Lagos Has Rejoin 998 Rescued Persons with Families, Enrolls 70 in Special Vocations: Mobolaji Ogunlende

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Mobolaji Ogunlende 

IKEJA, LAGOS — In a profound demonstration of social reform and human restoration, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has announced that 998 formerly destitute and mentally challenged persons have been successfully stabilized and reunited with their families.

The announcement, made by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, during the Year 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the state’s multi-tier rehabilitation networks. Marking seven years of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the ministry laid bare its statistics, displaying a highly functioning social infrastructure aimed at transforming street-dependent individuals into productive citizens.

Restoring Dignity at Majidun and Owutu

Central to this sweeping humanitarian operation is the Rehabilitation Training Centre in Majidun, Ikorodu. The center caters specifically to beggars, destitutes, and mentally unstable individuals rescued from the urban sprawl of Lagos.

As of April 2026, the facility housed 1,295 active rehabilitees undergoing comprehensive therapy. Through the deliberate tracking efforts of the Ministry's Human Integration Unit, 998 individuals—including several foreign nationals from neighboring West African states like Ghana and Benin—were safely integrated back into their communities.

Concurrently, the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Owutu has turned its focus toward long-term economic independence. The center currently has 70 trainees fully enrolled in specialized vocational tracks.

Addressing the media, Commissioner Mobolaji Ogunlende stressed the holistic mindset of the state’s intervention policies:

"Rehabilitation is not just about taking vulnerable people off the streets; it is about rebuilding their psychological foundation, equipping them with self-sustaining skills, and safely connecting them back to their loved ones so they never return to the margins of society."

Overhauling Substance Abuse Recovery at Isheri

The state’s social safety network extended massive reforms to the Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre in Isheri, which specializes in the care of men recovering from acute drug and substance abuse.

Boosted by aggressive structural renovations funded by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), the center’s bed capacity effectively doubled from 60 to 120. The structural upgrade integrated a clean industrial borehole, solar-powered grid systems, fitness spaces, and modern vocational workshops.

Key Performance Indices: Lagos State Rehabilitation Matrix

Majidun Centre, Ikorodu, Street Rescue & Human Integration, 1,072 new admissions; 998 successfully reunited with families globally.

Owutu PWD Vocational Hub, Disability Empowerment, 70 active trainees; launched fully funded advanced scholarships in cosmetology.

Isheri Recovery Facility, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation, 145 new intakes; 90 certified fit for discharge; capacity increased by 100%.

Triumphs Over Addiction: From Rehabilitation to Higher Education

The real-world success metrics coming out of the Isheri facility challenge historic stigmas associated with substance dependency. Over the last reporting cycle, the center witnessed unprecedented academic and professional milestones from individuals who were once completely written off by society.

Academic Excellence: Four recovering rehabilitees sat for and successfully passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (JAMB).

University Graduation: One notable rehabilitee successfully completed his studies while under care, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Physics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and is currently interning within the state ministry.

Corporate Integration: Another individual secured an active corporate role as a Personal Assistant to an airline CEO while finalizing his recovery program.

Peer Mentorship: Three fully discharged individuals were retained as temporary support staff within the facility, transforming their lived experiences into mentorship assets for new arrivals.

“Seeing a young man break free from severe drug addiction, sit for university exams, and graduate with a degree in Physics from a top institution proves that our methodologies are working,” Ogunlende added. “With start-up tools provided by COWLSO in barbing, tailoring, and digital repairs, we are turning historical burdens into absolute points of pride for their families.”

Amuwo Odofin 2027: George Olawande Secures Landslide Victory in NDC House of Reps Primaries

 By:  Manoah Kikekon 

NDC and George Olawande 

AMUWO ODOFIN, LAGOS — In a major political milestone ahead of the upcoming legislative polls, the lawmaker representing Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Hon. George Folarin Olawande, has emerged victorious in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives Primary Election.

The keenly contested primary, which took place across designated centers on Friday, May 29, 2026, solidifies Olawande’s position as the party's official flagbearer. Party insiders point to his strong grassroots infrastructure and recent legislative track record as the decisive factors behind his dominant performance among voting delegates.

The primary election serves as a critical operational test for the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as it rapidly scales its political footprint across Lagos State. For Olawande, the overwhelming support from party faithful indicates a deep-seated satisfaction with his community-focused style of governance.

Following the formal collation of votes, constituency stakeholders released a joint statement celebrating the outcome as an authentic reflection of popular will:

"Emerging victorious in a keenly contested primary election is a clear demonstration of the confidence, trust, and overwhelming support he continues to enjoy among party faithful and stakeholders across the constituency."

Key Details of the NDC Primary Election

Flagbearer Candidate, Hon. George Folarin Olawande.

Federal Constituency, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State

Political Platform, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Primary Election Date, Friday, May 29, 2026.

Target Election Cycle, 2027 General Elections.

A Record of Impactful Grassroots Governance

Throughout his active tenure, Olawande has built a reputation centered on accessibility, humility, and structured constituency interventions. Supporters frequently cite his proactive approach to local infrastructure projects, education support, and youth empowerment as core values that resonated deeply with the choosing delegates.

The lawmaker's campaign team emphasized that the victory stands as validation for a leadership philosophy completely centered around human capital development:

"This remarkable victory is a testament to Hon. Olawande's outstanding leadership, dedication to public service, and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency."

With the intra-party primary now officially concluded, the leadership of the NDC in Lagos is shifting its focus toward building a highly inclusive coalition. Party leaders are actively calling on former aspirants, party organs, and strategic voting blocks to close ranks to ensure success in the general elections.

Emphasizing the necessity of internal party cohesion, the leadership council concluded with a definitive call to action for all supporters:

"The primary election is now behind us, and the task ahead is to work collectively towards achieving an even greater victory at the polls. Together, we can build on this momentum and ensure that the voice of the people remains strong and well represented."

The formal presentation of the certificate of return is expected to take place at the NDC state secretariat in the coming days, paving the way for the inauguration of the general election campaign machinery.

Lagos 2027: APC Picks Badagry Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as Deputy Governorship Candidate

By: Manoah Kikekon

Damilola Sonayon-James and Bola Tinubu 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has tapped Badagry-born politician and sustainability expert, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, as its official deputy governorship candidate.

According to an exclusive report initially broke by the Western Post and confirmed by senior party insiders, Sonayon-James will share the ticket with the current Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who recently secured the APC’s governorship nomination to succeed outgoing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Political analysts view the selection of Princess Sonayon-James as a calculated masterstroke by the APC leadership. By selecting a prominent figure from the Badagry division, the party aims to significantly consolidate its voting base in Lagos West, an area that historically commands massive influence in state elections.

Sonayon-James is not a stranger to the inner workings of the party. She currently serves as the Assistant State Woman Leader for the APC in Lagos State, a position she has leveraged to build deep networks of community organizers and women's advocacy groups.

A senior party source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted the strategic value she brings to the joint ticket:

“The choice of Sonayon-James bridges critical gaps. She connects perfectly with the traditional institutions, represents an essential demographic as a female leader, and commands genuine grassroots loyalty across Badagry and beyond.”

Beyond her political acumen, the deputy governorship candidate boasts an impressive professional pedigree that balances public governance with modern administrative trends. She is a recognized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expert and a Sustainability Risk Consultant.

Hailing from the royal family of the Kweme Kingdom in the Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), her background uniquely positions her to navigate both traditional governance and modern state policy implementation.

Profile at a Glance: Princess Damilola Sonayon-James

Her Origin: Royal family of Kweme Kingdom, Badagry West LCDA

She is Currently the APC Assistant State Woman Leader, Lagos State

Professional Expertise: ESG Specialist & Sustainability Risk Consultant

Past Public Service: Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture & Social Services (Badagry West).

Her elevation to the joint ticket marks a historic milestone for women within the state's political arena. Observers suggest that her pairing with Dr. Hamzat underscores a growing institutional intent within the ruling party to diversify executive leadership and bring technocratic women into core decision-making roles.

During her previous tenure as a Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Services, Sonayon-James spearheaded several successful social intervention programs directly targeting small-scale farmers and vulnerable households.

An insider privy to the campaign planning stated:

“This ticket represents the ideal blend of executive continuity and fresh grassroots perspective. Dr. Hamzat brings immense experience in system engineering and state administration, while Princess Sonayon-James offers unparalleled connection to the local communities and a modern understanding of sustainable development.”

While the party secretariat has yet to roll out the formal red carpet for the official unveiling, sources confirm that the joint Hamzat-Sonayon-James campaign machinery is already being optimized, with a public presentation expected to follow in the coming days.

Badagry Anglican Synod: Babatunde Hunpe Joins Clergy to Celebrate Bishop Adeyemi’s 21-Year Legacy

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, NIGERIA — The ancient coastal town of Badagry witnessed a significant spiritual and administrative gathering as the Diocese of Badagry (Anglican Communion) commenced the First Session of its Eighth Synod. Held at the historic Cathedral Church of St. Thomas, the event drew prominent church leaders, delegates, and top government officials to deliberate on the future of the diocese.

Among the notable dignitaries in attendance was the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe. Beyond his role as a political leader, Hon. Hunpe participated fully in his spiritual capacity as the designated Diocesan Communicator, underscoring the deep connection between communal leadership and faith.

The multi-day event was held under the presidency of the Rt. Revd. Dr. Babatunde Joseph Adeyemi, the Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Badagry. This year, the gathering took on a deeply emotional and historic note, serving as the Valedictory Synod for Bishop Adeyemi as he prepares to conclude his long-standing leadership.

Centered around the scriptural theme of “Gratitude” (drawn from Luke 17:15–17), the session offered attendees a structured platform for deep spiritual reflection, worship, and strategic discussions regarding community development and evangelical expansion.

Speaking on the sidelines of the opening session, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe paid glowing tribute to Bishop Adeyemi’s extensive legacy. He reflected on how the Bishop's visionary leadership reshaped the entire Christian landscape within the region over more than two decades.

“Today we are starting our Synod and it is a Synod of gratitude as the theme states. It is also the last Synod the Bishop would be celebrating with us,” Hunpe remarked.

The local government chairman further highlighted that under Bishop Adeyemi’s 21-year Episcopal Ministry, the Diocese of Badagry successfully evolved from a heavily reliant missionary outpost into a self-sustaining, flourishing, and impactful spiritual community.

The First Session of the Eighth Synod combined traditional Anglican liturgy with forward-looking administrative sessions, focusing heavily on local impacts:

Valedictory Appreciations: Special prayer and citation sessions honoring Bishop Adeyemi’s 21 years of unbroken service.

Thematic Deliberations:** Sermons and workshops exploring the social and spiritual dimensions of living a life of active gratitude.

Community Development: Collaborative dialogues between the church leadership and local governance to foster unity and youth engagement across Badagry.

The event concluded with an enriched sense of purpose among the delegates, who pledged to sustain the developmental milestones established during the Bishop's historic tenure.

Lagos APC Primaries: Tinubu’s Daughter Threatens Mass Protest Over Disputed Election Results

By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a major political development shaking the ruling party, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has threatened to lead a massive street protest. The declaration follows severe disputes over the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections in Lagos State.

As originally reported by PUNCH, the influential market leader voiced her grievances during a weekly meeting of key market stakeholders at her office in Alausa, Ikeja. She stated that the state's party apparatus intentionally altered election results to favor a specific internal faction.

The outcry comes on the heels of the Lagos State APC chapter releasing its official list of legislative candidates. The document, signed by state APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, certified 24 candidates for the House of Representatives and 40 for the State House of Assembly.

However, Tinubu-Ojo openly questioned the transparency of the lists published for three key regional battlegrounds. She named the candidates whose initial victories she insists must be protected from manipulation:

Mushin Federal Constituency 2: Hon. Seye Oladejo, Agege Constituency 2: Mutiu Olaide Oladeebo, Ojokoro Constituency: Olotu Ojo

“We are ready to protest because of Seye Oladejo of Mushin Federal Constituency 02, Mutiu Olaide Oladeebo of Agege 2 constituency, Olotu Ojo of Ojokoro constituency, because we know they won this election. Their mandate should not be given to somebody else,” she warned explicitly during the stakeholder assembly.

A central theme of Tinubu-Ojo’s grievance is the internal factional warfare threatening the ruling party's cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections. She called for an outright dissolution of structural divisions, specifically pointing out the friction between the Mandate Group and the Justice Forum internal blocs.

The current political migration pattern inside Lagos APC is heavily influenced by the position of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, a key figure tied to the Justice Forum. Tinubu-Ojo noted that party members are jumping ship under the assumption that this faction represents the next line of state leadership.

“We have to cry out now. Let APC cancel Justice and Mandate Forums. We are one family. We are for APC. Now, they are using Justice Forum and Mandate because our candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, belongs to the Justice Forum. Everyone is now joining the Justice Forum because they believe that is where the incoming governor belongs."

She elaborated further on the danger of running a winner-takes-all system within party leadership:

“Even when he becomes governor, he will not govern only APC members; he has to balance it. Everyone must be carried along. If you are a leader, you are leading both your friends and foes. I can’t understand members of Mandate Group dumping Mandate and joining Justice Forum. And if Mandate won the election, they would try to manipulate and put Justice Forum members there. It is saddening. It is a way of telling us that hard work does not pay in politics. Something must be done about it.”

Concluding her address, the Iyaloja-General firmly reasserted that market women and traders across Lagos remain a pivotal voting bloc. While reaffirming their baseline support for the governorship ambitions of Obafemi Hamzat and the broader APC agenda, she sent a clear message to the party's elite: traders will no longer accept being sidelined in governance or subsequent political appointments.

She urged party hierarchies at both the state and national levels to launch an immediate investigation into the primary election outcomes before final ratification. Unresolved friction, she cautioned, could deeply compromise internal party unity long before the next general election cycle begins.

Eid-el-Kabir in Lagos: Governor Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Pay Festive Visit to President Tinubu and First Lady

By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — In the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at their Lagos residence on Wednesday.

The high-profile holiday visit underscores the strong, collaborative ties between the economic hub of Lagos State and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu shared insights from the holiday encounter via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He highlighted that the visit was not just an act of festive tradition, but also a vital opportunity to reinforce governance alignment and discuss strategies for citizen welfare.

In his public statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the nation's leader back in his home state:

“Together with the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, we visited His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our First Lady, HE Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as part of the Eid el Kabir celebrations.”

He further added that “It is always a pleasure to have the President back home to Lagos, and an opportunity to reaffirm the working relationship between Lagos State and the Federal Government as we remain committed to national progress and the wellbeing of our people.”

President Tinubu is currently staying in Lagos to observe the Eid-el-Kabir holidays, reconnecting with stakeholders and constituents in the state he previously governed.

Eid-el-Kabir, widely known as Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, stands as one of the most sacred landmarks on the Islamic calendar. The festival honors the historical devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), celebrating obedience, charity, and communal solidarity. Across Nigeria, the holiday has served as a period for political leaders to advocate for national unity, economic resilience, and shared prosperity.

Breaking Nigeria’s 70% Drug Import Reliance: Experts Demand Radical Executive Reforms

By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Industry experts and stakeholders are calling for an urgent structural overhaul of Nigeria's local pharmaceutical framework to safeguard the nation’s healthcare sovereignty. Currently, Nigeria relies on foreign imports for over 70 percent of its essential medicines, leaving its population highly vulnerable to international supply chain shocks and currency volatility.

The urgent call to action took center stage at the 29th Annual National Conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP). Leading industry figures warned that without decisive political will and rigorous operational execution, Nigeria's healthcare sector faces severe instability.

The domestic pharmaceutical industry is battling severe macroeconomic headwinds, including extreme foreign exchange (FX) volatility, soaring production overheads, and the skyrocketing cost of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) — the raw chemical materials needed to create finished medications.

In her keynote address, Dr. Nonye Onyewuenyi, a United States-based pharmaceutical scientist and Chief Executive Scientist Officer of Nolix Analytics, emphasized that Nigeria already has the foundational resources and human talent necessary to reverse this trend.

“We have the raw materials and the ambition, but what we lack is a deliberate policy,” Dr. Onyewuenyi declared. “It is unacceptable for a nation of over 200 million people with more than 200 registered pharmaceutical firms to still import over 70 percent of its drugs.”

Dr. Onyewuenyi called on the federal government to move past mere policy announcements. She urged the aggressive funding and implementation of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The critique extended into executive corporate management, where traditional, slow-moving administrative systems were called out as outdated.

Mazi Sam I. Ohuabunwa, former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and founding CEO of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, argued that pharmaceutical companies must implement daily operational accountability to survive current market turbulence.

“Performance management is the heartbeat of corporate sustainability,” Ohuabunwa stated during an intensive training session. “It is not an HR yearly form; it is a daily commitment to ensuring our patients win and our business grows.”

Ohuabunwa urged corporate leaders to transition to high-frequency weekly performance metrics and continuous field supervision to flag operational risks early.

On the scientific front, domestic producers face significant limitations due to underfunded research laboratories and aging production infrastructure. To bridge this gap, Dr. Onyewuenyi hosted technical masterclasses introducing Quality by Design (QbD) frameworksa method that builds safety controls directly into the early chemical formulation stages of manufacturing.

Roadmap to Healthcare Sovereignty

70% Import Dependence, Fully fund the PVAC framework; build dedicated pharmaceutical parks. Self-sufficiency in critical drug categories.

High API Raw Material Costs, Introduce aggressive tax incentives for local chemical synthesis. Lower retail prices for essential medicines.  

Outdated Corporate Culture, Adopt daily data-driven management tracking instead of annual evaluations. Increased operational agility and output.

Infrastructure Deficits, Scale university-to-industry R&D pipelines with NAFDAC and NIPRD. 

Internationally compliant cGMP factories.

Both leaders strongly warned against compromising data or technical standards, reminding stakeholders that shortcuts in medical manufacturing directly endanger human lives.

“In pharma, we deal with lives,” Ohuabunwa warned. “You cannot ‘PIP’ [Performance Improvement Plan] your way out of falsified records or data integrity breaches.”

Reacting to the blueprints presented, the National Chairman of NAIP, Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Ezebuiro, commended the experts and assured attendees that the association would actively drive the implementation of these strategic proposals across the industrial sector.