Badagry Women Cleanse Eight Quarters in Honor of Late Akran

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a display of culture and communal devotion, the women of Badagry’s eight traditional quarters took to the streets on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for a symbolic "Traditional Sanitation" exercise. The event serves as a cornerstone of the 10-day burial rites for the late Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry, who reigned for 49 years.

The cleanup, which occurred simultaneously across the ancient kingdom's quarters, combined rigorous environmental care with the rhythmic joy of tradition. As Badagry prepares to host a global audience of dignitaries and tourists, the exercise resurrected the age-old practice of mothers sweeping their ancestral compounds (Agbo’le) to signal readiness for monumental life events.

The timing of the symbolic sweep proved particularly fortuitous. It coincided with the official reintroduction of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation by the Lagos State Government, which resumed state-wide on the same day after a long hiatus. 

While the rest of Lagos observed the mandatory cleaning window from 6:30 am to 8:30 am, the women of Badagry transformed the task into a cultural festival. Laced with songs and coordinated effort, the sanitation served as a "spiritual and physical cleansing" of the land before the final funeral rites.

"It’s in the practice of our mothers in the days of old to turn out at the Agbo’le level to sweep, preparatory to weddings, naming ceremonies, and funerals," one resident remarked. "Doing this for our late Akran is a mark of ultimate respect."

As one of the cardinal events in the burial schedule, the eight quarters—including Ahovikoh, Boekoh, Jegba, Idale, Posukoh, Awhanjigo, Asago, and Ganho—are competing to leave a memorable mark. The cleanup ensures that the "Cradle of Western Education" is pristine for the upcoming processions, which include:

The Fitila Night (Procession of lights).

The Akran Legacy Festival at the Marina.

Zangbeto and Hungan Drumming ceremonies.

The 10-day celebration, which began on April 23, is not just a period of mourning but a massive cultural showcase. Local leaders noted that the cleanliness of the streets reflects the dignity of the late monarch's reign, ensuring that his transition to the ancestors is met with a kingdom that is both beautiful and unified.

Badagry Chairman Hunpe Disburses ₦20 million to 200 Residents in 5th Phase of Cash Support

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a continued effort to mitigate economic challenges at the grassroots, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has successfully disbursed ₦100,000 each to another 200 beneficiaries. This latest payout marks the 5th phase of the Renewed Hope Asiwaju Cash Support Programme, bringing the total number of residents empowered so far to 1,000.

The event, held on Wednesday at the council secretariat, underscored the local government’s commitment to providing immediate financial cushions for vulnerable households and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Hunpe emphasized that the initiative is a direct local implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He noted that with the increase in federal allocations to local governments, it is imperative for council leaders to ensure that the wealth reaches the people through visible and impactful relief measures.

"Responsive governance requires timely interventions to support households and boost small-scale businesses in the face of economic challenges," Hunpe stated. "This programme is designed to cushion economic hardship and strengthen grassroots economic activities."

The Chairman further explained that the programme, which debuted during his first 100 days in office, is structured as a monthly intervention. It is projected to run for 20 months, with a grand target of reaching 4,000 residents across the Badagry Local Government area.

Hon. Hunpe was quick to point out that the selection process for the ₦100,000 grant remains non-partisan and inclusive. The beneficiaries for this phase included: Widows and Widowers, Petty Traders and Artisans, The Elderly, and Vulnerable Youth Groups

To ensure the funds are utilized effectively, the council revealed that it has set up a monitoring mechanism. "The council will carry out periodic appraisals through unscheduled visits to ensure proper use of these funds and to guide our future expansion," the Chairman added.

Responding to critics of cash transfer programmes, Hon. Hunpe maintained that while infrastructure is vital, immediate human capital support cannot be ignored. He argued that cash support provides the "immediate relief" necessary for citizens to survive while the government builds long-term projects.

The Council Treasurer, Mr. Olugbenga Hunponu, praised the consistency of the initiative, noting its positive ripple effect on the local Badagry economy. He urged the 200 new beneficiaries to invest their ₦100,000 wisely to ensure business sustainability.

Caritas Nigeria Empowers 400 Farmers in Lagos and Ekiti with Multi-Million Naira Agro-Processing Equipment

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

 

In a major boost to food security and rural livelihoods, Caritas Nigeria, the development agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, has distributed state-of-the-art agricultural processing equipment worth millions of naira to farmers in Badagry.

The empowerment program, held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Bapo in the Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), is part of a larger initiative benefiting 400 participants across Lagos and Ekiti States. Supported by the Conrad Hilton Foundation, the project marks a strategic shift from general vocational skills to specialized agricultural value-chain development.

Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Ukese Maria Udongo, the Director of Humanitarian Services for Caritas Nigeria, explained that the focus on agriculture is designed to provide sustainable pathways out of poverty for rural dwellers.

"In previous years, we gave out vocational start-up kits, but there has been a shift this year because the donor wishes that people build their capability in agriculture," Udongo said. "This will help people in the grassroots and rural communities lift themselves out of poverty."

The empowerment package was tailored to specific agricultural sectors to ensure beneficiaries have everything needed to move from farming to industrial processing:

Cassava Processing: Groups received 45 bags of cassava, grinding machines, hydraulic pressing machines, industrial frying pans, and sealing machines for garri packaging.

Fish Farming & Processing: Beneficiaries were provided with 250 fingerlings, dual tanks, pumping machines, and a full range of feed (starter to finisher). For those in processing, 50kg of fresh fish, industrial ovens, and energy-efficient briquettes were supplied.

Tomato & Pepper Preservation: Groups received equipment to produce tomato puree and dried peppers, including energy-saving stoves, grinding machines, and specialized packaging materials like zip-lock bags and glass bottles.

"Because of how expensive these equipments are, we put the beneficiaries in groups. This makes it sustainable where one person forgets what they’ve been taught, the others will remember," Udongo added.

Reverend Father Peter Audu, Executive Secretary and CEO of Caritas Nigeria, highlighted the human impact of the intervention, noting that the agency’s agriculture and livelihood team would continue to monitor the groups to ensure success.

"The measurable impacts go beyond what we can say. We have seen people are happy; it has restored their dignity and their hope," Fr. Audu remarked. "Some, as a result of our activities, have been able to send their kids to school and feed themselves."

For the residents of Bapo and surrounding communities, the arrival of the equipment was a dream realized. 

Alice Abel, a beneficiary in the tomato and pepper processing group, expressed her gratitude: "I really appreciate Caritas for bringing this program to this community. I am the happiest person here; God will bless them."

Similarly, Ebeniza Abiona, a member of the maize processing group, admitted his initial skepticism: "This program is so fantastic. When they came to Bapo, we thought they were coming to deceive us, but unfortunately for our doubts, it is a reality."

Oyo 2027: Group Advocates Clean Record for Governorship Aspirants

 By: Queen Phillips 

A civic advocacy group, Oyo Defender, has raised concerns over developments ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, calling for transparency, accountability and integrity in the emergence of candidates.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Adedosu Ifaponle, the group urged political stakeholders to prioritise credible leadership, warning against any process that could undermine public confidence in the electoral system.

The group’s reaction follows reports linking a former Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning during the administration of late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, to early political positioning ahead of the polls.

Specifically, Oyo Defender referenced Bimbo Adekanmbi, noting that his name has appeared in public discourse in relation to an ongoing matter reportedly involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

While acknowledging the principle of presumption of innocence, the group stressed the need for due process and transparency in addressing issues of public concern.

“The management of state resources is a sacred responsibility. Anyone aspiring to lead the state must demonstrate integrity and earn the trust of the people,” the statement read.

Oyo Defender expressed concern about the timing of the political developments, noting that they come at a period when citizens are demanding more accountable and people-oriented governance.

According to the group, the governorship position requires not only administrative competence but also a track record that inspires public confidence.

It, therefore, called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to ensure that all matters of public interest are handled with diligence and openness, adding that voters deserve clarity from individuals seeking elective office.

The group also urged political parties, civil society organisations and the electorate to remain vigilant and uphold democratic values in the build-up to the 2027 election.

It emphasised that the forthcoming governorship contest should reflect the will of the people and serve as an opportunity to strengthen trust in governance through credible leadership.

Reaffirming its position, Oyo Defender maintained that the future of the state depends on leaders who are committed to accountability, transparency and service to the people.

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.”