CYID Graduates 50+ Badagry Youths ith In-Demand Tech and Creative Skills

By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a significant boost to local human capital development, the Centre for Youth Integrated Development (CYID) celebrated the graduation of over 50 youths on Wednesday May 6, 2026. The graduates successfully completed a rigorous three-month intensive vocational training program designed to equip them with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern global economy.

The free training program covered five high-demand vocational tracks: Web Design, Graphics Design, Data and Design, Advanced Fashion Design, and Visual Art. Held at the CYID centre in Badagry, the graduation ceremony served as a powerful testament to the impact of community-driven skill acquisition.

Since its inception, the Centre has remained a beacon of hope for young people in the coastal town. 

Addressing the audience, Mr. Victor Aihawu the founder of the centre, while addressing the students said, the centre's long-standing commitment to social upliftment.

"This centre was founded in 2017 with the sole aim of building our youths in Badagry. Over the years, we have trained close to a thousand youths here for free and provided them with recognized certificates," Aihawu stated.

He further emphasized that the program goes beyond technical skills, incorporating Business Management training to ensure graduates can effectively manage their own enterprises. "This is very important to youth development. 

We are open to sponsorship and support from within and outside Badagry to help us train even more youths, making them productive rather than engaging in illegal activities."

Facilitators expressed immense pride in the transformation of their students over the 90-day period. 

Yinka Muyideen, the Visual Art facilitator, noted that many students arrived as total novices.

"At first, the students knew nothing of what art is all about," Muyideen remarked. "But within three months, they learned the basics and produced fantastic designs. Opportunities like this prevent youths from falling into drug abuse, cultism, and theft."

Joy Afolabi, the Graphic Design facilitator, added that the program was a reciprocal learning experience, stating it gave her the "opportunity to learn more, network, and impact lives positively."

The graduates themselves shared inspiring stories of growth and newfound confidence. For many, the journey from uncertainty to mastery was life-changing.

 "At first, it was difficult, but having an understanding tutor helped me catch up. Now I am proud of myself and can officially call myself a visual artist."

Senami Kuton (Web Design Student) "I have learnt a lot. I can now build a website from scratch, and my level of confidence has increased significantly. I really appreciate the organizers for this rare privilege."

By providing these high-level skills for free, CYID is directly addressing the root causes of youth restiveness in Lagos State. By transitioning young people from the streets into the digital and creative industries, the initiative provides a sustainable pathway to financial independence.

The management of CYID continues to call on stakeholders, philanthropists, and corporate organizations to partner with them to expand their reach and continue the mission of transforming Badagry into a hub of skilled talent.

Onigbanko of Igbanko Kingdom Disowns Suspected Drug Trafficker Intercepted on Seme Expressway

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a swift and decisive reaction to a burgeoning scandal, the Onigbanko of Igbanko Land, HRM Oba Sheriff Adeshina Bello, has officially dissociated himself and his traditional cabinet from a suspect intercepted with illicit drugs along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The disclaimer follows the circulation of a viral video showing one Mr. Ogabi Olubukola Joseph in the custody of law enforcement agents. In the footage, the suspect reportedly identified himself as the Baale of Mushin-Gbanko, a title the monarch insists is entirely fraudulent and unrecognized within his domain.

In a formal statement released on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Onigbanko clarified that the suspect has no official or personal ties to the palace or the community's leadership structure. 

Vedio of the suspect 

"I wish to announce to the general public and disassociate myself and the entire Onigbanko Cabinet from the video currently making the rounds involving one Ogabi Olubukola Joseph," the monarch stated. "The said self-acclaimed Baale is neither known to Onigbanko nor has any personal or official dealing with him."

Oba Bello further emphasized that his throne stands for discipline and the rule of law, maintaining that his administration has zero tolerance for criminal activities. 

"The Onigbanko states categorically that he is a law-abiding citizen. His cabinet does not condone drug trafficking or harbour drug barons. The public is enjoined never to associate Mr. Ogabi Olubukola Joseph with Onigbanko."

While the traditional institution moves to protect its integrity, the incident has highlighted a brewing procedural row between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 

Sources within the NDLEA revealed to News Peddlers that while the suspect was intercepted by Customs officers of Seme Command at Agbara earlier this week, a formal handover of the suspect, the vehicle, and the full quantity of seized drugs has yet to occur. 

"Nigeria Customs Service has not officially handed over the suspect to the NDLEA," a source disclosed. 

"In the past, there have been cases where proper handing over isn't done. They may release the suspect and the vehicle after some time and only hand over a portion of the drugs, which is not proper and hinders our ability to investigate the wider network."

The NDLEA source stressed that the delay in transferring the case file impacts the agency's ability to track down other members of the drug syndicate. 

"If every suspect and exhibit is handed over to NDLEA in time, it will help us investigate and arrest other people involved. That is our job," the source added.

Lagos West: Aladeotan Presides Over Strategic NYCN Management Meeting

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

AJEROMI-IFELODUN, LAGOS — In a major move to streamline youth advocacy and regional development, the Vice-Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos West Senatorial District, Comr. David Aladeotan, has successfully presided over the district’s high-level Management Meeting.

The strategic session, held on Saturday at the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat, was hosted by the NYCN Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Branch under the leadership of its Coordinator, Comr. Isaac Success. The meeting served as a critical touchpoint for youth leaders across the largest senatorial district in Lagos State.

Addressing the assembly of coordinators and youth stakeholders, Comr. Aladeotan emphasized that the management meeting was vital for maintaining the momentum of the council’s "Build the Youth, Build the Nation" agenda. 

The session allowed leadership to conduct a comprehensive "health check" on the various local branches and Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYOs) within the district.

“This meeting availed us the opportunity to discuss progress and challenges, and to plan ahead for the remaining periods in the year,” Aladeotan stated. “More so, it availed us the opportunity to receive activities reports from our local branches and Voluntary Youth Organisations in Lagos West.”

Lagos West remains a powerhouse within the NYCN structure, and the meeting recorded a massive turnout, signaling a unified front among the grassroots coordinators. The reports presented during the summit highlighted diverse initiatives ranging from skill acquisition programs to civic engagement drives carried out across the local government areas.

Aladeotan expressed his satisfaction with the level of engagement and the dedication shown by the branch heads in navigating the unique socio-economic challenges within their jurisdictions.

The summit concluded with a resolved roadmap for the second half of the year, focusing on: Enhanced Reporting: Streamlining how local branches document their impact. Collaboration: Fostering synergy between VYOs and local government authorities. Capacity Building: Preparing Lagos West youths for leadership roles in the upcoming 2027 electoral cycle.

“It was a great success and a massive turnout from the coordinators of the largest Senatorial District of NYCN Lagos,” Aladeotan remarked, reiterating the council's core philosophy: "Build the youth and build the nation."

New Seme Border Immigration Comptroller David Omoniwa Vows to End "Porous Borders"

By: Manoah Kikekon

Comptroller David Adedeji Omoniwa, Comptroller Nigeria Immigration Service Border patrol Seme border command.

SEME-BADAGRY, LAGOS — Comptroller David Adedeji Omoniwa has officially taken the helm of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Border Patrol, Seme Command and has pledged to transform the relationship between the command and its host communities into a "robust partnership" designed to eliminate illegal routes and enhance national security.

The handing-over ceremony, held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Seme Command headquarters, marked the transition of leadership from the outgoing Comptroller, Peter Adache, to Omoniwa.

Addressing the age-old challenge of border security, Comptroller Omoniwa challenged the narrative that Nigeria's borders are inherently porous. He argued that the perceived lack of control is often a result of a disconnect between security agencies and the people living along the corridors.

"The people of the border community should expect a robust relationship they have not witnessed before," Omoniwa stated. "We cannot say our borders are actually porous; it is what we allow. There are approved routes for everyone, but people often take unapproved ones. If the community provides timely information on these areas, we will man them effectively, and we may not have 'porous borders' at the end of the day."

One of the most significant highlights of Omoniwa's agenda is the plan to address the activities of "camp boys" local youths often found engaged in unofficial road activities. Rather than a purely punitive approach, the new Comptroller proposed a social intervention strategy.

Omoniwa revealed plans to collaborate with community leaders to identify these youths and transition them into skilled labor. 

"The excesses of the camp boys on the road will be worked out with the help of the community. These boys need help, too. By the time I am in talks with community leaders, we will know where to fix them to get skilled jobs," he added.

To facilitate this, Omoniwa announced the creation of two new committees: The Conflict Resolution Committee: To manage rifts between the command and the public. The Youth Emancipation Committee: To focus on building human capacity within the border axis.

Outgoing Comptroller Peter Adache, while briefing his successor, highlighted the command's recent successes. Under his watch, the Seme Border Patrol made significant strides in reuniting trafficked persons with their families and recently successfully apprehended a high-profile criminal along the Seme corridor. 

Adache also noted that the command’s progress was fueled by a crop of dedicated and diligent officers who have remained steadfast in their duties.

In his closing remarks, Omoniwa extended a hand of fellowship to the media, urging journalists to be proactive in sharing information. He assured that his administration would prioritize transparency and a "brother’s keeper" philosophy to ensure a peaceful and secure Seme border.

"I will start from where Comptroller Adache stopped to further better the activities of this command," Omoniwa concluded.

2027: Samuel Ajose Backs Tinubu’s Re-election Declares "Badagry’s Turn" for Lagos Governor

By: Manoah Kikekon 

IKEJA, LAGOS — The political landscape in Lagos State witnessed a massive shift on Sunday as Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, leader of the SMA Movement, mobilized thousands of executives for a high-powered statewide General Assembly in Ikeja.

The gathering, which featured a sea of coordinators from all 57 LGA/LCDAs and 376 wards, served as a dual-purpose strategic launch: solidifying grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election and formalizing Dr. Ajose’s bid for the Lagos State governorship.

Addressing the sea of executives, Dr. Ajose emphasized that the movement is built on a foundation of absolute loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He urged his lieutenants to return to their respective wards and intensify canvassing efforts immediately.

“We are in this game to win. As we are winning for Mr. President, we are also winning for SMA,” Ajose declared to a cheering crowd. “What you see here today is just the leadership core. When we mobilize the full strength of our supporters across the state, the world will know the SMA Movement is ready.”

In a move that resonated deeply with supporters from Lagos West, Dr. Ajose framed his governorship ambition as a matter of historical fairness. He pointed out that since the creation of Lagos State in 1967, the Badagry Division has yet to produce a Governor.

Drawing a parallel to President Tinubu’s famous "Emi Lokan" (It is my turn) declaration ahead of the 2023 primaries, Ajose asserted that Badagry is now ready to take its place at the helm of the state's affairs.

“We are making a declaration today that it is the turn of Badagry,” he stated. “We have the capacity, we have the numbers, and we have the loyalty to the party to deliver strong electoral results.”

Despite the bold "Badagry First" stance, Dr. Ajose remained firm on his commitment to party supremacy. He assured the assembly that while he is confident of securing the APC ticket, the movement remains a disciplined wing of the party.

Ward leaders were instructed to begin door-to-door engagement. The SMA Movement has successfully mirrored the state's political map to ensure total coverage. The movement reiterated that its primary goal is to ensure President Tinubu returns to Aso Rock with a landslide victory in Lagos.

Ogu General Assembly Celebrates the Akran as Global King of the Ogu Race

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a vibrant display of cultural pride and ethnic solidarity, the Ogu General Assembly (OGA) hosted a spectacular independent celebration to honor the life and legacy of the late Akran of Badagry, Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.

While the Lagos State Government coordinated official funeral rites on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the OGA distinguished itself by organizing a separate, high-energy tribute at Badagry Grammar School. 

The event featured a headline performance by Ogu music maestro, Joel Yetonyon, whose rhythms drew hundreds of Ogu indigenes from across Nigeria and the Diaspora.

For the Ogu General Assembly, the transition of the Akran is not merely a loss but a "divine passage" of a leader who prioritized the advancement of his people above all else. 

Prof. Jendele Hungbo, the Convener of the Ogu General Assembly, emphasized that the celebration was a necessary reciprocation of the love the monarch showered on his subjects throughout his nearly five-decade reign.

"We believe that the transition of the Akran is divine. For the love he had for his people, we have to reciprocate that love," Prof. Hungbo stated. "This is a monarch who brought immense development to the Ogu people in Nigeria and abroad. We must emulate his commitment to peace, unity, and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage."

The OGA’s celebration was rooted in the philosophy that the Akran’s influence extended far beyond the geographic boundaries of Badagry. To the Ogu race, he was the ultimate symbol of their identity.

Dr. Tony Dansu, Chairman of the OGA Burial Committee for the Akran, noted that the group felt it was vital to honor the monarch in a way that reflected the specific traditions of the Ogu people.

"To OGA, the Akran is not just the King of Badagry, but the King of all Ogu people in Nigeria and the Diaspora," Dr. Dansu remarked. "In his transition, there is a need for us to celebrate him in our own way. He was a symbol of unity for the Ogu race. From his coronation in 1977 until his passing in 2026, we witnessed unprecedented growth in human capacity and infrastructure."

The assembly highlighted the "Golden Age" of Badagry under the late Akran, noting that his reign transformed the ancient city into a hub of educational and cultural advancement. The OGA leadership urged the next generation to protect the gains made under his leadership.

"We hope that after him, we will have someone who will do even more," Dr. Dansu added. "The Ogu people must continue to value our culture, promote unity, and support one another to keep his legacy alive."

As the sounds of Joel Yetonyon’s music echoed across the venue, the message from the Ogu General Assembly was clear: the Akran may have transitioned, but his role as the unifying force of the Ogu people remains eternal.

Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Join Thousands to Celebrate the Legendary Akran of Badagry

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — The ancient city of Badagry stood still on Saturday, May 2, 2026, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led a high-powered delegation to the final funeral service of the late Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry. 

The monarch, who joined his ancestors in January 2026 at the age of 89, was bid farewell in a grand ceremony at the Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral, followed by a massive reception at the Badagry Grammar School. The event marked the climax of a 10-day state-backed funeral programme celebrating a reign that spanned decades and defined the modern history of the coastal kingdom.

Addressing the congregation, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late Akran as more than just a traditional ruler, but as the very heartbeat of Badagry’s cultural identity.

“We are not gathered here to mourn but to celebrate our revered monarch, the father of this kingdom a custodian of history and a symbol of continuity. His reign became inseparable from the story of Badagry itself,” the Governor remarked. 

Accompanied by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor assured the royal family and the people of Badagry that the state government remains committed to upholding the legacy of peace and development championed by the late king.

The 10-day rites of passage, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, blended solemn religious services with the vibrant, ancient customs of the Ogu people. 

Royal Honors includs Ceremonial gun salutes across the kingdom's quarters and the sacred Iwure rites. The Ajogan Parade: A colorful display of royal heritage that captivated residents and tourists. Community Impact: A novelty football match, medical outreaches at the Akran Palace, and the Akran Legacy Festival.

At the grand reception, the venue was a sea of purple and white aso-ebi, as dignitaries including the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and business mogul Samuel Ajose mingled with first-class monarchs from across Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

While the church service provided a spiritual farewell, the ceremonies are far from over. A thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, at the cathedral to express gratitude for a successful transition.

The final traditional conclusion will take place on May 6, 2026, featuring the highly anticipated and sacred Zangbeto procession. This ancient performance will bring the formal farewell customs to a dignified close, marking the final spiritual journey of the monarch according to the deep-rooted traditions of the Badagry Kingdom.