2027: City Boy Movement Badagry Mobilize for Tinubu’s Re-election

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — The political landscape in Lagos State is already heating up as the City Boy Movement (CBM), Badagry Chapter, officially kicked off its grassroots mobilization drive for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The movement gathered hundreds of enthusiastic residents and youth leaders on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Vajen Hall in Badagry. The town hall meeting focused on strategic voter sensitization, with a heavy emphasis on the importance of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and party membership registration.

Speaking at the event, the Director General (DG) of the City Boy Movement Badagry Chapter, Comr. Makinde Nojim, clarified that the group is running an independent campaign fueled by personal conviction and private resources.

"We are doing an independent campaign for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections to ensure he emerges as President for a second term," Nojim stated. "We have let our people know that this is not about local politics, but for Bola Tinubu. We are doing this ourselves; no one sent us. We have seen the difference between this administration and previous ones, which is why we decided to stage this publicity with our own money."

Nojim highlighted the massive turnout of young people, noting that the movement is intentionally building from the grassroots to ensure a "bottom-up" victory.

The movement’s leadership outlined a roadmap of activities designed to keep the "Renewed Hope" agenda fresh in the minds of voters over the next year. 

Prince Adesegun Akran, the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement Badagry Chapter, expressed confidence in the community's collective strength.

"We have been given an agenda to mobilize for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of 2027, and we will be rolling out various activities to make sure we achieve this," Akran remarked. "I want our Badagry people to come together to make sure we achieve even more for the Badagry Federation."

Babatunde Dada, an APC member from the Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), noted that the goal is to surpass the voting numbers recorded in the previous election cycle.

“This is to show our President that we can do what we did in 2023 all over again in 2027," Dada said. "We are already working to ensure we give Tinubu even more votes this time. He will definitely emerge as our president again.”

2027: Badagry West Youths Massive Crowd Endorse Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu for Second Term

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a political gathering that shook the foundations of Badagry West, over a thousand youths, professionals, and artisans converged has officially endorse Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu for a second term in the Lagos State House of Assembly (Badagry Constituency I) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement, came on Thursday, April 23, 2026, organized by the Progressive and Forward-Thinking Youths of Badagry West, signals a powerful shift in the local political landscape, prioritizing "performance over rhetoric." 

The formal declaration was delivered by Emmanuel Bankole, a prominent legal practitioner, who described the endorsement as a strategic necessity for the region. The forum, which includes community youth associations, student groups, and professional bodies, stated that their support is based on a "rigorous assessment of performance."

"We have come together at this crucial time to show the world that the youths in Badagry are sane, sensible, and know what is best for us," Bankole declared. "Many of us don’t know Hon. Bonu in person, but we have come to identify with him and his impactful representation."

The youths cited Hon. Bonu’s "untainted personality" and his role as a "central driver of progress" as the primary reasons for the early endorsement. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Bonu has been lauded for his legislative stewardship and his ability to remain "scandal-free" while delivering measurable development.

Energy Revolution: Deployment of over 30 transformers and critical electrification interventions along the Gbaji-Seme and Owode-Apa corridors.

Educational Support: Facilitation of bursaries, scholarships, and the expansion of school infrastructure.

Youth Empowerment: The ongoing development of the Ajido Youth Centre and job placements for numerous constituents.

Cultural Promotion: Elevating Badagry's global profile through the Door of Return Festival.

The group emphasized that the 2027 election should be about consolidating gains rather than starting over. The statement warned against "returning to less productive stages" of development, urging stakeholders to choose stability.

"At this critical stage of development, Badagry West must prioritize consolidation over disruption and sustained progress over uncertainty," the statement read.

The atmosphere at the event was electric, with representatives from various artisanal and student groups pledging to take the "Bonu 2027" message to the grassroots. By backing Bonu nearly a year before the primary season, the Badagry West youths have set a high bar for political engagement in Lagos State.

Atiku Slams Tinubu Over $516m Loan Request for Sokoto–Badagry Highway

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Atiku Abubakar 

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s latest request for a $516 million external loan, warning that Nigeria is being steered into a "precarious debt trap" under the guise of infrastructure development.

The loan, which was formally presented to the National Assembly on Thursday, April 23, 2026, is earmarked to fund critical sections of the ambitious **Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, a 1,000-kilometre project designed to link Nigeria’s Northwest and Southwest economic corridors.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate acknowledged the strategic importance of connecting the two regions but argued that the administration's financing methods lack transparency and sustainability. 

“At a time when Nigeria is already groaning under the weight of unsustainable debt, the resort to yet another foreign loan—without transparent terms, clear cost-benefit analysis, and a credible repayment framework—raises profound questions about prudence and accountability,” Atiku stated.

He further cautioned that while development is necessary, it must not become a "euphemism for deepening debt traps that generations yet unborn will be forced to repay."

Atiku raised eyebrows regarding the contract award process, specifically citing reports that sections of the highway were handed to **Hitech Construction Company Limited** without a competitive bidding process. He drew a parallel between this project and the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

“Nigerians have not forgotten the controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, where due process and competitive bidding were widely questioned. It is therefore deeply troubling that a similar opaque approach appears to be playing out again—this time funded by borrowed money,” the former VP remarked.

He went on to describe the channeling of borrowed funds into contracts awarded to "associates and insiders" as a "betrayal of public trust," insisting that public infrastructure should not be treated as a "private bazaar for cronies."

As the Senate prepares to deliberate on the request for the syndicated loan from Deutsche Bank, Atiku urged lawmakers to move beyond rubber-stamping executive requests and perform rigorous oversight. 

Scrutiny: Lawmakers must ensure the loan aligns with long-term economic interests.

Accountability: Every kobo borrowed must be matched with strict adherence to procurement laws.

Sustainability: Borrowing should not replace "creativity in governance."

“Nigeria must build, but Nigeria must not borrow blindly," Atiku concluded. "Progress anchored on opacity and debt accumulation is not leadership it is the postponement of a crisis.”

Scientific Icon Prof. Adeyinka Falusi Honoured with Hallmarks of Labour 'Role Model Award'

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA— In a grand celebration of intellectual excellence and national service, renowned Nigerian hematologist and geneticist, Professor Adeyinka Gladys Falusi, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Role Model Award’ by the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF).

The award was presented on Saturday, April 18, 2026, during the Foundation’s 29th anniversary celebrations at the Lagos Oriental Hotel. The event brought together a distinguished assembly of academics, elder statesmen, and industry leaders to witness the induction of Professor Falusi into an elite circle of Nigerians recognized for their impeccable integrity and professional contributions.

Professor Falusi’s recognition stems from her decades of pioneering work in human genetics, particularly her groundbreaking research on Sickle Cell Disease and Alpha Thalassaemia. Her efforts have not only advanced healthcare delivery in Nigeria but have also placed African genetic research on the global map.

Chief Mrs. Patricia Otuedon-Arawore, Executive Secretary of HLF, emphasized that the award is reserved for "Great Nigerian Role Models" whose lives serve as a blueprint for success. 

"This award recognizes individuals whose professional achievements have significantly impacted national development. Recipients are carefully selected as inspirations for future generations," Otuedon-Arawore stated.

The ceremony featured glowing tributes from some of Nigeria’s most respected voices. Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON, CFR, former Commonwealth Secretary-General and Chairman of the occasion, noted that the HLF honor remains highly coveted, reserved only for those at the "pinnacle of their careers with exemplary character."

Delivering the official citation, Professor Oladapo A. Ashiru, Chairman of the Medical ART Center, described Falusi as a "trailblazer" who has expanded the frontiers of healthcare across Africa. Adding to the praise, Professor Anya O. Anya, former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, hailed her as an icon for Women in Science.

"Her achievements represent a milestone for women in the scientific community and continue to inspire pride across the continent," Professor Anya remarked.

Beyond the laboratory, Professor Falusi is celebrated for her humanitarian efforts through her foundation, which advocates for persons living with sickle cell disorder. Colleagues like Dr. Akinwumi Fajola praised her enduring impact on patient care and public health policy.

In her moving acceptance speech, Professor Falusi dedicated the award to the cause of mentorship and the advancement of women in leadership.

"This recognition is a validation of years of sacrifice and commitment," Professor Falusi said. "It is vital that we build role models to guide Nigeria’s youth and ensure greater inclusion of women in leadership across academia and research."

The event was also a personal milestone for her family. Her husband, Professor Abiodun Falusi, a distinguished Agricultural Economist, alongside their children and grandchildren, expressed immense pride in her resilience and unwavering commitment to both family and the scientific community.

Military Veteran Akogun-Abudu Slams Sanwo-Olu Over Controversial Lagos Solar Permit Fee

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Olumayowa Akogun-Abudu and Babajide Sanwo-Olu 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a scathing critique of the current administration’s fiscal policies, Olumayowa Akogun-Abudu, a military veteran and former Lagos State House of Assembly candidate and chairmanship candidate of Ojo Local Government, has lashed out at Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the newly imposed solar permit fees on residents of Lagos State Housing Estates.

Akogun-Abudu, , described the policy as a direct assault on the resilience of Lagosians who have sought personal solutions to the state's chronic power failures.

In a formal statement released to News Peddlers on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Akogun-Abudu did not mince words, labeling the permit fee as a punitive measure against innovation and self-reliance.

“This solar permit fee is not just bad policy; it is daylight exploitation of Lagosians,” Akogun-Abudu stated. “After years of failing to deliver stable electricity, your government now wants to tax survival.”

He argued that citizens who invested their personal savings into renewable energy to bridge the gap left by the government are now being unfairly penalized for their independence.

The military veteran-turned-politician highlighted the disconnect between the government’s service delivery and its revenue drive. He suggested that the administration is "squeezing the people dry" while they grapple with an escalating cost of living and a general decline in public infrastructure.

“This is not governance; this is extortion dressed up as regulation,” he remarked. “Instead of fixing the power crisis, you have chosen to profit from it. No serious government penalizes innovation, self-reliance, and resilience.”

As the outcry against the solar tax grows within Lagos housing estates, Akogun-Abudu issued a firm demand for the policy's total reversal. He challenged the moral authority of the state to tax a service it has failed to provide.

“If you cannot provide electricity, you have no moral justification to tax those who provide it for themselves. This policy must be scrapped completely and immediately.”

He concluded with a stern warning to the Sanwo-Olu administration, noting that the political implications of such "revenue extraction" would be felt at the polls: “Lagosians are watching. And they will remember."

Badagry Police Area Commander, DPOs Lead Massive Stop-and-Search Operation

 By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a decisive move to bolster public safety and deter criminal activities, the Nigeria Police Force, Area K Command, launched an extensive stop-and-search operation across the Badagry axis on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The high-visibility exercise saw top brass taking to the streets to ensure the security of residents and commuters within the border community.

The operation was personally led by the Area Commander of Area K, ACP A.A. Smith, signaling a hands-on approach to grassroots policing. In a rare show of coordinated command, ACP Smith was flanked by Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) from Badagry, Seme, Morogbo, and other surrounding divisions. This united front aimed to create a seamless security web across major transit points in Lagos West.

In a report by CityMood, ACP Smith emphasized that the operation is a core component of the command’s proactive strategy. 

"This exercise is part of our ongoing policing efforts aimed at preventing crime and enhancing security. Routine stop-and-search operations are vital measures we use to monitor movement and maintain public safety," Smith stated.

Amidst the heightened police presence, the Area Commander issued a stern reminder to his subordinates regarding the conduct of the force. Recognizing the importance of the relationship between the police and the public, Smith stressed that security measures must not come at the expense of human dignity.

"Our duty is to protect lives and property, and we must remain disciplined and civil in our interactions at all times," the ACP remarked, underlining a commitment to professionalism and disciplined engagement with the civilian population.

Observers noted that the operation was strategically spread across high-traffic locations, ensuring that the Badagry-Seme expressway and internal arterial roads were properly monitored. The presence of senior officers on the ground served a dual purpose:  Direct Supervision: Ensuring officers adhered to standard operating procedures. Public Confidence: Reassuring residents of the police's readiness to respond to threats.

This routine exercise is expected to continue intermittently as part of the Nigeria Police Force's broader mandate to sanitize the Lagos outskirts and maintain a crime-free environment for business and daily life.

Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire to allow Negotiation

By: Manoah Kikekon 

US president Donald Trump 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, 21st April 2026, that he is extending the temporary ceasefire with Iran to allow further diplomatic negotiations. However, in a move that maintains high pressure on Tehran, the President confirmed that the United States military will continue its strict naval blockade of all Iranian ports.

The announcement came via Truth Social just hours before the existing truce was set to expire, providing a tense reprieve in a conflict that has rattled global energy markets and shifted geopolitical alliances in the Middle East.

The ceasefire extension follows the abrupt cancellation of Vice President JD Vance’s trip to Islamabad, Pakistan, where a second round of peace talks had been anticipated. According to the White House, the trip was called off after the Iranian delegation failed to provide a clear commitment to participate.

President Trump attributed the diplomatic breakdown to internal chaos within the Iranian leadership. 

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so... we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” Trump posted.

The President noted that the decision to extend the truce was made following direct requests from Pakistani leaders, specifically Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who have been acting as primary mediators in the crisis.

While the bombs may not be falling, the economic stranglehold on Iran remains firm. Trump clarified that the U.S. Navy’s blockade of Iranian ports particularly those along the vital Strait of Hormuz will stay in place. 

The blockade, which began on 13th April 2026, has already led to the interception of dozens of vessels and a significant spike in global jet fuel and oil prices. The U.S. military remains in a state of high alert, with Trump warning that forces are "in all other respects, remain ready and able" to resume offensive operations should negotiations fail.

The continued blockade is sending shockwaves through the global economy. Early reports indicate that major carriers, including Lufthansa, have been forced to slash thousands of flights due to doubling jet fuel costs since the outbreak of the Iran conflict. 

In Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the blockade as an "act of war" and a violation of the ceasefire’s spirit, asserting that Iran "knows how to neutralise restrictions" and resist what he termed American "bullying."

The ceasefire is now indefinite, or as the President put it, extended “until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”