Samuel Idowu Launches Dual-State 'Diary of a Sojourner' Project Linking Badagry and Benue

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Paper making class

BADAGRY, LAGOS — Christopher Samuel Idowu virtual artist has officially launched a groundbreaking, multi-city community art project titled "Diary of a Sojourner: A Memory Box Between Spaces Badagry and Benue." Organized in an exclusive partnership with the Centre for Youth Integrated Development (CYID), the initiative kicks off its first phase in the historic coastal town of Badagry before moving its creative footprint to the agrarian community of Buruku in Benue State.

Christopher Samuel Idowu 

The extensive, dual-site workshop spans several weeks across two regions, designed to engage local youth in collaborative art-making, mentorship, and economic empowerment. The first phase runs at the CYID center in Badagry from May 18 to 23, 2026, followed by an immersive second installment in Buruku, Benue State, from June 22 to July 3, 2026.

section with Mr. Gafar Awesu 

The project is rooted in the deep personal history of its director. Idowu, a recipient of the prestigious Prince Claus Seed Award, envisioned this community project as a continuation of his earlier, site-specific exhibition, My Benue Diary, which he staged inside an abandoned fertilizer repository. The initial inspiration grew from his 2022 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployment in Benue, where he connected deeply with local students and parents working as farmers.

Through standard and contemporary mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking, installation, sound, video, and performance art the project explores themes of resilience, memory, neglect, and hope.

"Diary of a Sojourner is a community-based art project that evolved from the very space that sparked these reflections and ideas," explains Project Idowu. "Empowered by the support of the Prince Claus Seed Award, the project expanded across Benue and Badagry, creating spaces for dialogue, recollection, memory-making, transformation, sustainability, cultural exchange, and community participation. This approach is not merely about the need for labor, but a testament to a vision of community building that extends far beyond the individual."

A cornerstone of the Badagry leg of the workshop focuses heavily on eco-sustainability and economic survival. Facilitators are training participants to look closely at local natural resources specifically coconut waste, wa papers as a viable raw material for lucrative craft-making and entrepreneurial independence.

Mr. Nathaniel Hodonu, Director of Just Coconut and a key facilitator at the workshop, emphasized that environmental waste can easily become a financial lifeline for young creatives if properly harnessed.

"There is a lot we overlook today that we can turn to wealth," Hodonu shared during a training session. "Badagry is the largest supplier of the coconut we consume in Nigeria. If we have hundreds of people designing crafts from coconut waste, we will all make sales without disturbing each other. 

Section with Mr Nathaniel Hodonu 

When I started, people laughed at me—even some family members were not in support at first. But along the line, when they realized this was becoming lucrative, they had to join. Despite the difficulties, I've continued to push for improvement and stayed consistent about what I'm doing, which is why I am who I am today."

Beyond financial independence, the "Diary of a Sojourner" project serves as a powerful shield against social vices by steering the energies of local youth toward cultural preservation and communal pride. By interacting with seasoned mentors, the participants are taught to view their unique heritage not as an archaic relic, but as an active tool for self-actualization.

Gafar Awesu, a pioneering visual artist in Badagry and workshop facilitator, spoke passionately about the profound social impact of intentional creative engagement.

"Workshops like this will help the youths to promote their cultures, relating dressing, look, and cultural values," Awesu noted. "Another thing is that this is one of the best empowerments our youths can get, which will prevent them from engaging in all forms of unlawful acts that won't profit them in any way.

From all I've done so far, I can say I'm fulfilled. I started with nothing, and with what I have today, I can confidently say I'm fulfilled. Being fulfilled is not what you've done for yourself alone, but the kind of impact you've made in people's lives. This is an achievement I've always prayed for, and God has helped me to achieve it."

Each phase of the workshop is designed to culminate in an interactive, site-responsive exhibition. Rather than just showcasing static work by a single artist, these exhibitions encourage co-creation and invite community members to step into the "Memory Box" to reflect on their shared history. 

By connecting the historical coastal lines of Badagry to the vast green farmlands of Benue, Idowu’s Diary of a Sojourner stands as a beautiful reminder of how art can dissolve geographic boundaries, heal social fractures, and build a sustainable future from the ground up.

'I Was Never Communicated!' — Owolabani Slams Badagry APC Over Postponement of House of Assembly Primaries

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

APC and Hunja Peter Owolabani

BADAGRY, LAGOS — Barrister Hunja Peter Owolabani Aspirant All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State House of Assembly Representing Badagry Constituency II has publicly called out the party’s local leadership, revealing that the critical decision to halt the APC Primary election on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, was completely hidden from him and his campaign team.

In an official rejoinder released on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the legal practitioner-turned-politician described reports claiming "all aspirants" were formally notified of the postponement as outrightly deceptive.

The sudden postponement sparked confusion among thousands of party faithful who had mobilized across various wards in Badagry. Local media outlets initially reported that the APC leadership suspended the Badagry Constituency I and II shadow elections due to pressing "electoral concerns" and that the communication lines had been open to everyone involved.

Setting the record straight, Barrister Owolabani fiercely rejected the mainstream narrative:

"My attention has been drawn to the report published by a popular media house in Badagry on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, titled 'Lagos APC Suspends Badagry Constituency I, II Primaries Over Electoral Concerns.'.While I respect the role of the press in holding institutions accountable, I am compelled as a law-abiding aspirant and a stakeholder in the democratic process to place the facts on record: I was never consulted. Not once."

He further underscored that this was not a minor administrative oversight but a structural failure within the party's local framework.

"As of the time of writing this rejoinder, no official communication, verbal or written, has been received by me or any member of my campaign team from the party leadership in Badagry Local Government at any level—ward, local government, or state—informing us of the suspension, its rationale, or any proposed rescheduled date."

According to the party's unofficial feedback, the primaries were put on hold over allegations that certain assigned electoral officials shared personal and political ties with one of the competing contestants.

However, Barrister Owolabani argued that handling such grievances behind closed doors, without bringing all running aspirants to the table, damages internal party democracy. He hinted that the lack of transparency points to an agenda designed to favor specific interests.

> "If indeed there was a legitimate concern about electoral impartiality, the proper course was to investigate transparently with input from *all* aspirants, not to unilaterally suspend the exercise and leave the rest of us in the dark," Owolabani stated boldly. "It is becoming increasingly difficult not to observe a pattern where certain decisions in this party process appear tailored to the advantage of specific interests while other aspirants are sidelined and silenced. Enough is enough."

Despite the setback, the Owolabani Campaign Organization has maintained that it remains fully committed to a democratic, free, and fair primary process. Rather than opposing the reshuffling of electoral officials to guarantee a level playing field, they have issued a clear list of conditions to ensure the integrity of the next voting exercise:

Universal Notification: All cleared aspirants must be formally and simultaneously notified of any decisions affecting the primaries well in advance.

Transparent Timetable: The newly proposed date for the rescheduled primaries must be broadcast openly, completely eliminating selective briefing or hidden alignments.

Strict and Impartial Supervision: The primary must be conducted under tight security and monitored by neutral state-level officials with no personal or financial ties to any candidate.

Adherence to Guidelines: The party leadership must offer verifiable assurances that the process will strictly follow official APC guidelines, prioritizing the will of the Badagry electorate.

"The people of Badagry Constituency II deserve a representative they can trust—one who fights for due process even before he is elected," the campaign's statement concluded. "That is who we are, and that is the standard we will continue to hold."

MAEJT Nigeria Launches Pioneer Child Rights Club at Ajara Junior Grammar School to Champion Gender Equality and Stop Child Exploitation

 By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a major stride toward advancing child protection and youth advocacy in Lagos State, MAEJT Nigeria has officially established a pioneer Child Rights Club at Ajara Junior Grammar School. The landmark initiative, launched on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, was made possible following formal approval from the Lagos State Education District V. Rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the program specifically targets SDG 5 (Gender Equality) while building a grassroots framework for student leadership and civic responsibility within the local school system.

The official launch of the club was preceded by a rigorous screening and assessment exercise conducted on May 6, 2026. This foundational step allowed coordinators to carefully identify and select a dedicated cohort of passionate, committed students to serve as the club’s pioneer members and peer influencers. By anchoring the initiative with student-led leadership, MAEJT Nigeria ensures that the values of child rights and community advocacy are driven directly by the youth, fostering organic growth and long-term sustainability within the school environment.

Designed as an inclusive, safe platform, the newly formed Child Rights Club is aimed at sensitizing the student populace on critical issues surrounding gender equality, leadership, child protection, and responsible social participation. The club provides a secure space where students can confidently learn about their legal protections, build self-esteem, and freely speak up against deep-seated issues like abuse and discrimination. Through its presence on campus, the organization aims to empower young people to become active change-makers who contribute positively to both their immediate school community and the wider Badagry landscape.

To ensure continuous impact, the club will run regular activities, structured sensitization sessions, and peer-to-peer engagements. These weekly interactions are strategically designed to strengthen school discipline, nurture mutual respect, cultivate teamwork, and amplify advocacy for the welfare of children. By transforming students into peer educators, the initiative addresses critical behavioral challenges while establishing a protective shield against the exploitation and vulnerability that many young people face daily.

This vital educational intervention is funded by the United States Department of State Service through The Freedom Fund, operating under MAEJT Nigeria’s broader, targeted program to combat exploitative child domestic work across Lagos State. By tackling these vulnerabilities at the school level, the partnership directly counters the socioeconomic drivers of underage labor. Through this successful launch, MAEJT Nigeria reinforces its unwavering commitment to empowering children and young people, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to build a safer, fairer, and more inclusive society for all.

Badagry Anglican Bishop Demands State Police, and Safer Schools

By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS — The Anglican Diocese of Badagry has issued a strong warning to Nigeria's political class and security agencies ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections. The church is calling for immediate constitutional reforms, including the legalization of state police and tighter security around schools, to address the country's worsening economic and security challenges.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, May 18, 2026, ahead of the first session of the Eighth Synod of the Diocese, the Diocesan Bishop, **Rt. Rev. Babatunde Adeyemi, voiced deep concern over nationwide instability, rampant food inflation, and the vulnerability of educational institutions.

This particular assembly marks a significant milestone for the diocese, serving as Bishop Adeyemi’s valedictory Synod before his official retirement on January 14, 2027. Under the theme "Gratitude" inspired by the biblical account in Luke 17:11-19 the Bishop expressed appreciation for the diocese's growth over its 21-year history despite early financial hurdles.

Addressing the state of the nation, Bishop Adeyemi strongly condemned the recent abductions of school children in parts of Oyo and Borno states. He warned that targeting schools directly threatens the fabric of basic education and will inevitably worsen Nigeria's already high out-of-school child population.

“The bandits and terrorists behave as if they have no children," Bishop Adeyemi stated. "Education is the best legacy one can give to a child. Parents cannot continue to send their children to school when they are unsure of their safety. It is a wake-up call to protect our primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions with every means available.”

To combat this, the Diocese renewed its advocacy for decentralized law enforcement. Adeyemi urged the National Assembly to fast-track the state police bill, arguing that existing regional and local apparatuses—such as the Amotekun corps and various neighborhood watch groups are already equipped to form the foundation of localized policing. He noted that the centralized Nigeria Police Force can no longer effectively secure the entire country without active state and local government collaboration.

Turning to the high cost of living, the Bishop linked the country's economic struggles to global energy tensions and flawed internal policies. He urged the Federal Government to cushion the effects of subsidy removals by giving undivided attention to agriculture and shielding food-producing communities from terrorist attacks.

Furthermore, he advised the government to take a pragmatic approach to the country's petroleum issues by actively supplying domestic crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira.

“If the government will not subsidise fuel, then attention must be turned to agriculture and protecting food-producing communities,” the cleric noted.

With political maneuvers already picking up speed ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Anglican Diocese called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and security agencies to maintain total neutrality.

The Bishop specifically warned young Nigerians against being used as instruments of political violence by desperate power brokers.

“Our youths should not allow themselves to be used by politicians who have sent their own children abroad for education," Adeyemi cautioned, adding firmly that "no politician is worth dying for.”

Reflecting on his leadership, Bishop Adeyemi praised the infrastructural and spiritual expansion of the Badagry Diocese, which has successfully grown its churches, clergy strength, schools, and built a dedicated conference center.

He also commended the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, for driving local development, specifically pointing to the face-lift around the Badagry roundabout and ongoing advocacy for the completion of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

Dr. Henrietta Ukwu Demand Urgent Overhaul to Crush Nigeria’s 70% Drug Import Dependency

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Dr. Henrietta Ukwu 

ILORIN, NIGERIA – Renowned global biopharmaceutical executive, Dr. Henrietta Ukwu, has issued a fierce wake-up call to Nigeria's political and industrial leadership, labeling the nation's 70 percent reliance on foreign-manufactured medicines as both "worrisome and unfortunate."

Delivering a compelling keynote address at the 29th Annual National Conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) in Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr. Ukwu challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to aggressively ramp up support for local drug manufacturing as a matter of urgent national health security and sovereignty.

Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Industry as a Pillar of National Health, Wealth, and Security,” Dr. Ukwu stressed that true national sovereignty is impossible when a country relies almost entirely on foreign powers for vital medicines, vaccines, and basic medical supplies.

“Health is Wealth,” Dr. Ukwu emphasized passionately. “We have incredible expertise and all it takes to move the pharmaceutical industry forward, but we are not fully harnessing the natural resources Nigeria is endowed with. The Federal Government is making efforts and progress is being recorded, but there is still significant room for improvement.”

Her position was strongly reinforced by the National Chairman of NAIP, Bankole Ezebuilo, who issued a stark warning to stakeholders. He noted that surviving sustainably while outsourcing foundational healthcare is mathematically impossible, urging the local industry to abandon fragmented efforts in favor of a cohesive, innovation-driven network.

“A nation that cannot produce its own medicines is a nation negotiating with its health, and negotiation is not where you want to be when lives are at stake,” Ezebuilo declared, pointing out the extreme dangers of a 70 percent import dependency margin. “No nation can outsource its health security, and no sector can thrive in isolation. Doing more of the same will not take us where we need to go.”

While acknowledging the structural headwinds plaguing the sector, Dr. Ukwu lauded President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), which boldly targets a reversal of the current trends aiming for 70 percent local manufacturing capacity by 2030.

However, she was quick to clarify that achieving true pharmaceutical self-reliance requires a complete departure from simple packaging or cosmetic "fill-and-finish" assembly lines. Instead, she called for aggressive, partnership-driven funding targeted at localizing the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and advanced medical formulations.

To prove that a domestic manufacturing revolution is already feasible, Dr. Ukwu highlighted several groundbreaking industrial milestones currently underway across the country:

The Fidson-IFC Pact: A strategic alliance with the International Finance Corporation to build dedicated local API production infrastructure.

The Emzor API Hub: The nearing completion of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited's state-of-the-art API facility in Sagamu, Ogun State, structurally designed to pioneer regional anti-malarial ingredient production.

Cross-Border Frameworks: Technical cooperation agreements like the European Union-backed ELMiN initiative, France's Qualimed Project, and bilateral industrial pacts with Brazil.

Regulatory Driving Forces: The aggressive implementation of NAFDAC’s "5+5 Policy," which directly penalizes lazy import models and forces major pharmaceutical companies to establish domestic manufacturing plants.

Despite the industry's clear momentum, Dr. Ukwu warned that Nigeria's high-flying 2030 local manufacturing goals will stall without immediate, systemic interventions from the state. Chief among these barriers is the brutal lack of long-term capital, with barely 10 percent of local pharmaceutical firms currently able to secure affordable financing.

To bridge this financial gap, she urged the presidency to actively mobilize strategic funding through the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), alongside executing targeted foreign exchange relief and sweeping import duty exemptions on raw industrial solvents.

“Number one is the issue of importation of drugs into this country. How do we do that? By investment,” Dr. Ukwu concluded. “When investors see that manufacturers are meeting world standards, they will put their money into the industry, and this will boost the production of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria. The success of these initiatives depends on consistent policy, improved regulatory efficiency, and continued investment to transition to full-scale, sustainable manufacturing.”

Badagry Council Clears Air on LSNSC Office Sealing, Blames Security Breach and Assault

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Hon. Babatunde Hunpe Executive Chairman of Badagry and LNSC Officer 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Badagry Local Government Council has strongly refuted viral social media reports alleging that its Chairman forcefully evicted personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LSNSC) over political disloyalty. 

In a swift and detailed rejoinder released on Monday, May 18, 2026, the council administration described the online narrative as a "misleading and deliberately distorted" attempt to weaponize falsehoods following the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.

According to the local government management, the temporary sealing of the LSNSC office was a purely administrative and security-driven measure sparked by an operational confrontation and subsequent assault on a council official, rather than political victimization.

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Badagry Youths Calls Council Chairman Act ‘Illegal’ over Eviction of Security Corps After APC Primaries

Badagry Council Chairman Babatunde Hunpe Allegedly Seals LNSC Security Office Over ‘Disloyalty’

The council revealed that the crisis began on the day of the primary election collation, during which strict security directives were enforced to restrict vehicular entry into the Local Government Secretariat due to the highly sensitive and tense nature of the exercise.

According to eye-witness accounts, the Badagry LSNSC Commander, Mr. Samson Zannu, arrived at the gate and insisted on driving his vehicle into the premises. When security personnel acting on orders politely denied him entry, Mr. Zannu reportedly became confrontational.

"Rather than comply professionally with the directive, Mr. Zannu became confrontational and engaged in altercations with officers on duty," the council’s official statement revealed. "Witnesses confirmed that he later returned to his vehicle and attempted to forcefully gain entry through the gate with the vehicle, thereby escalating an already tense security atmosphere."

The situation was temporarily de-escalated after a senior LASTMA officer from the State Operations Command intervened and contacted higher authorities, prompting Mr. Zannu to apologize and leave the scene peacefully.

The issue resurfaced during a routine security briefing on Monday morning, where concerns were raised about the need to maintain absolute discipline within the secretariat. To prevent further friction, council management collectively decided that LSNSC personnel should temporarily deploy directly to their field duty posts across the local government area, rather than assembling at the secretariat. As part of this arrangement, the on-site LSNSC office was ordered to remain sealed until Thursday.

However, the council stated that the directive was met with violent resistance, allegedly instigated by the commander.

“Unfortunately, rather than comply with this peace-driven administrative arrangement, the Commander allegedly instructed some personnel to resist the directive," the rejoinder stated. "In the process, the Supervisor for Environment was reportedly assaulted, slapped, and molested while carrying out official responsibilities.”

Senior political stakeholders and apex leaders present at the secretariat had to step in immediately to restore calm and prevent further disciplinary escalation against the embattled commander.

The local government has strongly cautioned political actors against using emotional propaganda to create artificial divisions within the Badagry federation. The administration maintained that the ruling party's primaries have nothing to do with standard institutional discipline.

No officer was sanctioned or targeted for their political affiliation or for supporting any specific aspirant.

No democratic rights were violated during the process.

The steps taken were purely preventative measures aimed at preserving law and order.

“It is therefore mischievous, irresponsible, and politically dishonest for anyone to twist these events into a false narrative of ‘political victimization’ or ‘punishment for supporting another aspirant,’ ” the statement concluded.

The council urged members of the public to completely disregard the sensationalized online publications, reiterating its unwavering commitment to democratic values, institutional neutrality, and the peaceful coexistence of all political factions in Badagry.

Badagry Youths Calls Council Chairman Act ‘Illegal’ over Eviction of Security Corps After APC Primaries

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Hon. Babatunde Hunpe 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – Fresh political turmoil has erupted in Badagry following the aftermath of the hotly contested All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections. A prominent grassroots group, the Concerned Youths of Badagry Federation, has strongly condemned what it describes as an unlawful executive overreach by the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Atande Hunpe.

In a detailed, legally backed statement released on Monday, May 18, 2026, the youth group alleged that Hon. Hunpe ordered officers and leadership of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) to immediately vacate their operational office located within the Local Government Secretariat. 

The eviction was allegedly triggered by accusations that the state-backed security outfit showed political sympathy toward a rival candidate during the recently concluded National Assembly primaries.

The youth coalition pointed out that a local government chairman lacks the constitutional or statutory powers to discipline or eject an agency established by the state government. The LNSC is a creation of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency Law and operates strictly under the control and command of the Lagos State Government.

Related News:

Badagry Council Chairman Babatunde Hunpe Allegedly Seals LNSC Security Office Over ‘Disloyalty’

Invoking landmark judicial precedents, the group noted that the rule of law must supersede impulsive executive directives.

“In administrative law, it is trite that where a statute prescribes the manner by which a power is to be exercised, any other method inconsistent with the law becomes null and void," the statement read. "The Supreme Court in Governor of Kaduna State v. Kagoma held that statutory powers must be exercised strictly within the confines of the law establishing such authority.”

The group further argued that the eviction flagrantly violates Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing before any punitive administrative action can be taken.

At the heart of the crisis is the alleged victimization of public officers based on their perceived political preferences. The Concerned Youths reminded the local administration that Section 40 of the Constitution safeguards every Nigerian's right to freedom of association, including political alignment.

“While the Public Service Rules discourage partisan abuse of office, there is nowhere under Nigerian law where mere political sympathy or private political preference automatically constitutes misconduct," the youth coalition asserted. "The Court of Appeal in INEC v. Musa affirmed that political participation and association are constitutional rights which cannot be arbitrarily extinguished by administrative actions inconsistent with the Constitution.”

The group warned that punishing security personnel based on "perceived political alignment," without any concrete evidence of official misconduct, sets a highly dangerous precedent for Nigeria's democratic institutions.

Beyond the political optics, the forced removal of the LNSC from the council secretariat poses a severe risk to the local intelligence community. As a vital grassroots security outfit, the neighborhood safety corps plays a central role in community surveillance, crime prevention, and local intelligence gathering.

By forcefully displacing these officers, the local government has created an artificial vacuum, exposing the people of Badagry to heightened security vulnerabilities.

“This is not a matter of politics. It is a matter of governance, legality, and the safety of the people of Badagry," the group declared. "Any action that obstructs or displaces its officers from duty stations without lawful authority creates an avoidable vacuum in local security operations.”

The Concerned Youths of Badagry Federation formally called on the Governor of Lagos State and the Lagos State House of Assembly to immediately step in. They demand a full, impartial investigation into Hon. Hunpe's directives, urging the state to deploy necessary legislative oversight and disciplinary measures if an abuse of office is established.