Fans Crown Hon. Damilola Sonayon James as the "Sisi Eko of Lagos APC"

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a surge of grassroots admiration, a dedicated movement of supporters and political enthusiasts has officially initiated a new title for one of the state's most dynamic leaders. Hon. Damilola Sonayon James (DSJ), the Assistant Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has been affectionately dubbed the “Sisi Eko of Lagos APC.”

The initiative is rapidly gaining momentum across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 LCDAs, transcending traditional party circles to resonate with youth groups and professional women alike. This title is not merely a moniker but a celebration of DSJ’s growing influence, her charismatic leadership style, and her unwavering commitment to women empowerment and community development.

Speaking on behalf of the initiative, spokesperson Lola Niran described Hon. Dammy James as a "shining example of what purposeful leadership represents." Niran emphasized that DSJ’s impact was felt long before she stepped into her current executive role within the party.

“She has been a pillar of support, inspiration, and empowerment to many women. Her work didn’t start today; it has always been part of her passion and lifestyle. This recognition is well deserved,” Niran stated.

Observers of Lagos politics note that the “Sisi Eko of Lagos APC” movement symbolizes a broader shift. It represents a new era where young women in politics are encouraged to uplift one another, fostering a culture of collaboration over competition.

The brand is designed to serve as a rallying point to strengthen DSJ’s tenure and promote inclusivity within the Lagos APC. Supporters believe that by branding her leadership under this relatable and culturally resonant title, it will inspire more young women to take active roles in the state's political evolution.

Key pillars of the "Sisi Eko" initiative include: Unity: Breaking barriers between different female demographics in the party. Resilience: Encouraging women to stay the course in the challenging political landscape. Impact: Focusing on tangible grassroots projects that improve the lives of Lagosians.

“This is not just a title; it is a movement,” a vocal supporter added during a recent gathering. “Sisi Eko of Lagos APC represents the power of young women standing together to achieve greater impact.”

Saints Alive! Southampton Stun Arsenal in Massive FA Cup Upset at St Mary’s

 By: Manoah Kikekon

SOUTHAMPTON – In a result that has sent shockwaves through English football, Championship side Southampton dumped Premier League leaders Arsenal out of the FA Cup with a thrilling 2–1 victory at St Mary’s Stadium. The defeat officially ends Mikel Arteta’s dreams of a historic treble, leaving the Gunners to pick up the pieces of a crumbling domestic cup campaign.

The atmosphere on the South Coast was electric from the whistle, and the hosts didn’t take long to reward their supporters. In the 35th minute, Ross Stewart ignited the stadium with a clinical strike, latching onto a pinpoint delivery from James Bree. Despite Arsenal’s lion’s share of possession, the Gunners looked sluggish in the final third, trailing at the break after a series of squandered opportunities.

Arsenal emerged with more intent in the second half, piling pressure on the Saints' backline. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 68th minute when Viktor Gyokeres continuing his impressive form slotted home a composed finish following a clever setup by Kai Havertz. 

At 1–1, the momentum seemed to have shifted toward North London. However, the resilient Championship outfit refused to buckle under the weight of Arsenal’s star-studded attack.

"We knew we had to suffer to win," said a jubilant Southampton camp. "But we believed we could catch them on the break, and the boys executed the plan perfectly."

Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, the definitive blow landed in the 85th minute. Shea Charles rose to the occasion, ghosting into the box to fire home a dramatic winner that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. 

Southampton successfully navigated a frantic closing period to secure their spot in the FA Cup Semifinals at Wembley. They now head to the national stadium as the only non-Premier League team remaining in the competition, keeping the "magic of the cup" very much alive.

For Mikel Arteta, this loss marks a disastrous turn of events in a season that promised so much. This exit comes just days after a demoralizing 2–0 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley, where a brace from Nico O’Reilly denied them silverware.

Lagos Traders Cry Out as Soaring Transport Costs Devour Profits

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Market 

The bustling aisles of Lagos markets may still be crowded, but for the traders behind the stalls, the noise masks a growing economic crisis. Traders at the Ile Epo Market are raising the alarm over skyrocketing transportation costs and fuel price hikes, which have sent food prices soaring and left consumers’ pockets empty.

Abiodun Kosoko, the Babaloja General of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, has identified the surge in fuel prices as the primary driver behind the current food inflation. While the markets are physically full of people, Mr. Kosoko describes a stark disconnect between the crowd size and actual sales. 

“People come to buy foodstuffs but leave with less than planned. There are turnouts but no turnover,” Mr. Kosoko lamented.

He explained that while production remains steady in northern and neighboring states, the cost of moving those goods to Lagos has become prohibitive. The combination of fuel expenses, long-distance logistics, and multiple levies along supply routes has inflated the final price of essential commodities beyond the reach of the average Lagosian.

The impact on staple foods is undeniable. Mr. Kosoko noted that a bag of rice, which recently sold for ₦50,000, now commands between ₦56,000 and ₦58,000, depending on the brand. 

For small-scale traders, this volatility is a threat to their survival. Many deal in perishable goods that must be sold quickly; when customers can’t afford to buy, the goods rot, leading to a total loss of investment.

Bag of Rice, Previous Price ₦50,000, Current Price ₦56,000 – ₦58,000

The frustration isn't limited to grain sellers. Hammed Adekunle, a meat vendor, shared that customers often accuse him of profiteering, unaware of the rising costs of livestock and feed. He noted that bargaining has become desperate, with some buyers attempting to price ₦5,000 worth of meat down to ₦1,000.

For residents like Sola Ogunbade, a teacher, and Mary Chukwu, a mother of three, the strategy has shifted from "balanced dieting" to "basic survival." 

Essential items are being stripped from shopping lists, and festive periods like Easter are being celebrated with "scaled-down" expectations. Funbi Idowu, a resident, noted that his family could no longer afford a whole chicken for the holiday, opting for a quiet celebration instead.

The consensus among market leaders and struggling families is clear: the current trajectory is unsustainable. Mr. Kosoko and other stakeholders are urging the federal government to intervene through: Fuel subsidies specifically targeted at food transporters.

Targeted transport support to stabilize the supply chain. Direct food subsidies to protect low-income households from malnutrition.

"I Would Have Shot Him": Wike To Channels TV’s Seun Okinbaloye Over One-Party State Comments

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Nyesom Wike and Seun Okinbaloye 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sparked fresh controversy after expressing intense grievance toward Channels TV anchor Seun Okinbaloye. During a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike slammed the veteran journalist for voicing concerns regarding the emergence of a one-party state in Nigeria under the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The tension follows a Thursday edition of Politics Today, where Okinbaloye discussed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent derecognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership. The move, which followed a court verdict, has been viewed by critics as a blow to the opposition's strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Expressing his professional concern, Okinbaloye stated: “I am particularly pained because what makes the race very interesting is when it is competitive... If this hope [the opposition] is dashed, we are doomed democratically.”

Minister Wike did not hold back his displeasure during his Friday briefing, using heavy metaphors to describe his frustration with the broadcast. 

“I was thoroughly surprised yesterday when I was watching Seun’s Politics Today. If there is any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike remarked. He quickly clarified that he did not mean physical harm, adding, “I am not saying I will kill him. I am just angered that he made that kind of statement on national television.”

Wike argued that while it is within a journalist's purview to ask tough questions of the opposition, it is "unprofessional" and "unbefitting" for an interviewer to inject personal opinions that suggest the government is plotting to dismantle multi-party democracy.

The debate over Nigeria’s political landscape has intensified following INEC’s stance on the ADC leadership crisis. While some legal analysts defend the electoral body for adhering to judicial rulings, others accuse the APC-led government of using state institutions to stifle rival parties.

Key points of the controversy include: INEC’s Position: Validating the Court of Appeal judgment regarding ADC leadership.

The Opposition’s Stance: The ADC coalition has vowed to proceed with its scheduled congresses despite the setback.

Presidency Warning: The Presidency has labeled the ADC’s defiance as “lawless,” warning of legal consequences.

Wike’s comments have reignited the conversation on the boundary between journalistic commentary and political neutrality. The Minister insisted that an interviewer should remain a neutral arbiter rather than an advocate for a specific political outcome.

Badagry Magistrate Court Registrar Semiu (Alfa) Detains Ghanaian Nationals, Allegedly in Defence of Scam Group

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – Tensions boiled over at the Badagry Magistrate Court on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as a desperate attempt by a Ghanaian family to rescue their son from an alleged fraud syndicate resulted in the detention of two men for violating court protocols.

The court registrar, identified as Mr. Semiu popularly known as Alfa, ordered the immediate detention of two Ghanaian nationals, Eric Appiah and Richmond Owusu, following a disruptive argument within the court premises. The duo had traveled from Ghana to confront members of a specialized fraud group who they believe have been holding their relative, Kofi Dufie, against his will.

The incident began when Appiah (Kofi’s stepfather) and Owusu (his uncle) arrived at the court upon hearing that Kofi would be appearing alongside the very individuals accused of trafficking and defrauding him. In a heated attempt to "rescue" Kofi from the group, a loud altercation broke out, disturbing the ongoing court sessions.

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Mr. Alfa, acting on the breach of court decorum, ordered that the two men be locked up. Findings showed that the detention was initially intended to prevent and stop the family from taking the young man from the traffickers. Indicating that Alfa may be working closely with the traffickers.

Following the intervention of several observers, the two men were eventually released but were issued a stern warning: any further attempt to take Kofi would result in kidnapping charges against the family.

The backstory of the case reveals a sophisticated human trafficking and fraud recruitment ring operating out of Atinprome Badagry, Lagos State. Kofi Dufie was reportedly lured from Ghana after being promised a lucrative job in Poland. His family, believing the opportunity was legitimate, paid a significant sum in Ghana Cedis for visa processing and documentation.

Kofi was told there were no direct flights from Ghana to Poland and was instructed to fly to Nigeria first. Upon arriving in Lagos, he was transported to a secluded building in Badagry where he was allegedly locked up for days. Instead of a plane ticket to Europe, he was given "training" on how to defraud his own friends and family back home, pretending he had successfully reached Poland to lure more victims.

The scam came to light after Kofi’s uncle was targeted by the group using Kofi as a front. The family eventually realized that Kofi was not in Europe but was being held by the fraud gang in Nigeria. Despite tracing him to Badagry, their efforts to bring him home have been legally distributed.

Appiah said, "Court officials told us that Kofi is now above 18 years of age, and under current legal standing, he cannot be "forced" to return home with his us despite that he is not part of a legal proceeding involving the group." This technicality has left the family in a state of despair, fearing their son has been "brainwashed" or is under extreme duress.

The fraud group involved in the case was reportedly busted by the Nigerian Police in December 2025. The crackdown followed a public outcry from a relative of another victim who had been abducted and held under similar circumstances. 

The leader of the group, identified as Betty Wata, is currently facing prosecution. During preliminary hearings, Wata reportedly admitted to collecting the sum of N4 million from one victim and confessed to the deception involving the Ghana-to-Poland route. She has since begun making partial refunds as part of the ongoing court proceedings.

While the Ghanaian family insists that Kofi is a victim of trafficking, Alfa's stance remains focused on the disruption of judicial proceedings. And warning that the family could be charged with "kidnapping" if they take their son by force.

For Eric Appiah and Richmond Owusu, the battle to bring Kofi home continues, highlighting the dangerous reach of transnational cybercrime syndicates operating across the West African border.

Lagos Commissioner Ogunlende Named Grand Patron as Badagry Women Celebrate 2026 IWD

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY — The Badagry Women Development Forum (BWDF) honored Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, at the 2026 International Women’s Day with the title of Grand Patron.

The event, themed “Redirecting Women’s Focus: Give to Gain,” was held on Thursday, 2nd April 2026, at Topa Guest House, Badagry, Lagos.

Led by its Founder and Principal Coordinator, Hon. (Mrs.) Sewede Pot-Balogun, the event brought together women and dignitaries from across various sectors to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of women to society. The atmosphere was one of empowerment and cultural pride as the forum sought to chart a new course for female leadership in the division.

In her opening address, Hon. Pot-Balogun delivered a message on the resilience of the female gender, stating, “Anyone with the support of women will find it easier to weather the storms of life.” She paid a glowing tribute to the late Chief Sunny Akinsanya Ajose, the former Grand Patron, acknowledging that his enduring legacy provided the foundation upon which the forum currently stands. 

She reflected on the association's journey, highlighting its evolution into a powerhouse for nurturing "purposeful and intentional women." The Principal Coordinator emphasized that the BWDF remains a true embodiment of the proverb that "women are builders," citing numerous grassroots projects aimed at economic self-reliance for Badagry mothers.

The "Mother of the Day," Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), emphasized the critical role women play as the architects of societal values. She noted that the future of Nigeria depends heavily on the intentionality of mothers in raising the next generation. 

“What is given determines what is gained,” the Vice-Chancellor remarked, encouraging attendees to invest more in the moral and educational upbringing of their children. In recognition of her unwavering support for female advancement, Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye was presented with a special award of excellence by the forum.

A major highlight of the garden party was the official elevation of Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende to the position of Grand Patron. As the pioneer of the Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation, Ogunlende’s promotion from Patron was described by attendees as a natural fit, filling the longstanding vacancy left by the late Chief Sunny Ajose.

Accepting the mantle, Hon. Ogunlende led the gathering in a minute of silence for his predecessor, whom he described as a father figure. He commended the palpable unity among the BWDF members but issued a strategic challenge: the inclusion of younger women. He noted that for the forum to achieve long-term sustainability, the energy of the youth must be integrated into the wisdom of the elders.

The event took on a pan-Lagos dimension with the arrival of the RAK 57 Women, representing all 57 Local Government Areas and LCDAs in the state. Hon. Ogunlende noted on his official social media channels that this group has built an enduring five-year relationship with his foundation, adding significant prestige to the Badagry celebration.

Ogu Heritage: 10,000 Converge as Badagry Celebrates Akohun Drum Festival 2026

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LUDA-AJARA, BADAGRY — Over 10,000 persons has gathered at ancient town of Badagry the rhythmic thumping of traditional percussions as the 2026 Akohun Drum Festival reached a spectacular climax. 

The grand finale held on Monday March 30, 2026, at Luda-Ajara Badagry Lagos. The even was Organized to celebrate the 7th coronation anniversary of Chief Jesuyon Avoseh, the Baale of Luda-Ajara, the three-day cultural extravaganza drew a record-breaking crowd of over 10,000 residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts.

The festival, which served as a vibrant showcase of the Ogu people’s identity, featured an extensive lineup of events, including a 20km marathon, a cross-city awareness rally, and high-energy musical performances that transformed the Luda-Ajara community into a theater of African heritage.

The grand finale was defined by the mesmerizing sounds of 15 different Akohun groups, who competed to showcase the dexterity and historical depth of the Ogu drumming tradition. The air was filled with a blend of sacred and secular rhythms, featuring standout performances from the Zenli, Mase, and Gbale groups. 

The Akohun drum, deeply rooted in the history of the Ogu people, is more than a musical instrument; it serves as a repository of oral history and communal values. According to elders, sustaining these performances is critical to preventing the erosion of indigenous knowledge among the younger generation.

Addressing the massive gathering, the Aholu Agano Toniyon I of Ajara-Agamathen Kingdom expressed his profound joy at the turnout. He emphasized that the survival of the Ogu culture depends on the unity of its youth.

"Over the years, we have advocated for the Ogu people to come together for the development of our communities," the Monarch stated. "I am most concerned about unity among the youths. Our elders have always remained in one accord, and the youths must replicate this synergy for the future of Badagry."

The Chairman of the Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, also lauded the initiative, describing it as a "commendable event" that perfectly aligns with the government's vision of cultural tourism. He reaffirmed the Local Government’s full support for the festival, noting that it serves as a powerful tool for identity preservation.

For the convener, Chief Jesuyon Avoseh, the festival is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Reflecting on his seven years on the throne, the Baale noted that the initiative was born out of a desire to reintroduce the Ogu culture to the world.

“Most of our kids today don't know our culture anymore; some were seeing these drums for the first time here,” Chief Avoseh remarked. “In recent times, we haven't done enough to promote our indigenous music industry. This festival is to encourage our local talents and show the world the rich heritage we possess.”