"Return What Belongs to Us": Badagry Chairman Hunpe Demands Lagos State Hand Over Historic Tourist Sites

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has made a passionate call to the Lagos State Government, demanding the immediate handover of historical and tourism sites located within the municipality back to the local council administration.

Hon. Hunpe made this strong assertion on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during events commemorating the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, held at the historic Badagry Heritage Museum.

Addressing the gathering, the chairman emphasized Badagry’s unique and painful position in global history, clarifying that the ancient town was merely used as a trading floor rather than an active promoter of the slave trade. 

He argued that when discussions regarding reparations arise, Badagry must be prioritized due to the lasting environmental and social scars left on its land.

"God bless Badagry, God positioned us in a place where the world needed to know about us. It is not us that sold slaves or bought slaves; our land was only used as the market for the trade, and if we are talking about reparations, Badagry should be considered first because environmentally those passages have some cost to our land," Hunpe stated.

Hunpe called for the reversion of key properties, including the Badagry Heritage Museum premises and the sacred Agia Tree site—noting that the latter historically housed the Jubilee Market, which structurally falls under local government purview.

"Let us get what belongs to us back in Badagry. This premises we are here today [Badagry Heritage Museum] belongs to Badagry Local Government. My father was a Badagry Local Government staff when he was alive, and this is where he worked... No one can tell me the history of these places, so let all that belongs to us be returned back to us," he emphasized.

Hunpe also laid claim to the famous Vlekete slave market, maintaining that it rightfully belongs to the local administration to enable better community-led maintenance and preservation.

Drawing comparisons to protect community heritage, Hunpe praised various local institutions and families that have fiercely guarded their historical properties against external takeover. He cited the Anglican Communion (Badagry Diocese) for retaining the First Storey Building and the early missionary cemetery, alongside the Mobee family (custodians of the slave chain relics) and the Seriki Abass family (custodians of the slave baracoon).

"Badagry Local Government is also ready to take back all that belongs to us. I want to appreciate the Lagos State Government for helping us to keep these sites, but now we are ready to get them back because some of these places are deteriorating, the maintenance is not in place anymore, and we are ready to maintain these places better," Hunpe noted.

While expressing confidence in the administration of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu whom he described as a listening leader and a friend of Badagry Hunpe acknowledged that bureaucratic resistance might arise behind the scenes. However, he remained optimistic that the state government would heed the collective plea of the grassroots.

"I know our governor is a listening man, a man who loves Badagry... At the same time, I know there will be some people in the background who will want to work against us getting it back, but I know the governor will listen to our plea. We the Badagry people are appealing to the governor that we are now awake and we are ready to take care of all that belongs to us," he concluded.

AAC Vows to Dislodge APC from Lagos Through Grassroots Mobilization

 By: Manoah Kikekon

As preparations for the upcoming general elections gather momentum, the African Action Congress (AAC) has mapped out an aggressive strategy to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. According to the party leadership, the 2027 elections will witness a major political shift driven by direct voter engagement and community-level mobilization.

### Taking the Message to the Streets

Speaking during an interview in Lagos, the Deputy National Secretary of the AAC, Kunle Ajayi, emphasized that the party’s path to victory lies in bypassing traditional political structures and connecting directly with ordinary citizens. He noted that the party will deploy intensive door-to-door, house-to-house, and street-to-street campaigns to break down its manifesto and long-term vision for the commercial nerve center of Nigeria.

“What matters in our campaign is that we will speak with the people door-to-door, house-to-house and street-to-street. We will let the people know what we stand for, our manifesto and what we have for them,” Mr. Ajayi stated.

Rather than limiting its political presence to major urban centers, the party intends to comb through the nooks and crannies of Lagos and other regions across the country. Ajayi stressed that the ultimate objective is to ensure that citizens play a central role in deciding the direction of governance, maintaining that the movement belongs to the masses.

The AAC maintains that its campaign strategy is designed to give absolute ownership of the political process back to the electorate. By fostering interactive dialogue, the party aims to help voters scrutinize the competence, antecedents, and detailed policy proposals of all its candidates.

“We will hand over our campaigns to the people, just as we will hand the government over to them. We want the people to hear directly from us, understand our plans and participate actively in the process of choosing the kind of leadership they desire,” Ajayi added.

2028 Olympics: Customs Boss Adeniyi Pledges Full Support for Nigeria’s Beach Volleyball Queens

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has assured Nigeria’s historic beach volleyball heroines of unwavering backing as they kick-start their preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The pledge was made in Abuja when CGC Adeniyi hosted the sensational national pair, Pamela Bawa and Esther Mbah. The dynamic duo clinched a gold medal and secured the country’s first-ever ticket to the Olympic beach volleyball event at the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Championship in Alexandria, Egypt.

A Milestone Triumph Rooted in Discipline

Reflecting on their stellar performance which included sweet revenge over Morocco in the final after a group stage stumble Adeniyi noted that the historic qualification proved how proper motivation, discipline, and strategic investment can yield monumental results.

The Customs Comptroller-General challenged the players to maintain their fierce competitive hunger as they transition from continental champions to global contenders.

“You have shown that it is possible. You beat two African teams to qualify. You have shown that it is possible in big competitions. With better coordination, better planning and the most strategic approach, I am sure within the next two years we can break that dominance. And those who will do it are people like you. We cannot wait to get you to that moment where you will rule Africa and you will rule the world,” Adeniyi stated.

The Success of the VIPERS Project

Highlighting the structural framework behind the athletes' success, Adeniyi pointed to the establishment of the Customs-backed VIPERS team. Designed to scout and nurture raw talent, the initiative has successfully bridged grassroots sports and elite competition, driving the team from the National Division One to the Premiership and ultimately producing Nigeria's latest global ambassadors.

He commended Mbah and Bawa for maximizing the platform provided by the Service, recalling how he closely monitored their gripping campaign in Egypt, which featured high-stakes victories over host nation Egypt in the semi-finals and Morocco in the showdown.

Comprehensive Roadmap to Los Angeles 2028

Looking ahead, CGC Adeniyi promised that preparations for the 2028 Summer Games will commence without delay. He outlined plans to collaborate closely with team technical handlers to organize rigorous exposure tours, high-performance training matches, and analytical studies of previous Olympic medalists to narrow the gap against international powerhouses.

“I wanted you to take this same determination, this same preparedness and this desire for glory to the Olympics, and you can be sure that we’ll give you all the support that will give you a podium finish during the Olympics in 2028. I can promise you that everything that you need to do just that, we will give it to you,” Adeniyi assured.

With comprehensive welfare packages and specialized training grants championed by key stakeholders like the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria's beach volleyball queens are poised to turn their continental dominance into an unforgettable global outing in Los Angeles.

Nigeria Targets 70% Local Drug Production as Pate, Oduwole, Others Set for 8th Pharma Manufacturers Expo

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Nigeria is stepping up its aggressive drive toward health sovereignty, with top federal officials, policymakers, and global industry stakeholders set to converge on Lagos for the 8th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo (NPME 2026).

Scheduled to hold from September 28 to 29, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, the high-profile event aims to galvanize efforts to slash the nation's reliance on imported medications and boost domestic production capacity to a ambitious 70 per cent target.

The two-day exhibition jointly organized by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) and GPE Expo Pvt. Ltd. will be headlined by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

Other notable dignitaries expected include the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; and the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Christianah Adeyeye. Operating under the theme *“Regional Manufacturing: Advancing Africa’s Pharma & Lifescience Sovereignty through Localization,”* the expo will run alongside the Nigeria Lab Expo, pulling participants from five continents.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, the Chairman of the NPME Committee, Pharm. Patrick Ajah, emphasized that building native industrial capacity is non-negotiable for national security.

"The expo will provide a strategic platform for attracting foreign direct investment, facilitating technical partnerships, promoting local sourcing of raw materials and strengthening the capacity of Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers," Ajah stated.

Backing these projections, PMG-MAN Executive Secretary and CEO, Pharm. Frank Muonemeh, pointed out profound structural changes already sweeping the sector. Citing official NAFDAC metrics, Muonemeh noted that imported finished pharmaceutical products dropped significantly from 4.03 billion units down to 1.13 billion units, successfully driving the import-to-local ratio of essential medicines to an even 50:50 split.

Despite impressive strides including NAFDAC's attainment of WHO Maturity Level 3 local manufacturers continue to face heavy operational roadblocks. Muonemeh revealed that local drug makers expend over 40 percent of their revenue on electricity and alternative power generation alone, heavily crippling their global competitiveness against counterparts in Asia who spend under 10 percent.

Industry leaders are subsequently pressing the Federal Government for targeted interventions. Pharm. Olusola Akande, Executive Director of Drugfield Pharma Ltd, called for an expansion of tax exemptions and incentives covering Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Currently, existing interventions cater to barely 5 percent of required local raw materials.

Furthermore, PMG-MAN has formally appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the current two-year Presidential Executive Order window to five years, offering manufacturers the long-term policy certainty required for heavy capital investments.

Sarkin Gobir Lailaba Champions Geneith Health Competition to Eradicate Malaria

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA – Traditional institutions have been called upon to take a front-row seat in public health advocacy, as the District Head of Lailaba and Sarkin Gobir Lailaba in Kebbi State, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Mera, officially endorsed the nationwide Geneith Health Competition.

The royal endorsement came on August 18, 2026, when the monarch received the competition’s Activator, Aminu Ahmad Zubairu, during a high-level courtesy visit to his palace.

During the engagement, Alhaji Mera stressed the urgent need for sustained investments, community mobilisation, and multisectoral collaboration to prevent malaria from regaining ground in vulnerable and underserved populations. Warning that complacency can easily reverse hard-won public health gains, the monarch emphasized that traditional structures remain vital to reaching deep into grassroots communities.

“With strong commitment, sustained investment, multisectoral action, and community engagement, malaria can be defeated,” Alhaji Mera declared. “Malaria is a killer disease, and anything that supports its eradication is welcome. Our students are ready to take up the challenge and excel in this competition.”

The traditional ruler advocated for active youth involvement, noting that equipping students with health knowledge allows vital information to travel seamlessly from schoolrooms into homes and communities across Kebbi State. By turning students into active health ambassadors, the initiative aims to encourage early treatment and foster proactive preventive practices.

Responding to the royal endorsement, Activator Aminu Ahmad Zubairu expressed deep appreciation to the monarch, noting that royal blessings serve as a powerful catalyst to inspire students across the state.

Organised by [CEOAFRICA](https://www.geneithhealthcompetition.com/) in partnership with the Department of Public Health, and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited (powered by Coatal Forte Softgel), the competition engages secondary and tertiary students across state, regional, and national levels. With prizes, academic rewards, and scholarships valued at over ₦1 billion on the line, the initiative transforms students from passive listeners into vibrant change-makers.

The visionary behind the project and Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Sunday Ilobanafor, reiterated that the campaign addresses one of Nigeria’s most persistent economic and health burdens.

“Malaria is Nigeria’s deadliest enemy, causing economic deprivation and loss of lives,” Prince Ilobanafor stated. “Through this competition, our goal is to see students become ambassadors for a malaria-free Nigeria.”

TVT Unveils Mega National Programme for World Tourism Day 2026 in Lagos

By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu 2027 (TVT) has announced plans to host a national tourism stakeholders' programme in Lagos State. Designed to commemorate World Tourism Day 2026, the event aims to assemble practitioners, hospitality leaders, and enthusiasts from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative was made public by the National Coordinator of TVT, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, on behalf of the National Central Working Council (NCWC). According to organizers, the choice of Lagos Nigeria's economic and entertainment capital serves as a strategic backdrop to demonstrate how domestic tourism, transport connectivity, and the creative economy can drive broad-based national development.

The forthcoming celebration is structured around four distinct pillars intended to combine recreation, media unveiling, and civic participation:

1. Tourism Train Ride for PBAT & KOH 2027: A special excursion designed to showcase the immense potential of rail transportation as a catalyst for domestic tourism, seamless regional connectivity, and heritage exploration.

2. Novelty Match for PBAT & KOH 2027: A friendly sports fixture bringing together tourism operators, hospitality stakeholders, and special guests to foster networking, friendship, and national unity.

3. Unveiling of Explore Nigeria Magazine: The official launch of a dedicated publication created to spotlight Nigeria’s hidden tourist destinations, cultural festivals, hospitality offerings, and lucrative investment opportunities.

4. Public Endorsement Programme: The grand finale where participating tourism players will formally articulate their political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) for a second term, alongside endorsing Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat (KOH) as the preferred candidate for the next Governor of Lagos State.

Explaining the rationale behind choosing Lagos, the NCWC noted that the state remains a unique convergence point for diverse cultures, business networks, and entertainment hubs.

Expounding on the vision, Hon. Apata stated that “Lagos is not just our host state; Lagos is a reflection of Nigeria’s diversity, enterprise and tourism potential. Bringing stakeholders from across the country to Lagos for World Tourism Day is a statement of our belief that tourism can unite Nigeria while contributing significantly to economic growth and national development.”

Emphasizing the political and developmental objectives of the coalition, Apata further added “As Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu 2027, our national support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being extended to Lagos through our support for Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat. We believe that continuity, experience and progressive leadership are important to sustaining the gains and opportunities emerging across tourism, infrastructure, transportation, culture and the creative economy.”

The programme is projected to draw participants from key sectors, including hotel associations, travel agencies, tour operators, destination management companies, transport unions, and creative industry groups. Operating under the banner of "36 States One Vision Endless Possibilities," the council invites all sector players to join the historic convergence.

Five Lives Lost in Head-On Collision Along Badagry Road

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Grief has enveloped the Badagry corridor following a devastating early morning crash on Saturday, August 22, 2026, which claimed the lives of five people. The fatal incident, involving a car and a heavy-duty truck, occurred near the Sawmill area close to the Mowo Bus Stop along the busy Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), a distress call was logged at 5:16 am, prompting the immediate deployment of the agency's Dolphin Team from the Igando base to the scene of the disaster.

Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered a mangled Toyota Camry bearing registration number FKJ 630KS and an Iveco truck with registration number T28081 LA.

In an official statement released on Saturday, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, revealed that preliminary investigations pointed to excessive speed and dangerous driving as the primary catalysts for the tragedy.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by over-speeding and reckless driving on the part of the Toyota Camry driver. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, veered into the opposite lane, and had a head-on collision with the oncoming Iveco truck,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

The sheer force of the impact proved fatal for all occupants of the lighter vehicle. "Regrettably, the impact of the collision resulted in the death of five adult males who were occupants of the Toyota Camry. The remains of the victims were carefully recovered, bagged with dignity, and handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for further necessary action," the statement added.

A coordinated rescue effort was quickly mounted to manage traffic and clear the obstruction. Responding agencies at the scene included the LASEMA Dolphin Team, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the FRSC, and police operatives from the Morogbo Division.

Two heavy-duty tow trucks were deployed to remove the wreckage from the highway. The damaged vehicles were subsequently impounded at the Morogbo Police Division, and the expressway has since been cleared and reopened to regular traffic flow.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, Oke-Osanyintolu commiserated with the bereaved families and offered prayers for the repose of the departed souls.

He further issued a stern caution to motorists, urging them to desist from over-speeding, wrongful overtaking, and other hazardous driving habits especially during the early hours of the day when visibility and alertness can be compromised.

“Road safety remains a shared responsibility,” Oke-Osanyintolu noted, reaffirming LASEMA's dedication to prompt emergency response and robust inter-agency collaboration in alignment with the Lagos State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda focused on safeguarding the lives and property of residents.