Badagry First: PDP Chieftain Medemaku Endorses SMA for Lagos Governorship

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Samuel Mawuyon Ajose and Abayomi Noah Medemaku 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Lagos State political landscape, Abayomi Noah Medemaku, a prominent leader within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has officially endorsed the governorship ambition of Samuel Mawutin Ajose (SMA) a member of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Medemaku, a former House of Representatives candidate and chairmanship aspirant for the PDP in Badagry Local Government, made this disclosure on Thursday, April 2, 2026, during an exclusive interview with News Peddlers. The endorsement marks a significant cross-party alliance as the race for the Lagos governorship seat intensifies.

Despite his deep roots in the opposition PDP, Medemaku emphasized that his decision is rooted in "Badagry-centric" politics rather than partisan loyalty. He stated that the time has come for the division of party lines to take a backseat to the collective progress of the Badagry region.

"This is not about party affiliations now. The interest of Badagry supersedes party friction," Medemaku declared. "As an indigene of Badagry, I have always put Badagry first. We are not APC members, but we are ready to work with him across party lines."

Medemaku clarified that while he remains a committed member of the PDP, he and his supporters are prepared to adopt the work ethic and mobilization strategies of the APC to ensure SMA’s emergence as the next governor of Lagos State.

The endorsement is backed by significant grassroots machinery. Medemaku revealed that his "Rescue Team," which boasts over 5,000 active members, is ready to pivot their support toward the SMA campaign. 

In a strategic move, he noted that if the APC decides to hold a direct primary to select its candidate, his thousands of followers are prepared to register as APC members to ensure SMA clinches the ticket.

Leveraging his past experience as the National President of Lagos State Students, Medemaku noted he still maintains a formidable network across the entire state. "We are not just out to do banners," Medemaku stressed. "We are out to make sure he emerges as the governorship candidate."

The endorsement of Samuel Mawutin Ajose (SMA) by a PDP stalwart highlights a growing trend of regional blocs consolidating power ahead of the 2027 general elections. By prioritizing an "Badagry Lo Kon" agenda, Medemaku’s move suggests that the upcoming Lagos gubernatorial race may be defined more by local interests and competence than traditional party logos.

SMA banner placed at the front of Medemaku House 

Hon. Babatunde Hunpe Disburses ₦20 Million to 200 Badagry Residents

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY — In a major boost to grassroots economic stability, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has successfully disbursed a fresh round of financial grants totaling ₦20 million to 200 residents. 

The disbursement, held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, marks the fourth phase of the Renewed Hope Asiwaju Cash Support Programme. Each beneficiary received a one-off grant of ₦100,000, specifically targeted at petty traders, artisans, widows, the elderly, and vulnerable groups across the local government area.

Launched during the Chairman’s "100 Days in Office" milestone, the cash support scheme is a monthly intervention designed to cushion the effects of national economic reforms. Hon. Hunpe revealed that the programme is strategically structured to run for 20 months, with a final goal of empowering at least 4,000 residents.

"Governance must be felt by the people," Hon. Hunpe stated during the ceremony. "At a time like this, we cannot fold our arms while residents are struggling. This support is meant to bring immediate relief and help our people scale their small businesses."

The Chairman emphasized that the initiative is a localized extension of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that increased federal allocations must translate into direct, tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

Addressing potential critics, the Council Boss insisted that while long-term infrastructure is vital, immediate "stomach infrastructure" and business capital are necessary to prevent the collapse of small-scale enterprises. He maintained that the selection process remains non-partisan, benefiting residents based on need rather than political affiliation.

To ensure the funds achieve their intended purpose, Hunpe disclosed that the council has established monitoring and accountability measures. He urged beneficiaries to resist the temptation of spending the ₦100,000 on non-essential items, advising them instead to reinvest in their trades to create sustainable income.

In a move that drew loud cheers from the crowd, Hon. Hunpe announced that the council is already preparing for the upcoming Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival. Plans are underway to organize a Renewed Hope Discount Market, where food items will be sold at subsidized rates. Additionally, a separate round of palliatives is scheduled for distribution before the end of April to further assist struggling families.

The Council Manager, Mrs. Abosede Oluwakemi Senami, praised the Chairman’s consistency, noting that the steady injection of ₦20 million into the local economy every month is already stimulating market activities. 

Supporting this sentiment, the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Asokere Mautin Bankole, remarked that the true success of the intervention lies in the hands of the beneficiaries. "The real measure of this program is how many of these businesses are still standing and growing six months from now," he said.

Cultural Hangout Festival (CHF) and IAACCF Canada Ink Historic Pact to Amplify African Arts

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Victor Aihawu 

The Cultural Hangout Festival (CHF) and the International African Arts, Crafts & Culture Fair (IAACCF), Canada, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote African heritage on a global scale. 

The strategic partnership, formalized on Monday, March 30, 2026, aims to create a unified ecosystem for African creatives, linking local talent from the continent directly with the vast opportunities available within the North American and European diaspora.

The collaboration between the Nigeria-UK based CHF and the Canada-based IAACCF represents a significant step in cultural diplomacy. By combining their networks, both organizations seek to increase the visibility of African cultural expressions and foster economic development through the arts.

The partnership will focus on several high-impact areas, including: Joint Promotion: Co-branding and marketing of major cultural initiatives. Talent Exchange: Creating pathways for African vendors and artists to showcase at international fairs. Youth Education: Implementing heritage awareness programs for the next generation. Capacity Building: Training in cultural entrepreneurship to help creatives monetize their craft globally.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Aihawu Victor, the Founder and CEO of the Cultural Hangout Festival, emphasized that the alliance transcends mere event planning.

“This partnership is about more than events it is about building meaningful connections between Africa and the diaspora through culture,” Victor stated. “We are creating platforms where stories are shared, opportunities are created, and identity is celebrated on a global stage.”

Aihawu Victor, a seasoned migration and development expert, has long championed culture as the "missing link" in migration discourse, positioning CHF as a movement that restores dignity and identity to migrants.

Echoing this sentiment, Randa Adjare, the Founder and CEO of IAACCF Canada, highlighted the importance of collective action in the international arena.

“By working together, we are strengthening the global presence of African arts and crafts while creating more opportunities for creatives to thrive beyond borders,” Adjare noted. 

As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a graduate of the York Entrepreneur Development Institute, Adjare brings a structured, growth-oriented approach to the partnership, ensuring that African artisans can access sustainable market models in Canada and beyond.

The MoU introduces a structured framework for cross-event participation. This means that artists, fashion designers, and craftspeople from the CHF network in Nigeria and the UK will have streamlined access to IAACCF exhibitions in Toronto and Edmonton. Similarly, Canadian-based African creatives will have a stronger platform during CHF’s flagship events in London and Abuja.

The partnership also hints at co-hosted global events in 2027, further positioning African culture as a key player in the multi-billion dollar global creative economy.

Cultural Hangout Festival (CHF): An international engagement platform organized by Africa Multicultural & Heritage Promotion Ltd (AMHP). It focuses on reconnecting individuals with their roots through music, fashion, and storytelling.

IAACCF Canada: A premier platform dedicated to showcasing African craftsmanship and heritage through large-scale exhibitions and international trade engagement.

Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu (TVT) Appoints ‘Baba Eto’ as National Patron for 2027 Mobilization

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS — In a move that blends spiritual influence with grassroots political engineering, the Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu (TVT) has officially conferred the prestigious title of National Patron on the renowned cleric and political strategist, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, popularly known as "Baba Eto."

The appointment, announced by the TVT National Central Working Council (NCWC) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, marks a significant step in the movement’s mission to align Nigeria’s burgeoning tourism sector with the 2027 re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Cardinal Odunmbaku was honored for his decades-long advocacy in religious tourism and his role as a bridge-builder between faith-based communities and the political class. As the founder of Christ Ambassadors Soul Winners Ministry, "Baba Eto" has been a pivotal figure in organizing large-scale inter-denominational prayer conferences that attract thousands, a key subset of Nigeria's domestic tourism.

Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, the Convener and National Coordinator of TVT, described the conferment as a "recognition of a lifetime of service." 

"Baba Eto’s contributions to religious tourism and his consistent advocacy for good governance align perfectly with our vision," Hon. Apata stated. "As a movement, we are committed to unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry while mobilizing nationwide support for the President’s continued national transformation."

The TVT movement is positioning the tourism sector as a primary driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda. By leveraging the influence of stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones, the group aims to create a "united voice" for practitioners in hospitality, travel, and cultural heritage.

Dr. Adeyinka Wulemat Olarinmoye, the National Deputy Coordinator of TVT, emphasized that unity is the movement's greatest asset. "By aligning our efforts with the transformation agenda of Mr. President, we can collectively unlock tourism as a key driver of economic prosperity," she noted during the ceremony.

In his acceptance speech, Cardinal Odunmbaku reaffirmed his commitment to the TVT's goals, promising to provide the "political will" necessary to elevate the tourism industry. 

"I am deeply honored by this recognition," Cardinal Odunmbaku remarked. "I assure you of my unwavering commitment to achieving our collective vision... Together, we will continue to strengthen our support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 to build on the gains already recorded."

Political observers note that the appointment of a heavyweight like Odunmbaku a founding member of the APC in Lagos and a seasoned grassroots mobilizer is a strategic masterstroke for the TVT. The move signals that the 2027 campaign will heavily feature sectoral endorsements, with tourism playing a central role in the administration's economic narrative.

The ceremony, covered by Eko Tourism Online Radio, concluded with a call to action for all tourism stakeholders to join the vanguard in promoting policies that enhance both governance and the "Visit Nigeria" brand.

Area K Commander Leads Police Sanitation Drive at Badagry Roundabout

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY — In a symbolic shift from crime-fighting to community service, the Area K Command of the Nigeria Police Force took to the streets of Badagry on Monday morning to lead a high-profile environmental sanitation exercise. 

The initiative, led by ACP Adeleke Smith, the Area Commander of Area K, saw top brass and rank-and-file officers swapping handcuffs for brooms and shovels at the busy Badagry Roundabout. The exercise is a cornerstone event of the 2026 National Police Week, celebrated under the global theme: “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”

The sanitation drive was not a solitary effort. ACP Smith was joined by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Badagry Division, CSP Folajimi Agosile, along with DPOs and personnel drawn from across the command’s jurisdiction. 

Officers from six key divisions participated in the exercise, including: Seme and Badagry Divisions, Morogbo and Ijanikin Divisions, Isashi and Ilemba-Hausa Divisions.

Under the early morning sun on Monday, March 30, 2026, the officers cleared debris, swept the roundabout walkways, and tidied adjoining drainage areas. The sight of uniform-clad men and women engaging in manual labor drew cheers from commuters and local traders, many of whom joined in to assist the officers.

The 2026 National Police Week aims to bridge the historical gap between law enforcement and the citizenry. By choosing a public landmark like the Badagry Roundabout the nerve center of the division the Area K Command sought to humanize the force and demonstrate that the police are an integral part of the community’s daily life.

“This isn't just about cleaning the environment; it’s about cleaning the perception of the police,” one senior officer noted during the exercise. “When the community sees us working for their comfort outside of an arrest scenario, it builds a foundation of mutual respect.”

The outreach also served as a platform for public awareness. Officers used the opportunity to sensitize residents on the link between environmental cleanliness and security. Blocked drainages and overgrown bushes are often cited as hideouts for petty criminals, and the sanitation exercise underscored the police's commitment to eliminating such hazards.

The Area K Command has signaled that this exercise is only the beginning of a week-long series of engagements, including town hall meetings and sports competitions, all aimed at solidifying the bond between the "Police and the People."

As the National Police Week continues across Nigeria, the Badagry sanitation drive stands out as a practical application of the “Community Partnership” theme. Residents have lauded the initiative, calling for more frequent collaborations that allow the police to interact with the public in non-confrontational settings.

Palm Sunday Tragedy: U.S. Congressman Warns of "Significant Consequences" for Nigeria Under Trump Administration

By: Manoah Kikekon 

JOS, NIGERIA — A somber Palm Sunday in Plateau State turned into a diplomatic flashpoint as U.S. Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV) issued a stern warning to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The warning follows a brutal attack in the Anguwan Rukuba area of Jos, which left at least a dozen people dead and sparked a wave of retaliatory violence.

The incident, which occurred during one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar, has reignited international concerns regarding religious freedom and the safety of minority communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Taking to social media on Sunday, March 29, 2026, Congressman Moore a key figure in the U.S. fact-finding delegation on religious persecution expressed outrage over reports that Christians were targeted while preparing for worship.

"Radical Islamic terrorists opened fire on Christians before hacking them to pieces," Moore wrote. "This tragedy follows a pattern of radical Islamic terrorists massacring Christians on Holy Days. Abuja knows this pattern, and they must massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter."

The lawmaker warned that if the Nigerian government fails to mobilize and defend its citizens, there will be "significant consequences" for the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United States.

Moore’s comments carry extra weight given the Trump administration's aggressive pivot regarding Nigerian security. In late 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) and threatened to "go in guns-a-blazing" or cut all foreign aid if the "slaughter of Christians" was not halted.

The Congressman referenced a previous incident where he claimed U.S. military deterrence specifically 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles prevented attacks during a prior Christmas season, though Nigerian officials have consistently maintained that security challenges are rooted in complex land and criminal disputes rather than state-sponsored religious persecution.

Local reports from Anguwan Rukuba describe a chaotic scene where gunmen opened fire at a local restaurant and social hub. According to the Plateau State Red Cross, the initial shooting claimed 12 lives, but the death toll rose to at least 27 after an angry mob formed to hunt down the attackers, leading to further communal bloodletting.

The Plateau State government has imposed heightened security measures, but the recurrent nature of these attacks has left the international community skeptical of the federal government's containment strategy.

The timing of this attack is particularly sensitive as Moore and fellow lawmaker Rep. Chris Smith recently introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026. This legislation would require the U.S. Secretary of State to provide exhaustive reports on Nigeria’s efforts to prosecute perpetrators of religious violence and protect vulnerable communities.

PSN President Hails Governor Fintiri’s Healthcare Revolution in Adamawa

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri 

YOLA — The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has thrown its full professional weight behind the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, describing his tenure as a "transformative revolution" in both infrastructural development and healthcare delivery.

Speaking upon his arrival for the historic 2026 PSN Colloquium at the Government House Banquet Hall in Yola, the President of the PSN, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, FPSN, expressed profound admiration for the Governor's visionary leadership. He noted that the strategic blending of modern urban infrastructure with a functional, sanitized health system has effectively repositioned Adamawa State as a premier model of progressive governance in Nigeria.

The PSN leadership highlighted that the ongoing reforms in the state are not merely cosmetic but structural. According to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pharmaceutical Matters, Pharm. Nwaka Ohuama, the administration’s investments are strategically designed to position Adamawa as a sub-Saharan hub for medical tourism. 

"We are not just treating patients; we are building a global healthcare brand," Ohuama stated, reiterating that the visible progress across the state is the direct fulfillment of Governor Fintiri’s campaign promises.

The sentiment was echoed by the Lead Speaker and Past President of the PSN, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, FPSN. He characterized Governor Fintiri as a "pro-pharmaceutical" leader who understands that the pharmaceutical industry is the bedrock of any functional health system. 

"Any governor who prioritizes healthcare clearly holds the lives of the people in high cherish," Akintayo remarked, praising the Governor’s precision and compassion in sanitizing the state’s pharmaceutical value chain.

Adding to the intellectual depth of the event, the Keynote Speaker and Immediate Past President of the PSN, Prof. Cyril Odianose Usifoh, FPSN, commended the enabling environment created by the administration, which allowed Yola to host such a high-caliber scientific and professional discourse.

The PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, expressed his hope that other governors across the federation would emulate the "Fintiri Step." He noted that the standard of facilities in Adamawa is restoring faith in the Nigerian health system at large.

Key Achievements Highlighted by the PSN are Urban Renewal: The transformation of Yola into a modern, seamless urban hub. Healthcare Sanitization: Deliberate investments in medical infrastructure and safe medicine access. Economic Vitality: Creating a climate that attracts professional bodies and intellectual giants to the state.

In his response, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri assured the PSN delegation of a hitch-free, world-class conference, reaffirming Adamawa’s reputation for hospitality. He pledged continued collaboration with the Society to ensure that every citizen has access to safe, quality medicines and modern clinical care.