Badagry Chairman Empowers 200 Persons with Disabilities, Commissions New Secretariat

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Badagry Local Government has taken step toward fostering an inclusive society with the empowerment of 200 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the official handing over of a dedicated offive within the secretariat for the association.

The initiative, held on Thursday at the Council Secretariat, marked the sixth edition of the "Renewed Hope Asiwaju Cash Support Programme." This latest installment was exclusively dedicated to the disability community, reinforcing the administration’s pledge to ensure that vulnerable groups remain at the heart of local governance.

During the handover ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, underscored his administration's resolve to dismantle barriers for those living with disabilities. He described the PWD community as "special people" who deserve not only care and support but also the infrastructure required to participate actively in community life.

"My administration remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that cater to the needs of every segment of society without discrimination," Hon. Hunpe stated. "By providing a permanent secretariat, we are moving beyond temporary support to ensure their welfare, dignity, and active participation in governance are institutionalized."

The event drew praise from local leaders and administrators who lauded the Chairman’s focus on the "Renewed Hope" agenda.

Hon. Bankole Mautin Asokere, Leader of the Legislative Arm, and Mrs. Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi, the Council Manager, were joined by APC Badagry LGA Apex Leader Chief Moses Zannu Ogunbiyi and LGA Chairman Hon. Gafar Muritala Meyon in celebrating the milestone.

The stakeholders described the dual achievement of cash empowerment and the provision of a physical office as a "practical demonstration of a people-centred administration," urging beneficiaries to use the financial support to stabilize their households and grow their micro-enterprises.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Special Adviser on People with Disability, Mr. Sejuro Ekundayo, expressed profound gratitude for the support. He noted that the gestures were unprecedented and had instilled a renewed sense of belonging within the disability community.

"This empowerment and the handover of the secretariat have strengthened our confidence and given us a greater sense of inclusion," Ekundayo remarked. He pledged the association's continued cooperation with the local government to help build a more progressive and accessible Badagry.

Lagos Government Defends Makoko Waterfront Reclamation Project

By: Manoah Kikekon

The Lagos State Government has formally defended the ongoing reclamation work at the Makoko Waterfront, situated near the Ebute Meta/Lagos Island interchange, asserting that the project has received all necessary statutory approvals.

Addressing public concerns during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, confirmed that the project is being executed by FBT Coral. According to the Commissioner, the developer complied with all regulatory requirements before commencing work.

"The reclamation work you see in Makoko around the Third Mainland Bridge is being handled by FBT Coral. They got approval from the Federal Government and also obtained the necessary clearance from the Lagos State Government," Alebiosu stated.

He further clarified the following points regarding the project’s regulatory status: Regulatory Oversight: The project underwent a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and secured the required drainage clearance.

Suspension and Review: The Lagos State Government previously suspended the project for approximately one year to ensure the developer obtained additional clearances from the Federal Ministry of Works.

Operational Integrity: Following an assessment by a government-constituted committee, the developer was cleared to resume operations after investigations confirmed they were not dredging near the Third Mainland Bridge, but were instead pumping sand from locations several kilometres away.

Alebiosu emphasized that the project was reviewed by all relevant regulatory agencies, stating, "Every relevant agency came together, assessed the project and agreed it could proceed. It is therefore not my place to describe it as an illegal development".

The Commissioner’s remarks come amidst heightened state efforts to curb illegal dredging and unauthorized land reclamation, which have been linked to persistent flooding in Lagos.

Alebiosu reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal dredging, noting that his ministry has not issued any new dredging permits during his tenure. He highlighted that bathymetric surveys indicate a rapid depletion of sand deposits in Lagos waterways, with operators now forced to travel up to 14 kilometres offshore to source material, compared to the previous three-kilometre distance.

"That tells us we are gradually running out of sand, and everyone must join hands to tackle illegal dredging," the Commissioner warned, urging residents to avoid supporting such activities, which threaten the state's ecological stability.

Badagry Local Government Commemorates Tree Planting Day to Combat Climate Change

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a move to mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance the beauty of the historic town, the Badagry Local Government on Tuesday joined the Lagos State Government in commemorating the 2026 Tree Planting Day.

The event, held at Comprehensive High School, Ajara, served as a rallying cry for residents to embrace environmental stewardship as a vital tool for community survival.

Under the theme, "Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility," the ceremony brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, students, and environmental experts. The gathering underscored a shared urgency to address rising temperatures and urban flooding through nature-based solutions.

Representing Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, whose goodwill message was delivered by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, emphasized that environmental sustainability is no longer optional.

In his address, the Governor highlighted the state’s aggressive reforestation progress. "Lagos State has already planted 13,401 trees, representing 67 percent of its target of 20,000 trees for 2026," he revealed. He further added that the remaining balance would be successfully planted during the current rainy season to ensure optimal growth for the saplings.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab represented by Mr. Oladimeji Babajide explained that the state has designated all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas as "Tree Custodians." This policy mandates local authorities to actively nurture and protect every tree planted within their respective jurisdictions.

"Every tree planted represents an investment in cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future," the Commissioner noted.

Echoing this commitment, Vice Chairman Hon. Akeem Adeyemi reaffirmed Badagry’s dedication to environmental management. He cited ongoing beautification projects at the iconic Badagry Roundabout and the enforcement of executive orders against unauthorized structures as proof of the council's resolve to reclaim and preserve the town’s landscape.

While the mood was celebratory, the event also provided a platform for critical feedback on the drivers of deforestation. White Cap Chief Anthony Ajose, the Finhento of Badagry, issued a poignant appeal to the government to address the root causes of tree felling in the community.

"I am using this opportunity to plead with the government to reduce the cost of cooking gas and kerosene so as to discourage the felling of trees for the purpose of firewood, as this is the major reason why people are cutting down trees," Chief Ajose stated.

Federal Government Opens Applications for Free CAC Registration for 250,000 MSMEs

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

In a significant boost for Nigeria’s small business sector, the Federal Government has officially opened applications for its ambitious program to provide free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration for 250,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Approved by President Bola Tinubu, the initiative is a collaboration between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). By covering the statutory registration fees—an investment of approximately ₦3 billion—the government aims to remove the financial and bureaucratic barriers that often keep small businesses in the informal sector, thereby enabling them to access finance, grants, and better market opportunities.

Why Formalize?

Beyond the free registration, the program is designed to integrate entrepreneurs into Nigeria's formal regulatory and banking ecosystem. Beneficiaries will gain access to:

Technical Training: Capacity-building programs to help businesses scale.

Business Support: Access to grants, insurance, and professional consulting.

Market Linkages: Opportunities to connect with broader markets and improve business sustainability.

"This drive is about breaking down the barriers that keep too many of our small businesses informal," noted CAC Registrar-General Hussaini Ishaq Magaji. SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii added that the initiative is a practical step toward reducing the business collapse rate in Nigeria by providing "continuous aftercare" to registered enterprises.

How to Apply

Business owners interested in taking advantage of this scheme can follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official SMEDAN registration portal at [portal.smedan.gov.ng](https://portal.smedan.gov.ng).

2. Create an Account: Sign up using your personal details, including your full name, email address, phone number, and a secure password.

3. Complete the Form: Fill out the MSME registration form with accurate information regarding your business sector, address, and staff strength.

4. Declare CAC Status: When the form asks whether your business already has a CAC registration number, select “No”.

5. Submit: Review your information for accuracy and submit your application.

6. Await Confirmation: If your application is successful, you will be contacted by SMEDAN with the next steps to finalize your free CAC business name registration.

Important Note for Existing SMEDAN Users:

If your business is already registered on the SMEDAN database but does not yet have a CAC registration, you automatically qualify for the program. You do not need to re-register; simply ensure your contact details on the portal are up to date so you can be reached for the next phase of the certification process.

As this program is being offered on a first-come, first-served basis, eligible business owners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure one of the 250,000 available slots.

Badagry “Point of No Return”: Chinese Raises Allegation of Breach of Intellectual Property - Mesewaku

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Badagry point of no Return monument structure and Zhengzhou Liuzhuang Urban Development Museum in Henan Province, China 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The reconstruction of the historic "Point of No Return" monument on Gberefu Island, Badagry, has hit a major snag following allegations that the architectural design may be a replica of a Chinese structure. 

Dr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, Chairman of the Badagry Local Government Tourism Committee, has raised an urgent alarm today on The Nation Newspaper regarding the potential breach of intellectual property rights.

The monument, a significant heritage site marking the dark era of the transatlantic slave trade, has undergone a long-delayed reconstruction effort under the Lagos State government. However, Dr. Olaide-Mesewaku has pointed to growing concerns that the current design mirrors the Zhengzhou Liuzhuang Urban Development Museum in Henan Province, China—a project conceptualized by the China-based firm, Hyp-Arch Consultants.

According to Dr. Olaide-Mesewaku, online sources suggest the design currently being executed in Badagry is a striking match to the Chinese museum, which was refurbished and completed in 2022. While the two structures differ in construction materials and local interpretation, the conceptual origin has sparked fears of a plagiarism scandal that could have significant legal and reputational consequences for the state.

"Intellectual property is a valuable asset in the tourism industry," Dr. Olaide-Mesewaku stated in an article published by The Nation. "Original concepts, master plans, and architectural designs are the products of significant research, expertise, and investment. Governments have a responsibility to ensure that these works are acquired lawfully and that their creators receive appropriate recognition and protection".

The Chairman warned that if the allegations of design theft are proven true, the state could face more than just financial losses. He noted that such a discovery might undermine confidence in government procurement processes, discourage genuine innovators, and expose Lagos to potential international legal disputes.

He urged the Lagos State Government to pause and conduct a thorough verification of the project's conceptual ownership before releasing further funds. "If this allegation is found to be grounded in fact, it has the potential not only to expose the State to legal disputes but to undermine confidence in the government’s procurement process," he warned.

Rather than viewing this as merely a crisis, Dr. Olaide-Mesewaku suggests it serves as a critical "opportunity for the State Government to overhaul the present concept." He advocates for a design that is authentic to the Gberefu narrative the ancient slave port and which projects Badagry as a "real concrete memory community for the pedagogic benefit of humanity".

ATPN South West Unveils Amb. Sola Alamutu as LOC Chairman for SWITEX 2026 in Ogun State

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

OGUN, NIGERIA – The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), South West Region, has officially appointed Amb. Sola Alamutu as the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2nd South West International Tourism Expo (SWITEX 2026). Amb. Alamutu, who currently serves as the Director of Membership Mobilization and Community Engagement for the ATPN Ogun State Chapter, will lead the team in delivering what is anticipated to be the region’s premier tourism event of the year.

The appointment was formally announced on Tuesday July 14, 2026 via a memo from the office of the National Vice President, ATPN South West Region, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon. The move signals a major step forward in preparations for the expo, which is set to be hosted in Ogun State.

In his statement, Hon. Nunayon highlighted that Amb. Alamutu’s selection was based on her extensive track record in stakeholder engagement and membership mobilization, as well as her unwavering dedication to the growth of the association.

"Her extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and membership mobilization positions her to effectively coordinate the planning and execution of SWITEX 2026," Hon. Nunayon noted. He further emphasized that the LOC would operate under the direct policy supervision of the South West Executive Council (SWEC) to ensure the expo adheres to the high professional standards of the ATPN.

As excitement builds for the Ogun State edition, the National Vice President has issued a rallying call to all tourism stakeholders across the South West—including those in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states. He urged government institutions, investors, travel professionals, and the media to offer their full support to the new LOC.

"The success of SWITEX 2026 will depend on collective commitment, collaboration, and active participation from all stakeholders in the tourism value chain," Hon. Nunayon added.

The South West International Tourism Expo (SWITEX) has established itself as a vital platform for showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, hospitality assets, and investment potential. 

Following the success of the inaugural edition in Lagos, there is significant optimism that the Ogun State edition will not only raise the bar for regional tourism exhibitions but also further cement South West Nigeria's reputation as a top-tier destination for domestic and international travelers..

Thousands Badagrians Rally to Support Hamzat-Sonayon James Ticket for 2027

 By: Manoah Kikekon