized in alleged APC 'Political Witch-Hunt' by LASBCA

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Badagry PDP Chairmanship Candidate Abayomi Medemaku Accuses Ruling Party of Intimidation, Demands Justice as Key Case on 37 "Illegal LCDAs" Nears Hearing.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Badagry Local Government, Barr. Abayomi Medemaku, has raised alarms over a targeted attack on his residence, which he alleges is a politically motivated witch-hunt by agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, December 11, 2025, saw personnel identifying as officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) vandalize Medemaku’s occupied apartment in Badagry. The candidate asserts this act is a direct attempt to silence him ahead of a crucial court hearing scheduled for December 16, 2025.

Narrating the event to News Peddlers, Medemaku stated he was at work when neighbors alerted him to the vandalism. “Immediately I got back, I saw that my house, which I am already occupying, has been vandalized by APC thugs and mercenaries, disguising as LASBCA,” he declad. 

He further revealed he is “not disturbed nor perturbed,” as he anticipated retaliation from the moment he filed a lawsuit challenging the APC’s legitimacy in Badagry. The case implicates the Lagos State Government, the APC, current Council Chairman Hon. Tunde Hunpe, LASIEC, and the State House of Assembly.

The heart of the legal battle, according to Medemaku, revolves around two explosive issues: the operation of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) he deems illegal, and the alleged lack of valid candidacy of the APC in the last local government election. 

He claims Hon. Tunde Hunpe is “illegally occupying” the chairmanship seat rightfully belonging to him. Medemaku suggests the property attack is a desperate move by defendants who “do not have a defence” and are trying to intimidate him into dropping the suit, noting that Hunpe has been reportedly avoiding court summons.

The PDP candidate directly implicated a LABCA official, Mr. Arogundade, in the alleged scheme. Medemaku claimed Arogundade had previously solicited a ₦5 million bribe from him, which he refused, insisting he would only pay official fees to the government. 

“LABCA was the one that broke my wall, and it's not only my building there,” Medemaku explained, pointing out that over 50 buildings under construction on the site were left untouched. “The witch-hunt is intentional… they are targeting my office too” he added, dismissing the agency’s actions as a pretext for political persecution rather than a legitimate regulatory operation.

  

In a defiant statement, Medemaku vowed not to be cowed. “I will not be silenced… I refuse to be a member of APC. All of us cannot belong to APC; some of us must remain in opposition,” he asserted. 

He sarcastically thanked the APC for the “December gift” to his family, framing the destruction as a badge of honor in his political struggle. His stance highlights the growing concerns about the shrinking space for opposition and the alleged use of state agencies for political repression in Lagos State.

Attempts are being made to reach out to LABCA officials in Badagry. all attempts is not successful at the time of this report.

NYCN Lagos West VC Sunday Aladeotan Applauds Badagry West LCDA's New ICT Centre

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Sunday Aladeotan, Ibrahim Rauf and the new ICT centre 

BADAGRY WEST LCDA – Sunday Aladeotan, the Vice Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos West, has publicly hailed Hon. Ibrahim Rauf popularly known as RIKAY the chairman Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) as he inaugurated a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre. 

The project, a highlight of the 100-day celebrations of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Yenaren Rikay, has drawn commendation from youth leaders across Lagos.

Aladeotan commended the Chairman and the council's management team, led by Eng. Akande Lawrence, for the timely initiative. Aladeotan described the centre as a fulfillment of campaign promises and a critical step towards equipping the youths with in-demand technology skills.

“This initiative is a welcome development and part of the campaign promises of the chairman to equip youths in technology and to encourage continuous engagements of the youths,” Aladeotan stated. “This will go a long way in engaging and building Badagry West youths.”

The centre launched with an immediate, practical impact. Twelve pioneering participants, carefully selected from across the five wards of Badagry West LCDA, have commenced training. This first batch is expected to complete their upskilling program by next year, paving the way for a new cohort to enroll, ensuring a continuous cycle of empowerment.

The initiative is strategically designed to combat youth idleness, bridge the digital divide, and create a pipeline of tech-savvy individuals ready to contribute to the local and national economy.

In his praise, Aladeotan extended gratitude to the council leadership for prioritizing youth-friendly policies. “I want to appreciate the chairman and the management for enhancing youth-friendly and development policies,” he added. The establishment of the ICT centre is seen as a cornerstone of this developmental agenda, directly addressing the need for sustainable skills in a rapidly digitalizing world.

LASU: Human Rights Groups March on Lagos Assembly, Demand Reinstatement of Dismissed ASUU-LASU Executives

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Marking World Human Rights Day 2025, human rights activists took to the streets of Lagos to demand the immediate reinstatement of five lecturers dismissed from Lagos State University (LASU).

The peaceful protest, which commenced on Wednesday December 10, 2025 at the Ikeja Under Bridge and proceeded to the Lagos State Government House in Alausa, targeted the state government over the long-running and controversial sack of the academics, who are all executives of the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The protest organised under the banner of the “End Bad Governance” committee, the group presented a stern list of demands. Comrade Kehinde Adeoye, the immediate past chairman of a leading human rights coalition, read the petition signed by Comrade Hassan Soweto. 

It called on the Lagos State Government to: unconditionally reinstate the five lecturers; pay all backlogged salaries and allowances accrued during their “unjust dismissal”; and cease further interference in independent unionism within Lagos State public universities.

The dismissed lecturers are Dr. Akinloye Isaac Oyewumi (former ASUU-LASU Chairman), Dr. Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu (Vice-Chairman), Dr. Anthony Dansu (Secretary), Dr. Adeolu Oluwaseyi Oyekan (Assistant Secretary), and Dr. Oluwakemi Aboderin-Shonibare (Treasurer). They were sacked by LASU management between 2017 and 2019 for alleged “unauthorised removal, retention, dissemination, or publication of official documents.”

The protesters found audience at the State Assembly. Hon. Adebola Shabi, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency 2, alongside two other lawmakers, received the petition. He commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and offered assurances.

“I can assure you on behalf of the Honourable Speaker, Dr. Mudashiru Obasa… this petition will get quick attention,” Shabi stated. He highlighted the assembly’s proactive approach to petitions, noting that members often conduct on-site investigations. “We have a committee on human rights; we will get back to you,” he promised.

The case has been a legal and administrative rollercoaster for the affected dons. In February 2022, the university’s Governing Council, led by David Sunmoni, reinstated the lecturers following the recommendations of an Appeal Committee chaired by then-Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Boyo, which cleared them of all charges. 

However, in a shocking reversal, the same council suspended the reinstatement just 48 hours later, a decision that has left the lecturers in professional limbo for years.

Protesters in Lagos Demand End to Bad Governance, Issue Stark Ultimatum to State and Federal Government

 By: Taseyon Junadu

LAGOS, NIGERIA – A coalition of human rights groups, under the banner “End Bad Governance,” staged a major protest, in commemoration of 2025 World Human Rights Day, delivering a sweeping list of demands to both the Lagos State and Federal Governments, highlighting systemic failures and alleged widespread rights abuses.

The demonstration, held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, commenced at the Ikeja Under Bridge to Alausa Secretariat, a symbolic gathering point for public dissent. Protesters, wielding placards and chanting slogans, called for immediate action on issues ranging from academic freedom and housing rights to judicial persecution and police brutality.

Demands to Lagos State: Restore, Compensate, and Halt Overreach

The demands, read by Comrade Kehinde Adeoye, immediate past chairman of committee for human rights group and signed by Comrade Hassan Soweto for the organizing committee, first targeted the state government.

Key ultimatums include the immediate reinstatement of five unjustly sacked Lagos State University (LASU) lecturers with full payment of backlogs of salaries and allowances. 

The state was also urged to cease interference in public university unionism and to halt illegal demolitions and land grabbing, specifically in Oworonshoki and Ajegunle, with adequate compensation for victims.

Further demands call for an end to extortionate taxation, the establishment of a human rights committee in the State House of Assembly, and a cessation of illegal raids, arrests, and extortion by state agencies.

Federal Face-Off: Drop Charges, Stop Persecution, Sack Police Chie

The protest’s demands to the Federal Government were even more sweeping. They urgently called on the Attorney General of the Federation to halt the “treason” trials of Adaramoye Michael, Daniel Akonde, and nine other “End Bad Governance” protesters, drawing a parallel to President Tinubu’s pardon of 117 minors in a similar case last November. 

The list insists on an end to the persecution of human rights defenders, labour activists, journalists, bloggers, and student activists. A critical demand is the revocation of all punitive measures against the University of Ibadan (UI) and an immediate nationwide release of all unjustly incarcerated individuals.

Call for Independent Probe into Alleged Atrocities

In one of the most severe allegations, protesters demanded an independent panel to investigate claims of abduction, torture, organ harvesting, and extra-judicial killings levied against the police anti-kidnapping unit. 

The coalition called for the prosecution of all personnel found responsible and adequate compensation for victims. Topping the federal demands is the call to sack the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whom they accuse of presiding over a “highly irresponsible and corrupt police force that abuses human rights.”

A Reaction to a Growing Climate of Repression?

The protest and its detailed manifestos appear to be a direct response to what organizers describe as a shrinking civic space and intensifying state repression. The specific cases cited from sacked lecturers and demolished communities to detained protesters and persecuted journalists are presented as symptoms of a broader governance crisis. The reference to past pardons underscores a perception of inconsistent and selective application of justice.

Ojo LGA Acting Chairman and Former Chairman Suspended Over Gross Misconduct, Alleged Anti-Party Activities

Blessing Okafor and Oluwanifemi Elegbede 

The Labour Party (LP) in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State has suspended its two top officials in a single day. The party's Acting Chairman, Mrs. Blessing Okafor, and the Former Chairman, Mr. Oluwanifemi Elegbede, have been suspended by their respective wards over allegations of gross misconduct and actions deemed injurious to the party.

The seismic decision was communicated through separate letters dated December 1, 2025. The suspension of Mrs. Okafor was executed by the leadership of Ward D, Ijanikin, under the signature of its chairman, Mr. Henry Umah. The suspension of Mr. Elegbede was signed by Ojo Town Ward A, chairman Mr. Chukwudi Emmanuel.

Detailing the grounds for Blessing Okafor's suspension, the letter from Ward D cited a series of grave infractions. These include alleged acts of misconduct "inconsistent with the standards expected of a senior party officer" and a glaring "lack of transparency in the discharge of assigned duties." Furthermore, the ward executives pointed to a "loss of confidence expressed by a significant number of party members and stakeholders," who believe her recent actions have damaged party cohesion and administration.

Henry Umah clarified that Okafor's suspension is a "precautionary measure" to facilitate an impartial probe. She has been instructed to "refrain from participating in ward activities, meetings, or decision-making processes" pending the outcome of a thorough investigation by the ward's disciplinary committee. This move aims to ensure a fair hearing while temporarily removing her from a position of influence.

The allegations against the suspended Ojo LGA Chairman, Oluwanifemi Elegbede, are even more severe. The letter from Ojo Town Ward A reveals that Elegbede had already "pleaded guilty to the allegations against him from LGA executive and stakeholders," leading to a prior vote of no confidence and his suspension by the state chapter, which prompted the appointment of an acting chairman. His ward has now moved to enforce its own disciplinary action.

Elegbede was accused of "chaotic leadership ineptitude" and the grave allegation of "selling-out the party during and romance with Opposition during elections." 

The ward executives declared his actions had "plagued the party," triggering "resentment and rejection" so severe that members are "massively defecting to other parties." This paints a picture of a chairman whose leadership allegedly catalyzed internal decay and electoral sabotage.