Badagry Chairman Hunpe Debunk Hospital Neglect, Demands "Humanity First" for Patients

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Babatunde Hunpe and Adesola Oluseyi 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a move to restore public confidence in the local healthcare system, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has issued a stern warning against the alleged mistreatment and neglect of patients at the Badagry General Hospital.

During a high-stakes meeting on Wednesday, Hunpe called on the facility’s newly appointed leadership to overhaul its emergency protocols and eliminate life-threatening delays.

The council boss made these remarks while receiving the new Medical Director and CEO of Badagry General Hospital, Dr. Adesola Oluseyi, during a familiarization visit. While Hunpe formally welcomed the MD, the tone of the meeting shifted quickly to the pressing grievances of the community.

Hunpe highlighted a growing trend of complaints from residents regarding the "indifference and lack of compassion" shown to patients, particularly those arriving via emergency referrals from Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

"The health of our people remains a top priority," Hunpe stated. "When patients are delayed unnecessarily or treated without empathy, it weakens the confidence of the people in the healthcare system. Reports of poor treatment and neglect have become a source of concern to this administration."

Badagry General Hospital serves as a critical medical hub for the coastal town and its neighboring communities. Hunpe emphasized that for the system to work, the bridge between local PHCs and the General Hospital must be seamless. He urged Dr. Oluseyi to ensure that every patient referred from a local clinic is treated with the dignity and urgency they deserve.

The Chairman reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to the sector, noting his history of intervention in health matters during his tenure in the House of Representatives and his current role as council head.

Responding to the Chairman’s concerns, Dr. Adesola Oluseyi acknowledged the challenges and revealed that the hospital is already pivoting toward a more responsive model. To curb neglect and improve communication, the hospital has introduced dedicated emergency phone lines belonging to senior medical personnel. These lines will allow health workers and residents to reach responsible officers instantly during emergencies.

Planned Reforms at Badagry General Hospital: Direct Access: New communication channels with senior staff to bypass bureaucratic delays.

Stakeholder Forum: A planned summit involving youth groups, CDAs, artisans, and PHC workers to address human relations issues. Service Delivery Audit: Internal measures to monitor how referral cases are handled upon arrival.

The meeting was attended by key local government officials, including Council Manager Mrs. Avoseh Senami Oluwakemi, Chief of Staff Hon. Towolawi Taiwo, Supervisor for Health Hon. Lateef Saliu, and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Oladunjoye Dorcas.

Badagry Chairman Hunpe Forges Strategic Alliances with ActionAid and Scouts for Grassroots Growth

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to transformative governance by hosting high-level delegations aimed at boosting community development and youth engagement. 

In a series of strategic meetings held on March 31, 2026, the Chairman engaged with ActionAid Nigeria and the Lagos State Scouts Council, signaling a renewed focus on social justice, education, and character building within the ancient city.

The day commenced with a familiarization visit from ActionAid, led by Mr. Adebowale Keinde. This collaboration is set to deepen strategic engagement across the local government, focusing on the core pillars of human rights and inclusive governance. 

Hon. Hunpe, joined by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, and the Council Manager, Mrs. Avoseh Senami Oluwakemi, expressed the council’s total readiness to partner with organizations that align with the immediate needs of Badagry residents.

The Chairman emphasized that for governance to be truly "people-centered," it must leverage the expertise of international development partners. The discussions centered on critical areas such as women and youth empowerment, education, and community resilience. By integrating ActionAid’s global experience with local insights, the administration aims to bridge structural gaps and foster sustainable social justice at the grassroots level.

Shifting the focus to the younger generation, Hon. Hunpe also hosted the Badagry Division of the Lagos State Scouts Council, led by Elder Mustapha Ademola Tajudeen. During the session, the Chairman shared a nostalgic reflection on his formative years, citing the Boys Scouts and Boys and Girls Brigade as the bedrock of his discipline and leadership. He noted that these voluntary organizations provide a "foundational platform" for character building that the modern academic system often overlooks.

"These structures help cultivate a sense of duty, resilience, and community spirit," Hon. Hunpe remarked, urging a return to the values of teamwork and responsibility. He stressed that in an era of increasing social distractions, organizations like the Scouts are essential in molding adolescents into responsible citizens who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the community.

The Council Manager, Mrs. Avoseh Senami Oluwakemi, echoed the Chairman's sentiments, praising the Scouts for their enduring legacy in Badagry. She issued a direct challenge to the Council to reactivate and strengthen its presence within local schools. By enrolling new members and reviving the vibrant school-based scouting traditions of the past, she believes the community can effectively combat social vices and promote social cohesion.

This push for school-based youth development is seen as a strategic move to ensure that the "Greater Lagos" vision trickles down to every classroom in Badagry. The administration's goal is to create a seamless pipeline where young people are not only academically sound but also civically engaged and disciplined through structured extracurricular participation.

These back-to-back engagements underscore a clear policy direction for the Hunpe-led administration: Collaborative Progress. By balancing high-level NGO partnerships for economic empowerment with grassroots voluntary movements for social engineering, Badagry is positioning itself as a model for holistic local government administration in Lagos State. 

NULASS Evacuates 236 Lagos Students from Volatile Jos Crisis Zone

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Lagos State Government and the National Union of Lagos State Students (NULASS) have successfully evacuated 236 students from Jos, Plateau State. The emergency move follows a week of escalating violence and communal clashes that left many residents trapped under a tense dusk-to-dawn curfew.

The rescue mission was triggered by a chilling distress call received on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. A student in Jos reportedly reached out to student leaders with a desperate plea: "Ejooor oh. I wanna live and also my people oh. Jos is hot now Sir." 

Responding to the imminent danger, NULASS National President, Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi, immediately established a five-member emergency response committee. Led by the Vice President II (Diaspora), Comrade Oluwadarasimi Lawal, the team worked around the clock to coordinate with the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Mr. Olawale Samuel Kappo.

While the University of Jos (UNIJOS) Dean of Student Affairs provided a database of over 600 Lagos indigenes and residents, the chaotic security situation made full registration difficult. Despite communication disruptions and widespread panic, 236 students were successfully processed through a digital platform for immediate evacuation.

The operation was a feat of inter-state coordination:  The Lagos State Government provided a fleet of buses and financial stipends for the journey. Armed officers from the Plateau State Police Command provided a tactical escort to lead the convoy out of volatile areas like Angwan Rukuba. The students departed Jos under heavy guard and arrived safely in Lagos on Sunday evening, April 5, 2026.

Upon their arrival, the students were received by high-ranking officials, including the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kasali Adeniran. 

Comrade Olufowobi lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift intervention, noting that the administration’s "pro-student" stance saved lives. "This operation proves that the safety of our citizens, especially our students in the diaspora, remains a top priority," the NULASS President stated.

As of today, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the Plateau State Government has announced a slight relaxation of the curfew in Jos North, allowing movement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. However, other states including Cross River and Delta have also begun evacuating their indigenes as the security situation remains "calm but tense."

Badagry 2027: Yegovodu Group Rallies Support for Sesi Whingan, Bonu Solomon to Sustain Growth

By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS — A prominent socio-political youth organization, Yegovodu, has officially endorsed the re-election bids of Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan and Hon. Bonu Solomon for the 2027 general elections. The group cited the "visible and record-breaking" performance of the two lawmakers as the primary reason for their stance, urging residents not to disrupt the current momentum of development in the division.

During a press conference held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the DOOKE Development Centre in Badagry, the group's Coordinator, Mr. Iroko Olufemi, delivered a compelling address titled "Badagry Must Not Abandon Progress."

Explaining the philosophy behind the group’s name, Olufemi noted that "Yegovodu" translates to "let us do it again." He argued that Badagry is currently at a critical crossroads where stability is far more valuable than starting from scratch with untested leadership.

"When a people can point to real change in their lives, the question is simple: do we start all over again or do we continue what is already working?" Olufemi asked.

The group highlighted the achievements of Hon. Sesi Whingan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Key highlights of his two-and-a-half-year tenure include: 

Education & Legislation: Advocating for the establishment of the Badagry University of Technology and strengthening the Nigerian French Language Village.

Human Capital: The "Badagry 1,000 Tech Talents Project", which has already begun equipping hundreds of youths with digital skills.

Infrastructure: The installation of over 321 solar-powered street lights and the construction of mini-bridges linking isolated communities like Isalu and Iyaafin.

Welfare: Providing relief to over 5,000 households and 1,200 flood victims, alongside distribution of agricultural inputs to local farmers.

Turning to Hon. Bonu Solomon, the representative for Badagry Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the group praised his grassroots accessibility. His scorecard includes:

Employment & Empowerment: Securing state civil service jobs for residents and launching the Badagry Entrepreneurship Summit to create local millionaires.

Infrastructure: Facilitating the rehabilitation of the Gbaji-Seme and Owode-Apa roads, and securing BRT access to improve transportation for Badagry residents.

Education: Sustaining bursary and scholarship schemes for students and facilitating the ongoing development of the Ajido Youth Centre.

Mr. Olufemi also referenced a recent speech by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, at the APC National Convention in March 2026. Abbas had warned that the constant turnover of lawmakers weakens institutional memory and wastes public resources on retraining. The Yegovodu group echoed this, insisting that keeping performing lawmakers in office is essential for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms.

In a surprise appearance at the event, Hon. Sesi Whingan thanked the group for their support while providing clarity on pending projects. He explained that while the 2024 budget projects are largely visible, those captured in the 2025 and 2026 budgets are awaiting the release of federal funds.

"My passion for the development of Badagry is doubling by the day," Whingan stated, assuring constituents that once the funding is released, the division will witness a "massive wave" of new developmental projects.

"Bring Out the Payroll": Dismissed Soldier 'Soja Boi' Tenders Bank Receipts to Challenge Army Pay Claims

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — The ongoing war of words between the Nigerian Army and dismissed soldier Rotimi Olamilekan , popularly known as Soja Boi, escalated on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. In a bold move, the former Lance Corporal released bank transaction alerts to the public, challenging military authorities to disprove his claims regarding poor remuneration and the self-funding of combat gear.

The development follows an official statement by the Nigerian Army which labeled Olamilekan’s earlier allegations as "false and misleading." Unfazed, the former soldier (service number 18NA/77/1009) took to social media to provide what he calls "irrefutable evidence."

In a viral video, Olamilekan displayed three specific transaction alerts from his time in service to illustrate the financial reality of a Nigerian soldier.

Monthly Salary: A credit of N112,061.59 dated February 2, 2026, with the narration “NIC-ARMY AC.”

Grumbling Allowance: A N20,000 payment dated February 4, 2026, via a CBN RTGS inflow.

Operational Allowance: A N45,000 credit from November 2025, which he claimed is only paid to personnel in active combat zones like Maiduguri.

"If you are doing barracks duty, you are only entitled to your salary and that N20,000," Olamilekan stated. He further noted that while some claim the N20,000 allowance has been increased, he could only speak to the figures reflected in his personal records.

Beyond the pay, Soja Boi doubled down on his claim that soldiers are frequently forced to dip into their modest earnings to stay safe on the front lines. He alleged that essential protective equipment, such as helmets and fragmentation jackets, are often purchased privately by personnel.

“I am not trying to spoil the Nigerian Army’s image,” Olamilekan clarified. “But I am just speaking the facts. Call your brother, call your sister in the military, and ask them if I am lying.”

He concluded with a direct challenge to the military high command: “If they say I am lying, they should bring out their payroll. How much are they paying soldiers?”

The Nigerian Army, through its Acting Director of Public Relations, Appolonia Anaele, has maintained that these claims are baseless. The military insists that its logistics system provides all necessary uniforms, kits, and arms to personnel. 

While the Army acknowledged that some soldiers might "supplement" their kits with personal purchases, it described such actions as strictly voluntary and not a result of any systemic failure in the supply chain.

While the first receipt shown by Olamilekan carries a narration linked to the Army, the other two totalling N65,000 originated from sources like "Skystone Finance" and general CBN inflows, which do not explicitly name the Army as the payer. 

Sanwo-Olu Launches Free E-Learning & Academic Tools for Lagos Schools

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Lagos State is entering a new era of educational excellence as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially launched an advanced e-learning platform and a massive distribution of free academic materials for public school students.

This landmark move marks a significant milestone in the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) initiative, aimed at bridging the digital divide in Nigeria’s commercial nerve center.

The latest phase of the HOPE initiative focuses on foundational learning. The Governor announced the provision of free literacy and numeracy books for all pupils in Primary 1–6, alongside specialized science, literacy, and numeracy materials for Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3) students. 

By integrating digital education with physical resources, the Lagos State Government (LASG) is ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the tools required for global competitiveness.

"Investments in these sectors are not only made, but are efficiently managed, transparently tracked, and translated into real benefits for citizens." Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Introduced in 2025, the HOPE initiative is a World Bank-supported reform strategy designed to fix structural gaps in three critical areas: 1.  Education: Construction of over 1,000 classrooms, digital platform expansion, and the recruitment of thousands of highly trained teachers.

2.  Primary Healthcare: The rehabilitation of over 330 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and the flagship development of the Massey Children’s Hospital for specialized pediatric care.

3.  Governance (HOPE-GOV): Enhancing fiscal transparency, budget credibility, and accountability at both state and local government levels.

The launch, held at the Lagos House in Marina, drew praise from international development partners. Akin Onimole, representing the World Bank, highlighted that independent audits confirmed "quality delivery" in the state’s procurement and execution standards. 

Similarly, Celine Lafoucriere of UNICEF described the progress in Lagos as a "powerful testament" to how political will can drive transformative governance. The success of the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle.a massive facility housing 36 schools was cited by Hon. Olumoh Saad Lukman as a prime example of this transformation.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, emphasized that the state’s focus on human capital is a strategic move for long-term economic stability. By investing in the health and education of its youth today, Lagos is securing its position as a leading megacity capable of sustaining growth through a skilled and healthy workforce.

Ojo Stakeholders Pen Open Letter Rejecting Hon. Seyi Sowunmi Over "Mediocre Representation"

By: Manoah Kikekon 

OJO, LAGOS —  The concerned stakeholders within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) released an open letter addressed to the sitting House of Representatives member, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi. 

The letter, which serves as a formal "rejection notice," released Monday, April 6, 2026, accuses the lawmaker of gross incompetence, financial misappropriation, and a total disconnect from the people he represents.

The letter, authored by a coalition of concerned political stakeholders in Ojo LGA, began by revisiting the controversial 2023 election cycle. According to the stakeholders, Sowunmi was a ghost candidate during the campaigns. They allege that he never purchased a nomination form, participated in rallies, or attended ward meetings, claiming that the Labour Party (LP) actually campaigned for Hon. Ifeanyi Ukachukwu at the time. 

"By divine providence, your name was announced by INEC to our chagrin and bewilderment," the letter reads. It further alleges that Sowunmi showed his "true colors" immediately after his inauguration by ignoring Ojo residents and instead sponsoring guests from Ifako-Ijaiye his alleged place of birth to attend his swearing-in ceremony in Abuja.

Perhaps the most damaging portion of the open letter focuses on the lawmaker's performance and use of public funds. The stakeholders have challenged Hon. Sowunmi to present a verifiable scorecard of his three years in office, claiming he has failed to deliver the "dividends of democracy" to the constituency.

"In the last three years, you have collected about N14.4 billion in constituency allowance meant for Ojo people, yet without any impactful project. You have not tarred a kilometer of any road or street in Ojo, nor provided genuine empowerment."

The group further questioned the lawmaker's local roots, asserting that he lacks a legitimate political ward in Ojo. They claim that chairmen of both Ijanikin and Ojo Town wards have issued written disclaimers stating that Sowunmi is not a registered member of their respective jurisdictions.

The letter details a tumultuous political journey for Sowunmi, who recently defected to the ADC. The stakeholders dismissed his claims that Peter Obi promised automatic tickets to incumbents as "fallacious." They reminded the public that Sowunmi was suspended from the Labour Party in 2024 for alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct after refusing to appear before a disciplinary committee.

The stakeholders accused him of practicing "divide and rule" politics, claiming he has consistently ignored the party loyalists who defended his mandate in 2023 in favor of a "self-aggrandizement" agenda.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the "Concerned Political Stakeholders" have warned other political blocs including members of the APC, PDP, and YPP forming coalitions to be wary of the lawmaker’s "antics."