Badagry LG Chairman Hunpe Marks 1 Year in Office with Free NNPC-SNEPCo Medical Outreach

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

 Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Marking his first year in office has flagged off NNPC-SNEPCo Vision First Plus Programme. The milestone event also featured a passionate appeal to corporate partners for the establishment of a permanent eye care facility in the historic coastal town.

The five-day free medical outreach is organized by the Badagry Local Government in strategic partnership with NNPC Limited, SNEPCo, Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, ExxonMobil, and AGIP. The comprehensive health intervention is currently taking place at the Ajara Flagship Primary Health Centre, Mango, Ajara, serving residents of Badagry and neighboring communities.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Hunpe described the initiative as a landmark solution designed to alleviate the health burdens of rural and underserved populations, particularly those battling preventable and treatable visual impairments.

He noted that specialized eye care has historically been a neglected area for many grassroots residents, who are often forced to endure long and costly journeys to central Lagos just to see a specialist.

 

"Eye care has for too long remained a neglected area. This intervention is helping to bridge a critical gap by bringing specialised services directly to our communities," Hunpe stated.

The council chairman emphasized that the medical outreach aligns seamlessly with his administration's vision of strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery under the Greater Badagry Rising Agenda.

Capitalizing on the momentum of the partnership, Hunpe made a compelling appeal to the corporate sponsors to extend their collaboration beyond the five-day window and invest in a permanent medical legacy for the local government area.

"We are ready to provide land and every necessary enabling environment for a permanent eye care facility in Badagry. Together we can make the dream of a Badagry Local Government Eye Clinic a reality for present and future generations," he added.

Representing the Executive Vice President of SNEPCo Exploration, the General Manager of Exploration and Development, Mr. Abubakar Ahmed, explained that the Vision First Plus Programme is structured to restore human dignity, confidence, and productivity by widening healthcare access in remote regions.

Highlighting the broader footprint of the initiative, Ahmed disclosed that the program has successfully:

Screened over 7,700 individuals.

Dispensed more than 2,058 prescription glasses.

Provided essential medications to over 3,170 beneficiaries.

Conducted more than 574 vision-restoring procedures, including life-changing cataract surgeries.

Echoing similar sentiments on behalf of the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Usman Muhammed Bello reiterated the corporation's unwavering commitment to sustainable community development through targeted health interventions.

Goodwill messages were also shared by top health officials from the Lagos State Government, including Dr. Ifeyemi Adediran (Director of Blindness Prevention) and Dr. Asiyanbi Oladapo (Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District V), who both commended the synergy between the local government and corporate partners while urging residents to maximize the free services. Oladapo called more support from none Governmental organisations to further improve health facilities within the state.

The massive turnout on opening day underscored the critical need for accessible healthcare in the region. Official statistics from the opening day revealed: 583 total residents registered. 462 received nursing triage services. 377 underwent comprehensive laboratory investigations. 280 benefited from general medical consultations. 219 accessed specialized eye care services. 259 received free prescription medications. 38 successful eye surgeries were performed on the first day alone.

The medical outreach runs through Friday, August 14, offering a robust package of health services including eye screenings, cataract and pterygium surgeries, distribution of reading glasses and eye drops, cardiovascular screenings, treatment of minor ailments, and free medication dispensing.

Abbas, Bago, and Akume Call for Deepened Support for Community Pharmacists

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

ABUJA— Key figures in the federal and state governments have rallied behind community pharmacists, urging stronger financial and structural backing to crash the cost of essential medicines and expand healthcare access across Nigeria.

The powerful call to action was issued at the 45th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN). Held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, the high-profile summit ran under the theme “UNITY 2026: From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact, Managing Complex Healthcare Systems.”

Representing House of Representatives Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji, praised community pharmacists for promoting safe and responsible medicine use nationwide.

Echoing this sentiment, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, highlighted community pharmacists as vital frontline professionals who are indispensable in tackling medicine affordability and accessibility for vulnerable populations.

Akume pointed to recent interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, notably the Executive Order suspending import duties, tariffs, and VAT on raw pharmaceutical materials and active ingredients to stimulate domestic manufacturing. However, he admitted that gaps remain, particularly in rural regions.

"We must ensure that pharmaceutical products available to Nigerians remain safe, effective, affordable, and of assured quality,"* Akume stated, urging pharmacists to intensify the fight against counterfeit medications and partner with government initiatives to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Representing Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, advocated for public-private partnerships to integrate community pharmacies directly into primary healthcare networks and state health insurance schemes.

Governor Bago maintained that such structural integration provides a practical pathway to subsidizing retail medicine costs and easing the financial burden on everyday families.

Beyond government partnerships, the ACPN used its final communiqué to sound the alarm on a crippling brain drain that has seen over 9,500 pharmacists leave Nigeria in recent years. To secure the nation's drug infrastructure, the association submitted three major structural proposals to the Federal Government:

1. Stiffer Penalties for Counterfeiting: An amendment to the Fake Drug Act introducing mandatory 20-year prison sentences for first-time offenders and life imprisonment with total asset forfeiture for repeat dealers.

2. National Drug Management Agency: The creation of a dedicated agency to institutionalize the Drug Revolving Fund and manage the 10% essential medicines allocation under the Basic National Health Provision Fund directly, bypassing intermediaries.

3. National Postgraduate College of Pharmacy: Establishing a local postgraduate institution to cut down on expensive foreign training costs and preserve foreign exchange.

The week-long conference concluded with the election of a new National Executive Council for the 2026/2027 term, with Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma officially emerging as the National Chairman.

In his inaugural address, Igwekamma pledged a transformative tenure, calling on policymakers to quickly implement the summit's resolutions to transform community pharmacies into unstoppable pillars of affordable, world-class healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

SMA Reconciliation Committee Unites Badagry APC Stakeholders

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In an aggressive push to foster internal harmony and consolidate political strength, the SMA Reconciliation Committee has successfully initiated comprehensive peace talks following the recent contentious party primaries in Badagry.

Constituted by prominent Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) leader and former governorship aspirant, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, the committee convened a high-stakes, two-day summit at the SMA Foundation office in Ibereko on August 7 and 8, 2026. The strategic gathering aimed to address post-primary grievances and forge a united front ahead of upcoming electoral battles.

Setting the tone for the deliberations, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Saka Senayon, acknowledged that friction and disagreements are natural byproducts of fiercely contested primaries. However, he charged party faithful to look beyond individual losses and focus on the broader objective of harmonising their votes to unlock greater development and political patronage for the division.

“Disagreements were to be expected after the primaries, but we must harmonise our votes,” Hon. Senayon stated, stressing that stronger voter turnout and absolute solidarity remain Badagry’s strongest bargaining chips in Lagos State politics.

The reconciliation process received an immense boost from revered traditional rulers who stepped in to offer counsel. Notable royal fathers in attendance included Oba Oladele Friday Kosovo, the Oniworo of Iworo; Aholu (Oba) Sejiro Olalekan James, the Aholu Henwa of Kweme; and Aholu Agano Toniyon I, the Aholu of Ajara Agamathen.

Aholu Agano Toniyon I implored the various political camps to collapse their structures and marshal their supporters together to boost Badagry's collective voting power. Echoing this call, Aholu Sejiro Olalekan James urged all political actors to wholeheartedly support the reconciliation framework and throw their weight behind the party's ultimate success.

The meetings witnessed profound displays of political maturity as key actors addressed their concerns openly. Hon. Solomon Bonu announced that he had officially put the outcome of the primary behind him, noting that he was already engaging his grassroots support base to douse tension and steer clear of divisive politics.

“I have moved on from the outcome of the primary and I am already engaging my followers to discourage anger, while calling for greater inclusiveness and an end to violent politics,” Hon. Bonu affirmed.

While Hon. Akin Ogunlana, Director-General of the campaign for Hon. Engineer Setonji David, raised valid reservations regarding the conduct of the primary and insisted that genuine grievances must be properly addressed, other leaders rallied for party supremacy. Barrister Peter Owolabi pledged his unalloyed support for the APC, while Hon. Sesi Whingan, Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, urged all members to remain steadfast and committed to the progressive platform.

The high-profile meeting hosted key party candidates, including Mr. Olusegun Onilude, Mr. Olatunde Oladunjoye, and Mr. Joseph Gbenu, whose formal engagements with the committee were rescheduled to a subsequent date. Other prominent aspirants, such as Williams Ahadji K.F. (Willy-Osha) and Mr. Olufemi Ogunsanya, ensured robust representation through their delegates.

Badagry Son David Mautin Kunnuji Secures Ambassadorial Deal with Benin Training Centre

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Engr. Kiki Ismael and Hon. Mautin Kunnuji 

COTONOU, BENIN REPUBLIC – In an effort to boost for cross-border youth empowerment and vocational development, prominent Badagry native Hon. David Mautin Kunnuji has officially signed an ambassadorial contract with the Centre D’Incubation Entrepreneuriale Et Des Formations Professionnelles (CIEFP) Benin, a premier professional training institution based in Cotonou.

Kunnuji, widely known by his initials DMJ, formalized the partnership on Monday during a high-profile signing ceremony witnessed by the Director-General of the institution, Engr. Kiki Ismael. The strategic alliance is tailored to bridge the skills gap for young Nigerians, creating direct pathways for individuals eager to acquire certified, practical expertise in heavy machinery operation and industrial technical fields.

CIEFP Benin has carved a niche for itself in hands-on professional training, focusing heavily on modern industrial equipment operations such as hydraulic excavators, loaders, and forklifts. These competencies are increasingly vital across booming West African sectors, including commercial construction, logistics, mining, and large-scale materials handling.

Speaking on the partnership, Kunnuji expressed his profound dedication to youth advancement, noting that the collaboration will serve as a reliable bridge for ambitious Nigerians seeking international standard training.

"This partnership is about creating real, sustainable opportunities for our youths," Kunnuji stated. "Unemployment can be drastically tackled through targeted technical education. By bridging the gap between Nigerian talent and specialized regional training institutions, we are equipping our young people with competitive skills that command global relevance."

The institution has announced that its next intake for the Material Handling Equipment Operator Training Course will commence on August 18, 2026. The intensive four-month programme is structurally divided into three months of rigorous practical field training and one month of comprehensive theoretical instruction.

Beyond machine operations, the curriculum incorporates crucial auxiliary modules, including Business English, essential workplace ethics, and tailored French language courses designed specifically to assist English-speaking trainees in navigating regional work environments.

Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded globally recognized credentials, including:

The CQM Certificate of Professional Qualification

An official Certificate of Completion

The CACES Certificate of Aptitude for Safe Driving issued directly by the centre.

This latest appointment adds an inspiring chapter to Kunnuji’s expanding public and professional profile, closely following his prominent run as a leading All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirant in Badagry Local Government earlier in the year. Through his new ambassadorial capacity, Kunnuji is expected to aggressively champion the institution's human capacity development agenda, facilitating seamless access for prospective Nigerian trainees.

Prospective candidates within Nigeria seeking to enrol in the forthcoming academic stream can channel their enquiries through the official helpline at +234 808 611 9608.

NYCN Lagos West and Badagry West First Lady Enroll 30 Youths for One-Year Vocational Training

 By: Manoah Kikekon

 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos West Vice Chairman, in a strategic partnership with the First Lady of Badagry West LCDA, has officially enrolled 30 youths for a comprehensive one-year vocational training programme.

The initiative, launched to commemorate World Youth Skills Day 2026, took place at Shito, Badagry West, Lagos State. The fully sponsored programme covers a wide array of high-demand vocational and technical skills, including Art and Design, Fashion Design, Catering, Decoration, Bead Making, Barbing, Hair Styling, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Delivering his keynote address at the unveiling ceremony, the NYCN Lagos West Vice Chairman, Aladeotan David, revealed that the initiative was born out of a collaborative outreach that received a massive boost from the local council leadership.

"We initially looked at 10 beneficiaries which we intend to empower after the training, but now the First Lady has asked us to increase it. Currently, we are on 35, so the intention is to train our youths to build them by reducing the level of unemployment and idleness," Aladeotan stated.

Emphasizing the need for proactive grassroots intervention, he added, "Gradually, we all need to take action by doing something. We are moving from the era of complaining to the era of action. We believe that taking actions of this nature will reduce poverty and reduce youth unemployment to a minimal level."

Echoing his sentiments, the Chairperson and First Lady of Badagry West LCDA, Medeyonmi Ibrahim, expressed profound delight at the partnership, noting that skill acquisition remains the most viable tool for economic self-reliance.

"This is to empower the youths, which I'm very happy about, as this will keep them engaged and make them useful for themselves and their families," Mrs. Ibrahim remarked. She offered a word of encouragement to the beneficiaries, advising them, "to be focused and make sure they put all their efforts into that programme to make sure they gain the reasons why they are here and they will also make us proud too."

For many participants, the initiative represents a life-changing opportunity to break financial barriers and acquire professional competence.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Uthman Awesu, who enrolled in the ICT training, could not hide his excitement. "This is an opportunity I've been looking for for a couple of years now, but I couldn't afford it," Awesu said. "I really appreciate the organizers. I'm sure after a year of this training, I'll be able to say I'm officially computer literate."

Mandate Explorers Group Assures APC Chairman Ojelabi of Landslide Victory in Badagry for 2027

 By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS – Political momentum is gathering steam ahead of the 2027 general elections as the Mandate Group Explorers, Badagry, has boldly assured the Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, of a resounding landslide victory across the Badagry division.

The declaration was made on Friday, August 7, 2026, when members of the grassroots political group visited Pastor Ojelabi at his residence to felicitate with him during his birthday celebration.

Speaking to journalists during the solidarity visit, the pioneer and leader of the group, Kappo Yiseyon Elijah, emphasized that the movement is fully mobilized and strategically positioned to deliver maximum votes for the ruling party. He noted that the visit was primarily designed to reaffirm unflinching loyalty to the party's leadership and to outline proactive steps being taken at the grassroots level.

"Today's visit is to confirm our solidarity to the leadership of our party leader and to let him know the Mandate Explorer Group is reinforcing its roots in Badagry and its surroundings to make sure APC sets a remarkable record in Badagry and Lagos at large come 2027," Elijah stated.

Responding to the group, Pastor Ojelabi expressed profound appreciation for the solidarity and commitment shown by the Mandate Explorers. He commended their proactive approach toward grassroots mobilization, noting that the strength of the APC lies in the dedication of its members at the community level.

Ojelabi assured the team of his unwavering support, reiterating the party's collective goal to secure a landslide victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensure the continuation of progressive governance under the leadership of Lagos State's leadership, including Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

Netanyahu Rejects US-Backed 15-Point Gaza Plan, Vows No Military Pullout Until Hamas Disarms

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump 

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected United States President Donald Trump’s proposed 15-point roadmap for Gaza, declaring that Israeli forces will maintain their positions until Hamas is fully and genuinely disarmed.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu hardened his stance amidst mounting pressure from his right-wing political base ahead of national elections. The rejection marks a significant friction point in Washington's ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting framework for the war-torn enclave.

The US-led Board of Peace framework, announced late last month, envisioned a phased ceasefire whereby Hamas and other armed factions would surrender their weapons to a new Palestinian governing body in tandem with a gradual Israeli military withdrawal.

However, Netanyahu firmly rejected the parallel withdrawal schedule, insisting that military disengagement is a non-starter until total demilitarisation is achieved.

“Israel rejects the 15-point document,” Netanyahu stated during the cabinet address. The Israeli military “will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and our citizens.” He added that the demand covers all weaponry, emphasizing, “We are talking about real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament.”

While pushing back against the specific sequencing of the US-led proposal, Netanyahu acknowledged ongoing discussions with the White House, maintaining a diplomatic tone regarding President Trump.

“They have ideas; some of them are acceptable to us, and some are not, and we know how to stand our ground on these matters,” Netanyahu remarked, while concurrently praising the broader US-Israel partnership on regional security issues such as Iran.

The 15-point plan, designated under UN Security Council Resolution 2803, aims to transition governance of Gaza to an independent Palestinian National Committee backed by international stabilisation forces. Yet, with Israel demanding complete capitulation before moving troops and Hamas conditioning its compliance on an end to ongoing military operations, prospects for immediate implementation remain uncertain.