The Man Called Bonu

By: Sewanu J. Isaac

Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu 

‘There are people who get into politics because they want power, and there are people who get into politics because they want to make a difference.’ For me, Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu belongs to the second category.

As I celebrate the birthday of Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu today, I cannot help but reflect on a man whose love for Badagry and its people has remained constant through the years.

Many people know him today as the member representing Badagry Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Some know him as ‘Star Boy’. Others still call him ‘SA Badagry’, a name he earned during his days as Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu because of how passionately he always spoke for Badagry and pushed for the interests of our people.

My first personal encounter with Hon. Bonu was in 2020 during the CityMood Badagry Social Media Awards held at Sycomore Hotel, Badagry. It remains a memorable moment for me because the Isaac Sewanu Educational Foundation emerged as the winner of the Best Use of Social Media Award, and Hon. Bonu was the one who presented the award to us. At the time, it was simply an award presentation. Looking back today, I see it as my first encounter with a man whose passion for Badagry and commitment to its people would become evident to all.

What I admire most about Hon. Bonu is not just the projects attached to his name but his ability to get things done. His lobbying skills have always stood out. Even as a legislator, he has shown that good leadership is not always about making noise but about building relationships and using them to attract development to your people.

Communities that lived in darkness for years can testify to this. Students who have benefited from his bursary programme can testify to this. Families whose roads have been rehabilitated can testify to this. Young people who have received opportunities through his initiatives can testify to this. I also know a number of people who secured jobs through Hon. Bonu’s lobbying efforts, and that speaks volumes about his willingness to use his connections to create opportunities for others.

Long before becoming a member of the Assembly, he was already paying bursaries to students. That commitment did not start with his election; it started with his love for education and his belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed. To the best of my knowledge, no Special Adviser from Badagry had done that at the scale he did.

Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu has shown resilience, dedication and an uncommon commitment to Badagry. Through challenges and criticisms, he has remained focused on service.

And to those who may be wondering, let me say this clearly: the masses did not reject you. Your work has spoken for you. The communities you have touched speak for you. The students whose dreams you have supported speak for you. The lives you have impacted speak for you.

The man called Bonu is not perfect, but he is a man who has consistently shown love for his people and a willingness to fight for the progress of Badagry.

For that, I say thank you.

Thank you for all you have done.  

Thank you for all you are doing.  

And thank you for all you are still going to do.

May your passion for Badagry never fade, and may history remember you as one of the sons of Badagry who genuinely cared.

Happy birthday, Star Boy!

May your best years of service still lie ahead, and may your love for Badagry continue to inspire generations to come.

2027 Shockwaves: APM Unveils Lagos Governorship Candidate, Ojo Reps, Makinde as Presidential Candidate

By: Manoah Kikekon

OJO, LAGOS – Nigeria’s political chessboard is witnessing a dramatic reshuffle as the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) officially unveiled its full suite of candidates for the 2027 general elections in a high-energy ceremony at Ojo Local Government Area. The event, which drew a crowd of enthusiastic supporters and political defectors, signaled the party’s intent to challenge established giants, coinciding with the surging momentum of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidency.

In a move that caught many political observers off guard, the APM presented Laja Adeoye as its consensus flagbearer for the Lagos State Governorship seat. Simultaneously, the party solidified its legislative ambitions by unveiling Akogun-Abudu Akinlola Olumayowa, a former Labour Party chairmanship candidate, as its  flagbearer for the Ojo Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat.

Akogun-Abudu Akinlola Olumayowa 

Olumayowa’s defection from the Labour Party to clinch the APM ticket is being hailed as a major coup for the rising party. Speaking to a rapt audience, the newly minted Reps candidate emphasized his grassroots loyalty over political ambition.

Laja Adeoye

“This is not about changing parties for personal gain; it is about changing the narrative of representation in Ojo,” Olumayowa declared. “The APM has offered a platform where the people’s voice comes before party hierarchy. I am not here to experiment; I am here to liberate Ojo Federal Constituency from the grip of distant politicians.”

The event also saw Hon. Olalekan Yusuf Akinpelu secure the party’s ticket for the Ojo Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, former Labour Party Councillorship candidate for Ward K Iba LCDA. AMP Party elders described the trio as "credible, battle-tested, and deeply rooted in community development."

Hon. Olalekan Yusuf Akinpelu 

While the unveiling of local candidates provided the spark, the electricity in the air was fueled by the party’s growing national profile. Political analysts suggest that the APM is rapidly transforming into the "Third Force" in the Southwest, largely due to its adoption of Governor Seyi Makinde as its consensus presidential candidate for 2027.

Governor Makinde, who was not physically present but was represented by senior party liaisons, is reportedly spearheading a massive realignment of opposition political structures across the region. Following his pragmatic fallout with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, Makinde appears to be leveraging the APM’s ballot structure to build a formidable coalition.

Seyi Makinde 

A senior APM chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy, revealed the scale of the movement.

"Governor Makinde is not just a candidate; he is a movement. Since we flagged off the ‘Makinde for President’ project, we have seen an unprecedented influx of former PDP and Labour Party stalwarts in Ogun, Osun, and Lagos," the source said. "The people of the Southwest are tired of being marginalized in the presidential power-sharing formula. With Makinde on our ticket, the APM has become the home for strategic progressives in 2027."

The political calculation for the APM in Lagos is clear: use the wave of Makinde’s presidential appeal to anchor down-ballot victories. For the Ojo Federal Constituency, Olumayowa’s candidacy poses a direct threat to the incumbent, promising a shift from "ceremonial representation" to aggressive legislative action.

Party members celebrated the inauguration of the newly elected APM executives in Ojo, describing it as the formal burial of political apathy in the area. As the 2027 election cycle heats up, the APM is betting that the combination of a strong Southwest presidential candidate and hyper-local grassroots leaders will rewrite the electoral map of Lagos State.

With Makinde’s team already deep in consultation with political actors across the region, the APM has officially served notice: 2027 will not be business as usual.

Badagry General Hospital Makes Urgent Appeal for Voluntary Donors

By: 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a critical move to bolster local healthcare reserves, the Management of General Hospital Badagry has called on residents of the community and surrounding areas to embrace regular, voluntary blood donation. The appeal aims to meet the high demand for blood during emergencies and protect patients from preventable deaths.

The call to action was made on Tuesday by the Medical Director and CEO of General Hospital Badagry, Dr. Oluseyi Adesola, during a fresh blood donation drive. The event was organized in partnership with the Lagos Blood Donation Drive Initiative and supervised by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS).

Dr. Adesola emphasized that blood cannot be artificially manufactured or mass-produced, making human kindness the only source for this life-saving resource.

"Blood is not a commodity that can be purchased by anybody, nor can it be manufactured by anyone; rather, it has to be donated by people to save others' lives in critical circumstances," Dr. Adesola stated.

The Medical Director also cleared up a common misconception regarding hospital fees, clarifying that when patients are asked to make a financial contribution, they are paying for the rigorous screening required to ensure the blood is safe for use, not for the blood itself.

"Voluntary blood donation from members of the community is a healthy way to sustain the availability of needed blood to patients who need blood to survive different conditions," he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, Mrs. Tope Balogun, Head of the Health Education Department, praised the community members who showed up voluntarily. She highlighted a structural challenge facing the state's healthcare system: the demand for blood across Lagos remains incredibly high, while the supply continues to lag behind.

Mrs. Balogun reminded the public that donating blood is not just a community service, but a personal health benefit that stimulates fresh blood cell production in the donor, ultimately making the entire community safer against medical disasters.

Local government officials also rallied behind the cause. Mr. John Gandonu, the Supervisor for Health for Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA)—representing the Executive Chairman—expressed his excitement at the turnout and urged more residents to step forward.

"Always show concern for others, and be ready to always come out to donate blood to support the facility in the interest of society," Mr. Gandonu urged.

Despite a heavy downpour, the exercise recorded an impressive turnout. The donation process was structured to ensure maximum safety and comfort, guiding participants through a streamlined routine

Mr. Joseph Hunye, Coordinator of the Lagos Blood Donation Drive 2.0, expressed his deep gratitude to the hospital management and the state team for their resilience through the poor weather.

He confirmed that over 120 donors successfully passed the rigorous medical screenings and were deemed fit to give blood. To show appreciation for their life-saving gestures, the initiative provided palliatives and tokens of gratitude to every successful donor.

The management of General Hospital Badagry continues to encourage the public to visit the facility and make blood donation a regular habit, ensuring that when the "crucial hours" arrive, no life is lost for lack of a matching pint.

Lagos Blood Drive 2.0 Smashes Records to Save Lives in Badagry and Ikeja

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Joseph Hunte the Initiator of Badagry blood Drive and pint of blood 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a major boost to emergency healthcare delivery, the Lagos Blood Drive Initiative (LBDI) has successfully harvested 166 pints of life-saving blood during its highly anticipated Lagos Blood Drive 2.0 campaign. The intensive two-day voluntary donation exercise, which spanned across Badagry and Ikeja, marks a historic milestone in the state's ongoing efforts to secure its healthcare supply chain.

The life-saving campaign was orchestrated by the LBDI under the leadership of its Convener and Executive Director, Mr. Hunye Minasu Joseph. To ensure maximum reach and professional handling, the initiative partnered with heavyweights in the state's medical sector, including the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), General Hospital Badagry, and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

The first phase of the drive kicked off on June 9, 2026, at General Hospital, Badagry. Despite a heavy, unrelenting morning downpour that threatened to disrupt the event, local residents showed remarkable resilience. Over 130 enthusiastic volunteers turned up to support the cause. Following rigorous medical screenings to ensure donor safety, 74 residents were certified fit, yielding an immediate 74 pints of blood.

"Blood cannot be manufactured and depends entirely on willing donors," emphasized Dr. Oluseyi Adesola, the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of General Hospital, Badagry. He praised the voluntary donors, clarifying that any standard administrative charges associated with transfusion services are strictly utilized to cover essential screening and processing costs to guarantee safe blood.

The momentum surged even higher during the second phase on June 11, 2026, at LASUTH, Ikeja. An overwhelming crowd of 208 prospective donors swarmed the venue. By the conclusion of the medical screenings, 92 pints were successfully added to the bank. While time constraints and strict medical protocols prevented some eager participants from donating, the overall atmosphere remained charged with community spirit.

The immediate impact of the Ikeja drive was felt almost instantly. Shortly after the collection process wrapped up, three pints of the newly donated blood were rushed to a patient awaiting urgent surgery, perfectly illustrating the life-and-death stakes of the initiative.

"This reinforced the importance of sustaining voluntary blood donation efforts, particularly for patients who may struggle to afford the cost of obtaining blood during medical emergencies," stated Mr. Hunye Minasu Joseph. He described the prompt intervention as one of the most rewarding moments of the entire campaign.

The success of Lagos Blood Drive 2.0 has drawn high praise from top health officials, but experts warn that the demand for safe blood remains a continuous challenge in a mega-city of millions.

Mrs. Tope Balogun, Head of the Health Education Department at the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), underscored the critical nature of the situation. She noted that regular, uncoerced voluntary blood donations are the only sustainable way to meet the rapidly expanding medical needs across Lagos healthcare facilities.

To appreciate the immense selflessness of the community, the organizers made sure no one left empty-handed. All 166 successful donors received welfare packages containing essential food items provided by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee. Furthermore, all 338 registered participants—including those deferred for medical reasons—were provided with cooked meals, branded T-shirts, blood tonics, bottled water, and official tokens of appreciation from the LBDI.

With the unwavering backing of the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the organizers are urging the public not to let this be a one-time event. They are calling on all healthy residents to embrace voluntary blood donation as a regular civic duty, ensuring that no Lagosian loses their life due to a shortage of blood.

Angry Badagry Youths Protest Deplorable Mowo–Ikoga Road, Threaten Indefinite Occupation

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — Boiling frustration over a decade of infrastructural abandonment erupted into open defiance on Saturday as furious residents and youth groups hit the streets to protest the severe dilapidation of the Mowo–Ikoga road. The road serves as a critical link between Lagos and Ogun states, has deteriorated into a treacherous stretch of mud and craters, prompting protesters to issue a strict July 1 ultimatum to the government before they ground the axis completely.

The protest led by prominent legal practitioner and social activist Barrister Medemaku Abayomi Noah, the peaceful demonstrators marched through the worst-hit portions of the road. They chanted slogans and carried placards decrying what they described as systemic neglect by local, state, and federal authorities who have continually ignored the community’s worsening plight.

Addressing the crowd during the demonstration, Barrister Medemaku slammed political leaders for treating the lives and livelihoods of the residents with levity, warning that the time for polite appeals has passed.

"The situation on this road is entirely unacceptable. Political leaders at the local, state, and federal levels have offered nothing but empty promises while our people continue to suffer daily. We are going to sustain these demonstrations every single Saturday until concrete action is taken to begin full reconstruction," Medemaku said.

The activist further warned that if no visible construction equipment is deployed to the site by the end of June, the community will escalate its agitation to a total shutdown of the corridor.

"If no visible steps are taken by the end of June, residents will escalate their action by occupying this road indefinitely. We will turn it into a permanent sit-in protest until the government responds to our cries." Medemaku added.

The collapse of the Mowo-Ikoga axis has fundamentally disrupted daily life in the border community. According to residents, the road turns into an impassable swamp during the rainy season, leading to frequent accidents that have tragically claimed the lives of several school children and local commuters. Beyond the safety hazards, the gridlock has inflicted severe economic strain, skyrocketing transportation costs, and forcing local businesses to a standstill.

A commercial driver who joined the protest expressed deep resentment, noting that the community feels betrayed by the current administration, especially given the high hopes placed on political representatives during the last election cycle.

"We have endured years of hardship and disappointment despite making multiple appeals for intervention. Before the elections, we saw some temporary palliative works carried out before Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan took office. While those interventions once provided temporary relief, we expected a permanent, engineered solution after he assumed office. Many voters now feel completely let down by the continued poor condition of this road." Local Commercial Driver said.

Stranded commuters and passers-by loudly cheered the protesting youths, with many lamenting that a commute that should ordinarily take less than ten minutes now takes over thirty minutes of punishing, vehicle-damaging transit. Many onlookers targeted their grievances directly at their federal representative, pointing out that years have passed with no tangible legislative intervention for the constituency.

"This road is exactly why we voted for Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan as our House of Representatives member. But after three years in office, what has he actually done for his people? You only see these politicians when an election is around the corner, making promises of heaven and earth. The moment they emerge victorious, they forget every single promise they made to the masses," Local Resident & Onlooker.

With the youth promising weekly protests every Saturday throughout June, the tension in the Mowo-Ikoga axis is palpable. All eyes are now on the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Works, and representative Hon. Sesi Whingan to see if they will deploy construction crews before the July 1 deadline triggers an indefinite civil occupation.

Caroline Kuwayenu Slams Viral Ojude Oba 2026 Smoking Incident

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Caroline Kuwayenu and Women smoking at Ojude Oba 

While the vibrant colors, rhythmic drumming, and unmatched elegance of Ojude Oba 2026 captivated millions globally, a viral video of an elderly woman smoking openly at the festival has sparked intense public debate. Joining the conversation is prominent mental health advocate and peace ambassador, Ambassador Caroline Aderonke Kuwayenu, who has strongly condemned the act, warning of the dangerous message it sends to Nigeria's youth.

Kuwayenu, who serves as the President of Egbe AROBAYO OBIRIN ADIMULA of Ijeshaland, as well as a Counseling Psychologist and Ambassador of Peace, Conscience, and Global Education, expressed deep concern over how the incident overshadows the true essence of the historic cultural festival.

"Ojude Oba 2026 was meant to be a celebration of culture, unity, and pride," Kuwayenu stated. "But the image of a woman smoking openly at the event and going viral says something we can’t ignore."

The viral footage, which has trended across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe socio-economic hurdles. According to Ambassador Kuwayenu, influencers and public figures must realize that their actions do not exist in a vacuum, especially when the younger generation is watching closely.

"Nigeria is already battling too much: kidnapping, insecurity, broken systems," she noted. "Our young people are looking for direction in a noisy world. The last thing they need is to see destructive habits being normalized by people they admire or aspire to be like."

She emphasized that attending a major cultural showcase like Ojude Oba elevates an individual from a private citizen to a public representative of heritage.

"Whether we accept it or not, when you show up at a major cultural event, you’re not just living for yourself. You become part of the message the next generation receives. If what goes viral is smoking, drinking, or chasing clout over substance, that’s what gets copied."

As a counseling psychologist and mental health advocate, Kuwayenu urged public figures and festival attendees to prioritize substance over digital clout. With Nigerian youth heavily consuming social media content, she stressed that modern influence must be tethered to responsibility.

"We don’t need more bad examples right now. We need people who understand that influence is responsibility. The clothes you wear, the habits you flaunt, the moments you put out young people are watching and learning."

Ojude Oba remains one of West Africa's most prestigious cultural exhibitions, drawing thousands of visitors to Ijebu-Ode annually to honor the Awujale of Ijebuland. Kuwayenu concluded her statement by calling on Nigerians to guard the integrity of such traditions fiercely, using them to inspire rather than degrade societal values.

"Ojude Oba should show the best of Yoruba culture and Nigerian values, not blur the lines for attention," Kuwayenu urged. "At a time when the country is fighting for safety and direction, let’s give our children something worth imitating. Be the kind of role model Nigeria needs today, not another problem it has to manage tomorrow."

LASU Leadership Transition: Governing Council Reappoints Registrar, Names New Bursar

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Olabisi Yusuf and Emmanuel Fanu 

OJO, LAGOS — The Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU) has officially approved major leadership appointments to steer the institution’s administrative and financial operations for the next four years.

Following a competitive and rigorous interview process conducted during an emergency meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Council ratified the reappointment of Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu as the substantive University Registrar and Secretary to the Council. Concurrently, Mr. Olabisi Yusuf was appointed as the new University Bursar.

According to an official statement signed by Mrs. Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, the Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, both high-profile appointments are set to take effect on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Mr. Emmanuel Fanu’s reappointment secures administrative continuity for LASU. A homegrown administrator, Fanu’s journey with the university began over two decades ago when he joined the workforce as an Administrative Officer II in 1999. Through dedicated service, he climbed the institutional ranks, serving as Acting Registrar from June 2021 to February 2022 before securing his first substantive term in June 2022.

Fanu is an alumnus of LASU, holding a Bachelor of Science Education (1996), a Master of Public Administration (2005), and a Diploma in Law from the institution. As a seasoned professional, his administrative acumen has been enriched by international grants from the British Council and the United States Information Service (USIS) to participate in global tertiary education management conferences. He holds esteemed memberships in the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (MANUPA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM).

Incoming Bursar Mr. Olabisi Yusuf brings more than 20 years of robust financial management experience to the table. Yusuf will officially succeed the outgoing Bursar, Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka, whose successful tenure concludes on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Yusuf’s history with LASU began in 2006 when he was appointed Principal Accountant at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM). Over the years, he excelled in critical positions, including Chief Accountant, Deputy Bursar, and Head of Operations within the University Bursary.

Most recently, Yusuf served as the Deputy Bursar of Treasury Services and acted as the Project Accountant for the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (ACEITSE). A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Yusuf holds an HND, alongside a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting.

The institutional transition has received strong backing from the university's executive leadership. The Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, extended her warm congratulations to both principal officers as they prepare to assume their roles in July.

"I congratulate the appointees on their well-deserved selection," Professor Olatunji-Bello stated. "I wish them a highly purposeful, impactful, and successful tenure as they continue to dedicate their expertise in service to the advancement of Lagos State University."

With these key appointments finalized, the university community looks forward to a era of consolidated growth, financial transparency, and administrative stability, reinforcing its proud institutional mantra: "We are LASU, We are Great!"