Suntan Beach Director Wheto Mesharck Debunks Viral Panic Reports, Reaffirms Visitor Safety

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — The management of Suntan Beach Resort, Badagry, has firmly debunked viral social media rumors alleging a severe security scare at the popular coastal destination. The Director of the resort, Pastor Wheto Mesharck, clarified that the incident in question was simply a successful execution of the facility’s standard gate-screening protocols, which posed absolutely no danger to tourists, beachgoers, or workers.

Reacting to the sensationalized narratives circulating on digital platforms, the director described the rumors as highly misleading fabrications capable of creating unfounded anxiety among residents, domestic tourists, and prospective international travelers planning excursions to Badagry.

According to administrative logs, the incident occurred during a mandatory security screening exercise at the resort's primary entrance gate, where all incoming patrons must undergo routine physical checks before gaining access to the beachfront.

A group of individuals arrived at the beach entrance, and upon a thorough inspection of their personal belongings, security personnel flagged and intercepted various weapons and local traditional protective items locally known as Igbadi and Ifunpa (charms) alongside pocket knives.

"As part of our security procedures, we do not permit guests to enter the beach with charms, dangerous objects or any prohibited items. During the routine checks, some of these items were discovered and immediately confiscated by our security personnel," Wheto said.

The director strongly emphasized that the checkpoint interception should never be misinterpreted as an attempted assault, a security breach, or an active threat to public safety. Instead, the incident stands as definitive proof that the holiday resort's preventative safety architecture is operating exactly as designed.

"To suggest that some people came to the beach to harm visitors or carry out any criminal activity is completely wrong. Our security team discovered the items during routine checks, collected them and prevented them from being taken into the facility. That is exactly what our security system is designed to do," Wheto said.

The director further disclosed that while a few of the affected individuals later returned to the security post to retrieve their confiscated personal belongings upon leaving the area, others simply abandoned them.

At no point during the screening process did the situation trigger public panic, stampedes, or structural disorder. Holidaymakers inside the resort enjoyed their beach activities without interruption throughout the day, and professional guards maintained absolute control.

"There was no panic at Suntan Beach. Visitors were safe, activities went on as usual and our security personnel handled the situation professionally. The incident only demonstrates that our security measures are working effectively," the director added.

Lagos Fishermen Cry Out for Support as LASWA Enforces Strict New Regulations

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — Lagos State waterway authorities have issued an urgent directive to artisanal fishermen operating across local inland waterways to adhere strictly to maritime safety protocols. However, coastal fishing community leaders argue that without targeted government subsidies and economic support, surviving the harsh economic climate and actively participating in Nigeria’s emerging blue economy will be nearly impossible.

The administrative clash came to the forefront during the 2026 Anniversary of the Badagry Fishermen Association, where representatives from the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) met with local stakeholders to outline compulsory operational rules.

To mitigate the recurrence of preventable boat mishaps, LASWA officials laid down rigid safety benchmarks that all fishing operators must meet. The core prerequisites include mandatory registration of all local watercraft, comprehensive vessel seaworthiness inspections, absolute compliance with regional navigation pathways, and strict protection of the marine environment.

Central to this enforcement drive is LASWA's unwavering safety stance on personal protective equipment. The agency confirmed that every fisherman and passenger on the inland waterways must wear a standard life jacket under a zero-tolerance policy. Furthermore, maritime operators were strongly cautioned against the practice of overloading wooden boats and were told to completely suspend fishing activities during severe weather disruptions, including heavy rainstorms, high winds, and periods of critically low visibility.

Speaking on behalf of LASWA General Manager Damilola Emmanuel, Samuel Olorunwa stressed that keeping the state's marine channels secure requires a collective effort from all user groups:

"Wear your life jacket, avoid overloading, respect weather warnings, maintain your boat, and keep the waterways clean. Safety on the waterways is everyone's responsibility."

In response to the tightened safety regulations, community leaders from the fishing sector explained that while they do not oppose safety measures, hyperinflation and a total lack of structured welfare programs are threatening the survival of their generational trade.

Sunday Aiyedogbon, the Chairman of the Athomengante Fishermen Association in Badagry, called out the lack of protective representation for grassroots workers within the state's agricultural and maritime ministries:

"The government knows what to do for us. If you don't have a fishermen representative in government, you may not have anyone to speak on your behalf. The net we used to buy for 400 is now 4,000. You expect me to go fishing and sell at a cheaper price; it is not done."

Beyond demanding financial intervention, Aiyedogbon urged federal and state security networks to formally recognize the critical role that local fishermen play in border security and intelligence gathering along the vast coastal stretches of Lagos.

"The fishermen are always on the waterways. They see things and can alert the security agencies. They see more and know more."

Elijah Samuel, the chairman of the planning committee for the 2026 anniversary of the Badagry Fishermen Association, echoed the call for direct material assistance, noting that fishermen want to comply but lack the tools. "We are educating our members on safety on the waters that will help improve our operations so we are not found wanting," Samuel noted while appealing to the state to distribute free life jackets, standard nets, and safer modern boats.

The Public Relations Officer of the Athomengante Fishermen Association, Amos Joseph, brought up another pressing issue, pointing to the reckless behavior of commercial ferry and speedboat pilots who use the same waterways.

"It is so disheartening that the boat drivers don't treat us as human. They drive recklessly, putting our lives in danger."

Joseph revealed that multiple artisanal fishermen have lost their lives or sustained permanent, debilitating injuries due to high-speed wakes and direct collisions caused by non-compliant commercial transport pilots.

As the regulatory clampdown intensifies, the Badagry fishing communities are pleading with the Lagos State Government to strike an intentional balance between rigid law enforcement and economic empowerment. They maintain that true growth in the blue economy can only be achieved when safety drives are backed by affordable gear and institutional protection for the citizens who feed the state.

History Made in Badagry as Olart-B Launches First-Ever 'Olat Baking Academy', Celebrates Birthday

 By: Manoah Kikekon

The mother, Abigeal Olaitan and the father 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — A historic record has been set for the vocational sector in Badagry as Oderinde Abigeal Olaitan, the visionary entrepreneur behind the renowned Olart-B Catering and Decorating Service, officially launched the Olart Baking Academy on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The grand opening of the institution was also the celebration of her birthday, the institution is the very first dedicated baking academy within the ancient coastal city of Badagry. The facility, strategically situated behind the Luna Hotel along Agric Road, drew an enthusiastic crowd of community leaders, industry peers, family members, and well-wishers who gathered to witness the unveiling of the state-of-the-art training hub.

The grand launch held a double significance for the founder, as the opening ceremony coincided with her birthday celebration. Addressing the audience during her welcome address, an emotional Oderinde Abigeal Olaitan described the launch as the manifestation of a long-held aspiration.

“Today is a very special day for me, not just because it is my birthday, but because it marks the beginning of a dream, a vision, and a journey I have carried in my heart for a long time. Seeing every one of you here to celebrate and support me means so much, and I do not take this love for granted.”

Olaitan expressed deep gratitude to her ecosystem of supporters, highlighting the communal backing that fueled her consistency:

“I sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported me in one way or another through encouragement, prayers, patronage, advice, and belief in my craft and vision. Your support has been one of the reasons I never gave up. Olart Baking Academy was born out of passion, creativity, and the desire to empower others with baking skills and opportunities for growth.”

Looking toward the future, the founder emphasized that the academy is built to serve as an empowerment center for the next generation of culinary entrepreneurs:

“My prayer is that this academy becomes a place where talents are discovered, dreams are built, and lives are transformed. To my family and friends, thank you for standing by me. To my esteemed clients, thank you for trusting my brand and always believing in my work... As we celebrate today, I pray that God blesses and rewards every one of you abundantly.”

The event featured goodwill messages from notable cross-sectoral leaders who praised Olaitan's transition from a modest roadside operation into an institutional business owner.

Ashade Abdulsalam, the CEO of Green Janitors Sustainable Initiative and former Olorunda Youth Council Coordinator, reflected on the early stages of Olaitan's career. He recalled the visible grit she displayed when starting out small by the side of the road.

Abdulsalam pointed out that her relentless hard work ultimately earned her the elite reputation she commands today. He noted that despite facing numerous personal and operational obstacles that made her journey deeply emotional, Olaitan remained completely determined to make a tangible societal impact. According to Abdulsalam, her journey of working across multiple establishments before setting up her own brand stands as an inspiring blueprint for local youths.

Adding her voice to the commendations, Alhaja Gidado Durojaye, the CEO of Halal Event, admonished the celebrant to remain anchored in gratitude and continuous self-improvement.

Gidado lauded Olaitan’s remarkable humility and steadfast consistency, traits that have defined her catering career. She observed that while many aspire to pull off such large-scale projects, not everyone lives to see their visions materialize, urging the founder to see the academy as a stepping stone to even greater exploits.

Mrs. Ife Zofun, CEO of Ife Catering and the sitting Ajara NAPCEP President, commended Olaitan’s structural resilience and strict dedication to her craft, describing her as a stellar example of a young woman who chose virtue over wayward paths.

Zofun remarked that thriving in the catering profession demands high-level creativity and exhaustive physical labor, stating plainly that lazy individuals cannot survive the industry's pressures. She concluded with an encouraging charge to the founder, reminding her that her ultimate destination is still ahead and advising her never to relax on her current laurels.

Following the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were invited to tour the facility, network, take pictures, and join in the festive reception hosted by the academy.

Badagry APC Integrity Group Rejects House of Assembly Primary Results, Demands Urgent NWC Probe

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State is facing intense scrutiny as a prominent pressure group, the APC Integrity Group in Badagry, has formally rejected the outcome of the recently concluded House of Assembly primary election for Badagry Constituency 1.  And has called on the National Working Committee (NWC), the Lagos State APC Leadership, and the APC Election Appeal Committee to intervene immediately.

Addressing journalists and party stakeholders at a press briefing on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the group stated that their ongoing protest is aimed at preserving internal democracy and safeguarding the party's future in the coastal division.

The brewing political impasse stems from the APC Lagos State House of Assembly primary election held on May 21, 2026. According to the Integrity Group, the process fell far short of the transparent, credible, and democratic benchmarks expected by party faithful, casting a dark shadow over the final figures announced by the committee.

The leaders noted that the shadow election was deeply compromised: “What transpired during the APC Lagos State House of Assembly Primary Election held on 21st May 2026 was not the transparent, credible and democratic exercise that our members expected. It was a process allegedly characterized by irregularities, intimidation, exclusion, procedural violations and manipulation that have cast a dark shadow over the outcome announced thereafter.”

During the brief, the coalition presented five core structural failures that allegedly undermined the credibility of the primary exercise:

Unannounced Date Adjustments: The original primary scheduled for May 20 was cancelled without official notifications sent to aspirants. A new date was subsequently fixed and circulated strictly through informal loops, leaving key stakeholders blindsided.

Accreditation Failures: Widespread failures in membership verification allowed unverified individuals to participate, directly violating standard APC electoral guidelines.

Data Discrepancies: Sharp, inexplicable mismatches were recorded between the initial vote counts announced at individual ward levels and the final aggregated figures presented at the central collation center.

Voter Intimidation: Atmospheric violence and orchestrated intimidation were used to discourage genuine party members from exercising their franchise out of fear for their personal safety.

Exclusion of Accredited Agents: Most critically, legally certified party agents were completely barred from accessing the collation room. The group alleged that results were compiled entirely behind closed doors without transparency or external oversight.

The pressure group strongly clarified that their demand for external accountability goes far beyond individual ambitions, emphasizing that it impacts the foundational rules of the party.

“The will of APC members in Badagry must not be stolen. Democracy within our party must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal interests. The votes and voices of genuine party members must count. This is not just about Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu. This is about every APC member in Badagry whose vote must matter.”

The Badagry APC Integrity Group explicitly directed an appeal to the highest decision-making organs of the party. They called on the National Working Committee (NWC), the Lagos State APC Leadership, and the APC Election Appeal Committee to intervene immediately.

 The Group's Official Demands:

1. A comprehensive and rigorous investigation into all reported procedural violations and irregularities.

2. An independent verification and cross-examination of all ward-level result sheets against final collation records.

3. Swift institutional accountability and disciplinary action against any party official found to have compromised the integrity of the primary.

4. Appropriate remedies to restore the true democratic mandate given by APC members in Badagry Constituency 1.

Reaffirming their long-standing dedication to the ruling party, the coalition emphasized that their dissent should not be misconstrued as anti-party activity. They stated that they are not fighting the party, but rather defending it from actions capable of damaging its institutional credibility and unity.

"History Is Watching": Tunji Ogabi Urges Nigeria President to Launch Decisive National Offensive Against Insecurity

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Tunji Ogabi and President Tinubu 

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Public administrator, public affairs commentator, and community development advocate, Prince Tunji Ogabi, has issued a sobering warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the administration's legacy and the nation's political trajectory ahead of 2027 hang heavily on its ability to protect Nigerian citizens.

In a press statement made available toNews Peddler on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Ogabi asserted that Nigeria has arrived at a critical crossroads where executive promises must give way to undeniable, forceful action on the security front.

Ogabi's intervention comes in the wake of the recent kidnapping of school children and their teachers in Oyo State. He noted that the traumatic incident has reignited deep-seated national anxieties, drawing painful historical comparisons to one of Nigeria's dark chapters.

> “There are moments in the life of every nation when leadership is tested not by promises or policies, but by its ability to protect the lives of its citizens. Nigeria stands at such a moment today. The recent kidnapping of school children and their teachers in Oyo State has reopened painful wounds and revived a fear no parent should ever have to live with: the fear that a child may leave for school and never return home.”

The public affairs analyst explicitly reminded the presidency that security lapses have historically broken administrations and reshaped voting patterns, particularly as the country steadily creeps toward the 2027 general elections.

“For many Nigerians, these incidents bring back memories of the Chibok girls' abduction in 2014, an event that became more than a security failure. It shaped public perception, altered political fortunes, and left a lasting mark on our national consciousness.”

Invoking regional wisdom to drive home the urgency of the situation, Ogabi referenced a classic Yoruba proverb:

“As the nation moves toward 2027, insecurity is increasingly becoming the issue dominating public discourse. History reminds us that security challenges can overshadow every other achievement of government. As our Yoruba elders wisely say, 'Ikú tó pa ojúgbà ẹni, òwe ló ń pa fún ẹni' (the tragedy that befalls another serves as a lesson to those who remain).”

According to the advocate, treating current criminal activities as isolated localized events misjudges the psychological warfare being waged against the state. He argued that armed cartels are intentionally undermining federal authority to broadcast a false narrative of state helplessness.

Ogabi emphasized that economic indicators cannot substitute for basic physical safety, especially when citizens are forced to live under constant fear.

“Insecurity is not merely a security problem. It is political, economic, and psychological. It weakens public confidence, discourages investment, undermines institutions, and creates doubt about the state's capacity to protect its people. The kidnappers understand this reality. Their objective goes beyond ransom. Through every video, every threat, and every act of terror, they seek to spread fear, project strength, and create the impression that government is powerless.”

“Mr. President, Nigerians have shown remarkable patience. Many citizens continue to endure economic hardship because they believe in the promise of a better future. Yet no economic reform can flourish where fear reigns, and no parent can celebrate statistics while worrying about the safety of their child.”

To permanently dismantle these operations, Ogabi called for an extraordinary security response that looks beyond the foot soldiers hiding in regional forests. He pressed the federal government to deploy all financial intelligence frameworks to isolate and prosecute the corporate and logistical backbones of these syndicates.

“The time has come for a response so decisive, coordinated, and effective that it fundamentally changes the calculations of those who have chosen a life of violence. This should not be treated as just another kidnapping incident. It should become the catalyst for a comprehensive national offensive against kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and violent criminality across the country.”

“The kidnappers are only the visible face of a larger network. Behind them are financiers, informants, suppliers, collaborators, and beneficiaries of insecurity. The fight must extend beyond the forests to the structures that sustain these criminal enterprises.”

In his final address, the community advocate charged the country’s armed forces to build a unified operational front to quickly rescue current captives, restore peace to rural communities, and fulfill the fundamental constitutional purpose of governance.

“Mr. President, the nation is watching, the world is watching, and history is watching. The victims deserve rescue, their families deserve hope, and Nigerians deserve peace. This is the moment to act. This is the moment to lead. And this is the moment to reassure every Nigerian that the protection of innocent lives remains the first duty of government. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”

NSCDC Uncovers Badagry Kidnap Syndicate, Rescues 24 Missing Victims

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has completely dismantled a notorious criminal network operating within the Itoga community of Badagry.

The successful anti-crime raid resulted in the tracking and arrest of a suspected ringleader along with three foreign accomplices, alongside the dramatic rescue of 24 unlawfully confined victims some of whom had been declared missing by their families for up to three years.

The breakthrough was officially confirmed in a press release issued on Friday, June 5, 2026, by the Civil Defence Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin.

Victims 

The highly coordinated tactical operation was championed by the Divisional Officer of the Badagry Divisional Headquarters, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Ekunola Gbenga Abraham. Acting on actionable, community-based intelligence and close collaboration with local security stakeholders in the Badagry West Axis, tactical teams swarmed the criminal hideouts on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at approximately 2:00 PM.

The strategic raid aligns directly with the standing orders issued by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, OFR, who has continuously directed all state formations to scale up intelligence networks, reinforce inter-agency synergy, and systematically neutralize emerging security threats nationwide.

Victims 

During standard interrogation and preliminary profiling, investigators uncovered the sinister mechanisms used by the syndicate to exploit their captives. The suspects allegedly forced the victims to contact their immediate families under intense duress, using fabricated scripts of kidnappings, catastrophic road accidents, and life-threatening emergencies to extort large sums of money from desperate relatives.

Beyond financial extortion, the criminal ring allegedly integrated some of the captive victims into fraudulent online operations, illicit narcotics distribution networks, and forced recruitment drives designed to lure more unsuspecting individuals into the trap.

Names of the Victims 

The psychological toll on the victims' families was immense. Many relatives had spent years searching through conventional channels to no avail, with several revealing that they eventually resorted to traditional and spiritual consultations out of absolute desperation before the NSCDC intervention successfully broke the chain.

Reacting to the successful sting operation, the Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, fnarc, highly commended the exceptional vigilance, bravery, and operational precision demonstrated by CSC Ekunola Gbenga Abraham and the Badagry Division staff.

Names of the Victims 

"The tremendous success of this operation further validates the critical role that intelligence-led policing and robust grassroots community collaboration play in stamping out deep-seated crime."

Commandant Keshinro issued an urgent appeal to members of the public, calling on citizens to consistently supply security formations with credible information to help identify additional hideouts or reunite rescued individuals with their families. He concluded by ordering a comprehensive, multi-dimensional investigation into the cartel's wider network, asserting that all suspects will face the full weight of the law in a court of competent jurisdiction as soon as investigations wrap up.

This high-profile raid marks yet another milestone for the Badagry Divisional Headquarters under CSC Abraham's leadership. The division has steadily converted the coastal corridor into a hostile environment for criminal enterprises through several milestone accomplishments:

Executed multiple intelligence-driven ambushes against economic saboteurs smuggling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the volatile Badagry-Seme border corridor, yielding major seizures.

Recently uncovered an illegal "baby factory" and unlawful confinement facility within its area of responsibility, rescuing dozens of women and infants.

Sustained active security dialogues and intelligence sharing pipelines with traditional rulers, religious groups, transport unions, market associations, hunters, and local youth organizations.

Badagry Chairman Hunpe Restricts Okada Operations, Bans Late-Night Parties

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Babatunde Hunpe 

BADAGRY, LAGOS— In a decisive bid to protect public safety and neutralize potential criminal activities, the Badagry Local Government administration has rolled out a sweeping security framework. The new directive imposes strict operational curfews on commercial transport operators, event venues, and local night scenes across the coastal community.

The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, approved the emergency regulations as part of a proactive strategy to secure lives, properties, and commercial interests within the borders of the historic local government area.

A central pillar of the newly enacted security protocols is the immediate temporal restriction placed on commercial motorcycle riders, popularly referred to as okada operators. Moving forward, digital and local transport profiling will be reinforced as commercial riding will only be permitted between the hours of 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM daily.

To complement the nighttime restrictions, all operators must now wear easily identifiable jackets while on duty. This mandatory apparel tracking is designed to help community policing networks and federal security agencies easily distinguish authentic commercial riders from criminal syndicates who often use unregulated motorcycles as escape vehicles or disguises.

Furthermore, the local government has placed tight operational limits on bowlers and related operators, restricting their daily activities strictly to a 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM window.

In a move set to disrupt the regional entertainment sector, the council has also declared a total ban on night parties beyond 7:00 PM. Security sources within the secretariat noted that late-night social gatherings frequently provide a tactical smokescreen for illegal assemblies and unwanted criminal elements, directly compromising municipal safety.

Although the Badagry division historically ranks as one of the most stable and peaceful coastal corridors in Lagos State, administrative leaders emphasized that waiting for a crisis to strike before adjusting local enforcement policies is an unnecessary risk.

An internal source close to the local council layout explained the reasoning behind the sudden security updates: "The council is not waiting for security challenges to escalate before taking action. These measures are preventive and are designed to ensure that Badagry remains safe for residents, visitors and businesses."

The local government confirmed that all state security structures, local vigilante configurations, and relevant traffic authorities have been fully briefed and ordered to carry out strict, immediate enforcement of the new regulations. Non-compliant operators or event planners will face immediate sanctions and legal processing.