Lagos 2027: Kweme Indigenous Youths Applaud President Tinubu, Celebrate Damilola Sonayon-James as Lagos Deputy Governor

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In an atmosphere charged with immense joy and cultural pride, the Youths, traditional leaders, community chiefs, and the good people of Kweme Kingdom converged on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to celebrate their daughter, Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James, following her landmark announcement as the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The gathering took place at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sejiro Olalekan James (JP), the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, where community members explicitly expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC for recognizing grassroots loyalty and merit.

Speaking at the palace, Pascal Ajande, a youth representative in the community, emphasized that her emergence is a continuation of a profound family legacy dedicated to the development of Badagry and Lagos State.

"We all know the history of her grandfather and her father, Hon. Bolarinwa Seyon James, who was a member of the House of Representatives for Badagry from 1999 to 2003," Ajande stated.

 

"Their good work in service is well known. Today, Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James is continuing that same legacy. She is known for caring for people, her love for the community, and her focus on development."

Ajande further extended the kingdom's profound gratitude to the apex leadership of the party.

"We are using this medium to appreciate all stakeholders who have made this possible, most importantly Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership. We also thank Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State APC Chairman, party leaders, the Chairmen in Badagry, and our royal fathers. Today is a win for Kweme, Badagry, and Lagos State. It shows that hard work, loyalty, and service bring rewards."

The announcement has triggered widespread optimism across the region, with many pointing to her exceptional performance during her tenure as the Supervisor for Agriculture in the Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Raji Usman, the youth leader of Kweme Kingdom, recalled her inclusive governance style during her time in local administration.

"There is a lot we can say about her when she was the superstar for Agriculture in Badagry West LCDA," Usman remarked. "She did a lot in Kweme Kingdom and she did not restrict it to Kweme alone. She extended her impactful work to Farasime, Aseri, Iroso Ogologbo, and Gedun. Someone who could do all that as a supervisor will definitely do better in a higher office. She knows what we lack because she has always lived here with us."

An elder in the community, Dauda Mautin, shared the overwhelming emotion that gripped the kingdom upon hearing the political breakthrough.

"When I heard she was announced as the incoming Deputy Governor for 2027, I was so joyous that I couldn't eat throughout that day," Mautin confessed. "We are certain that our challenges, like good roads, youth employment opportunities, and electricity, will be addressed. My advice to all residents of Badagry West is to show total love to her and this administration, and ensure we come out en masse to vote to secure her success."

The enthusiasm is equally strong among women groups in Badagry, who describe Hon. Sonayon-James as a unifying figure capable of driving gender-inclusive growth in Lagos State.

Affirming their readiness for the upcoming political campaign, women leader Fajinu Kudirat stated:

 "Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James is a hardworking woman who loves bringing women together. There is nothing we need from her within her capacity that she won't give us, and we are completely ready to support her at any time."

The Kweme youth leadership concluded by reassuring the state leadership that the kingdom stands fully behind their daughter, expressing absolute confidence that she will serve the state with honesty, wisdom, humility, and excellence.

Lagos Assembly Committee on Tourism Storms ‘Point of No Return’ Following Exposé on Projects, Assures Residents of Quality Work

By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a swift reaction to investigative media spotlighting, the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism and Ministry of Tourism has paid an oversight visit to the ongoing infrastructural projects at the historic Point of No Return in Gberefu, Badagry on Wednesday June 10 2026.

The high-powered delegation, led by Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency I and Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism was at the site to inspect the Quality Assurance of the ongoing developments.

The legislative intervention comes directly on the heels of an exclusive investigative report by News Peddlers, which exposed substandard construction practices on the tourist footpath, by the contractor, Sageto Limited and the fear of the residents that the Tunnel structure has lost its quality to stand the test of time.

Following the News Peddlers report, immediate corrective measures were visible at the site. Workers were seen laying protective nylon sheeting before setting down the interlocking stones a standard engineering practice that had been previously bypassed.

Addressing journalists during the inspection, Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu confirmed that the House took action immediately after the media report went viral online.

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"We've seen it online that substandard job is going on here and we have sought approval from the Speaker to come and see what is going on," Hon. Bonu stated. "In the current Assembly, we don't need to wait for formal petitions; whatever public concern we see, we take it seriously."

The lawmaker explained that his team rigorously inspected the Footpath, the Attenuation Well, and the historic Tunnel. While acknowledging the immediate improvements made by the contractor post-media exposure, he demanded full transparency.

"We have interrogated the contractor vis-à-vis the Ministry of Tourism and have asked for specific documents which must be submitted to the House of Assembly for strict review," Hon. Bonu added. "We have seen some things that should be adjusted. However, I want the publisher of the article to hold on and make sure the job gets to 90% completion before further complaints. A key thing about tourism is maintenance, and there is always room for future improvement."

Local stakeholders in Gberefu noted that while they have had to step in as watchdogs, the legislative visit has brought much-needed accountability to the historic site.

Chief Samson Hungbo, the Baale of Gberefu, revealed that the community leadership had previously noticed structural discrepancies on the site.

"The work they are doing here is not bad, but myself and my cabinet have come here on at least two occasions where we saw things that were not proper. We corrected them, and they took to the corrections," the Baale remarked. "This visit by the lawmakers is good because they can now confirm what we have been saying with their own eyes."

Expressing appreciation for the swift political response, a Gberefu resident told News Peddlers:

"I really commend the efforts of Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu. We wouldn't have achieved this level of contractor compliance without his consistent effort. We hope he gets more opportunities to bring good things to his people."

Addressing the critical concerns raised regarding structural degradation due to coastal elements, the engineering team assured the public that the core infrastructure remains sound.

Mr. Alabi, the project's structural engineer, explained to News Peddlers in a separate engagement that the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean presents unique environmental challenges that are now being aggressively mitigated.

"The outer surface has rusted, but it is not structurally compromised. Some metals that have totally rusted are just thrusts—they are not really carrying any weight, and we have already changed them," Mr. Alabi explained. "The foundation is still very strong; the major thing needed was continuous maintenance. We are sealing the whole body this time to prevent future rust, because exposure to sea water is the primary culprit."

Providing a definitive timeline for the delivery of the premium tourism asset, the project's Quantity Surveyor, Adejo Oshaba, assured residents and cultural enthusiasts that the wait would soon be over.

"All the projects we have here will be fully completed in the next six months, and the people will see the world-class quality for themselves," Oshaba stated.

Mother Detained After Throwing Disabled 5-Year-Old Into River on Seer's Orders

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

A wave of outrage has swept across Nigeria following the apprehension of a woman in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The mother was detained by local community members after she allegedly threw her five-year-old disabled child into a river—a drastic action reportedly fueled by the instructions of a self-acclaimed spiritual seer based in Benin City.

The disturbing incident came to light on Tuesday after videos surfaced and rapidly circulated on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). The footage, initially shared by a digital creator, has triggered intense public debate regarding the dangerous influence of unregulated spiritualists and the vulnerabilities of desperate parents.

According to the details accompanying the viral video, the woman resorted to the horrific act after being convinced by a local prophet that her child was spiritually compromised. Speaking to community members who cornered her, the mother defended her actions by explaining her prolonged struggle with secondary infertility. She revealed that she had been unable to conceive another child since giving birth to the five-year-old, who had been unable to walk since birth.

Desperate for a solution, she sought spiritual intervention from a seer in Benin City, who allegedly blamed the disabled child for her plight.

“The seer told me that the child was a python and that if I did not get rid of the child, I would either continue giving birth to children with the same condition or never conceive again,” she confessed in the video.

Driven by the chilling prophecy, the woman reportedly took the vulnerable child to a nearby river and threw him into the water.

The viral footage has sparked a massive outcry online, with thousands of Nigerians condemning both the mother's actions and the deceptive nature of false prophets. While many expressed outright fury, others lamented the deep-seated superstitions that still plague many communities.

Reacting to the heartbreaking development on social media, an X user wrote:

“Someone told you to throw your own child and you accepted. I have said this before, some people don’t deserve to be mothers.”

Another commentator expressed a mix of sympathy and blame, pointing fingers at the spiritualist:

“I pity the lady though, she’s tired of the child and at the same time needs another, I blame the seer for deceiving her, but what if the seer is true?”

Expressing utter disbelief at the breakdown of maternal instinct, a third netizen added:

“This is unbelievable….a mother who is supposed to be full of affection and love for a child is the one throwing him/her into a river. Who has bewitched her or what could have turned her to cold stone like this?”

As public pressure mounts for justice, official state authorities are working to verify the exact details of the harrowing event. At the time of compiling this report, the Edo State Police Command had not yet released a formal statement regarding the arrest.

When PUNCH contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command indicated that she was not yet formally briefed on the situation and could not provide an immediate reaction. Local authorities and emergency responders have yet to independently confirm the current whereabouts or the physical condition of the five-year-old child.

Nationwide Registration Opens for Historic Geneith Health Competition

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Registration has officially commenced for the groundbreaking Geneith Health Competition, a first-of-its-kind national initiative designed to mobilize secondary school and tertiary institution students across Nigeria. This ambitious campaign aims to eliminate malaria and create a healthier future for the nation by transforming young Nigerians into active agents of public health change.

The competition is organized by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited, and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel. In a major boost for the initiative, it is being held in partnership with the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, representing a bold and innovative response to Nigeria’s persistent malaria burden.

Announcing the opening of the registration portal, the Initiator of the competition and Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, described the initiative as a historic opportunity for students, parents, educational institutions, and communities across the federation to participate in a movement that could redefine Nigeria’s public health landscape.

According to Prince Iloabanafor, the Geneith Health Competition is not merely another awareness campaign, but a national call to action that places young people at the center of the fight against one of the country’s most devastating diseases. He urged Nigerians to embrace the initiative with confidence and determination, drawing inspiration from nations that have successfully overcome malaria through coordinated public health efforts and citizen participation.

“Other nations have stood where we are standing today, took decisive collective action, and successfully eliminated this disease through deliberate public health policies,” Prince Iloabanafor stated. “Nigeria is the Giant of Africa and the natural leader of this continent. If other nations could achieve this feat, Nigerians can do even better and establish a new benchmark for Africa.”

The initiative has already begun generating immense excitement among students nationwide. Many participants view the competition as a rare opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to national development while gaining valuable knowledge and leadership experience.

Health professionals and stakeholders have warmly welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention capable of translating awareness into measurable community action and accelerating the nation’s progress toward a malaria-free future. Project coordinator Adams echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the competition is a transformative platform that goes far beyond conventional health campaigns.

“This is more than a malaria awareness initiative,” Adams said. “It is a life-saving mission that empowers students to become active participants in protecting their communities. By equipping young people with the right knowledge and tools, this competition is turning an entire generation from passive victims of a public health challenge into frontline champions of change.”

Adding his voice to the campaign, the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and primary sponsor of the competition, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, challenged Nigerian youth to seize the opportunity and become drivers of a new healthcare reality for the country. Speaking during an exclusive interview, Chief Umenwa emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s health sector rests heavily on the energy, creativity, and commitment of its young population.

“Young people represent the future of this nation, and they possess the power to permanently transform Nigeria’s healthcare narrative,” Chief Umenwa said. “This initiative is about enabling them to lead that transformation rather than inheriting the burden of preventable diseases.”

Chief Umenwa noted that while conventional, top-down approaches to malaria control have achieved significant gains, they are no longer sufficient to secure complete eradication.

“Unless we fully carry young people along in this fight, malaria elimination will remain a distant goal,” he warned. “The energy, digital literacy, innovation, and sheer population strength of Nigerian youth are the critical ingredients required to finally win this decades-long battle.”

He further described the competition as a strategic investment in the future of healthcare leadership and advocacy in Nigeria, adding that the initiative would contribute significantly to sustainable human capital development by inspiring participants to pursue lifelong commitments to health promotion and community service.

The partnership aligns seamlessly with the broader objectives of the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which has continually emphasized the importance of community-driven strategies. In its official letter of partnership, the department noted that achieving long-term success against malaria requires moving beyond periodic interventions and embedding prevention efforts into everyday community life, particularly at the grassroots level.

To accomplish this vision, every registered participant will undergo specialized training and be empowered to serve as a certified "Malaria Ambassador." Through this process, students will acquire practical knowledge and advocacy skills that will enable them to:

Champion malaria prevention within their schools.

Promote healthy behaviors in their immediate communities.

Drive targeted awareness campaigns across local government areas.

Organizers believe that this grassroots approach will create a powerful nationwide network of youth advocates capable of translating the Zero Malaria vision into tangible results across every corner of the federation. Prince Iloabanafor stressed that the initiative comes at a critical moment, as the social and economic impact of malaria continues to place enormous pressure on healthcare systems nationwide.

Students, educational institutions, youth organizations, and stakeholders across the country are encouraged to take immediate advantage of what observers are calling one of Nigeria’s most innovative public health interventions.

Registration for the Geneith Health Competition is now officially open and can be completed online through the competition portal at **[www.geneithhealthcompetition.com](http://www.geneithhealthcompetition.com)**.

As momentum continues to build, the initiative is poised to become a defining national movement—one that empowers young Nigerians to lead the charge toward a future where malaria is no longer a threat, but a chapter permanently closed in the nation’s history.

Badagry LG Chairman Hunpe Hails Emergence of Damilola James as Deputy Governorship Candidate

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

 

Babatunde Hunpe and Damilola Sonayon-James 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a major political development shaping the future of Lagos State, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, has formally congratulated Hon. Damilola Sonayon James on her historic emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate for the upcoming Lagos State Governorship election.

Sonayon James, the current APC Deputy State Woman Leader for Lagos State, is set to run alongside the party's standard-bearer, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

Speaking on the historic development, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe described the selection of Sonayon James as a massive milestone that underscores the core values of the progressive movement in Lagos. He noted that her elevation is a clear testament to her years of quiet diligence and grassroots mobilization.

"This historic development is a fitting recognition of competence, loyalty, capacity, and years of unwavering commitment to the progressive ideals that have shaped the remarkable growth and development of Lagos State," Hunpe stated. "It is also a powerful affirmation of the increasing role of women in leadership and governance, demonstrating that leadership is not defined by geography or gender, but by character, competence, and the ability to serve."

For the people of the Badagry Division, the nomination carries an even deeper emotional and strategic weight, signaling a deliberate effort by the state’s political leadership to ensure peripheral border communities are given a seat at the highest decision-making table.

"For us in Badagry Federation, this moment carries profound significance. It is not merely the emergence of a candidate; it is the elevation of a worthy daughter of our land to a position from which she can contribute meaningfully to the governance and continued transformation of Lagos State," Hunpe added.

The local government chief extended his immense gratitude to national and state leaders who facilitated this inclusive transition. Chief among them is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whom Hunpe described as the foundational architect of the state's modern political framework.

"I wish to express profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the architect of modern Lagos and leader of our progressive family, whose enduring vision continues to shape a political culture that rewards merit, loyalty, inclusion, and service," said Hunpe.

He further commended the current Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the incoming flagbearer, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for maintaining the developmental trajectory that has long made Lagos a model state in Nigeria.

The decision has sent waves of excitement through various party organs, including the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and the state chapter of the APC under the chairmanship of Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi. According to Hunpe, the victory belongs to everyday party faithful who believe that hard work eventually paves the path to higher responsibility.

"Today is not only a victory for Hon. Damilola Sonayon James; it is a victory for women, a victory for grassroots politics, a victory for inclusion, and a victory for the enduring ideals of progressive governance," Hunpe remarked.

Concluding his message, the Council Chairman charged the sons and daughters of Badagry, both at home and across the diaspora, to rally firmly behind the joint ticket to ensure shared prosperity and broader development for the entire region.

Badagry’s Victor Aihawu Hosts Vibrant Africa Day 2026 Cultural Festival in United Kingdom

By: Manoah Kikekon

Careen Joseph, Victor Aihawu and Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi 

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM — In a spectacular showcase of heritage, economic dialogue, and international collaboration, Badagry-born cultural and migration expert Mr. Victor Aihawu successfully hosted The Africa Day 2026 Cultural Hangout Festival in the heart of the United Kingdom.

The prestigious event, which took place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, transformed Manchester into a lively hub for African creative entrepreneurs, global policy speakers, and diaspora community stakeholders dedicated to promoting cross-border tourism and trade.

Hosted at the upscale Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre, the summit served as an strategic sandbox for discussing how physical and digital cultural assets can accelerate destination promotion and fuel sustainable urban development.

As the Founder and CEO of the Cultural Hangout Festival, Victor Aihawu welcomed global delegates and delivered a compelling presentation detailing why preserving historical identity is a crucial economic engine for younger generations.

"We often celebrate culture through food, fashion, and entertainment, but culture is also a powerful tool for education, tourism, business, and community development."

Aihawu encouraged the audience to look beyond seeing local heritage purely as static symbols of the past. Instead, he urged stakeholders to brand these narratives as high-value resources capable of generating foreign direct investment and deepening diplomatic relations between African municipalities and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Victor Aihawu and Avoseh-Akwe Senami 

A major high point of the festival was an interactive panel debate featuring insights from public sector administrators working directly in West African tourism corridors.

Ms. Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi, Council Manager representing Badagry Local Government of Lagos State, delivered a masterclass on how historic coastal towns can leverage ancestral memories for civic growth. Drawing extensively from Badagry’s landmark monuments and deep-rooted heritage, she demonstrated how local populations reap immediate economic rewards when historical sites are professionally conserved and globally marketed.

Careen Joseph, international tourism strategist, she analyzed open avenues for tourism exchanges. Her talk centered on how targeted cultural partnerships, reciprocal traveling exhibits, and collaborative art projects build resilient, long-term bridges between UK institutions and modern African creative communities.

A Tapestry of Rhythm and Business: Beyond high-level panel discussions, the festival grounds came alive with the sights and sounds of the continent. Attendees experienced traditional drumming performances, live instrumental sets, and an interactive open market where creative entrepreneurs showcased bespoke African fashion, arts, and culinary products.

The highly rated international event was delivered through critical corporate partnerships with leading youth development and real estate organizations, including CareersBar, Reftop Homes Ltd, and the Centre for Youths Integrated Development (CYID).

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.