ATPN South West Leads National Membership Drive and Launches SWITEX 2026

By: Manoah Kikekon

ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA — The South West region is officially setting the pace for Nigeria’s tourism rebirth. At a landmark inaugural meeting held at the iconic June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), South West Region, took a decisive lead in institutionalizing the industry through a massive membership drive and the official flag-off of the South West International Tourism Expo (SWITEX 2026).

The gathering brought a vibrant energy to the Ogun State capital, transitioning the chapter from virtual coordination to a high-impact physical presence. Tourism operators, government officials, hospitality investors, and cultural advocates converged to outline a roadmap for a professionalized, data-driven tourism ecosystem.

A Data-Driven Era for Regional Tourism

A primary focus of the event was the official launch of the regional membership registration and documentation exercise. While the drive is part of a national ATPN mandate, the South West has established a first-of-its-kind coordinated framework to ensure every practitioner—from tour operators to boat drivers—is accounted for in a comprehensive database.

This initiative aims to create a "collective voice" for policy advocacy and professional development. By formalizing the sector, the ATPN is building the infrastructure necessary to support capacity building and sustainable future planning.

SWITEX 2026: The Gateway to Global Investment

The most anticipated announcement of the day was the commencement of preparations for SWITEX 2026. This regional expo is designed to be the premier platform for showcasing the South West's rich cultural heritage and hospitality assets to an international audience.

Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, the ATPN National Vice President for the South West Region, emphasized that the region is entering a phase of strategic transformation.

“The turnout today is a clear indication that tourism practitioners across the region are ready to embrace a new era of professionalism, collaboration, and strategic growth,” Nunayon stated. “SWITEX 2026 will serve as a major platform for promoting the South West's cultural heritage and investment opportunities to both local and international audiences.”

Powerhouse Collaboration

The meeting featured a "who's who" of industry leadership, underscoring the collaborative nature of the movement. Among the key stakeholders present were:

Key Industry Stakeholders in Attendance are 

Mr. Michael Ogunbiyi, Director of Tourism, Ogun State Ministry of Culture, Alhaji Dr. Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun (Tarzan) South West Representative, ATPN National BoT, Dr. Busayo Shoremekun, Chairman, National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Ogun.

Mrs. Hanifat Saka Chairman, HATMAN, Ogun State Chapter. Ambassador Sola Alamutu, Director of Membership and Community Engagement. Alhaji Dr. Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun Tarzan, commended the regional leadership for setting a commendable pace.

“Sustainable growth in tourism can only be achieved through strong partnerships among stakeholders. We must continue the collaboration between operators, transportation providers, and government institutions to succeed,” Balogun noted.

Honoring Excellence

In a poignant moment of the ceremony, the association formally recognized Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi, the pioneer Chairman of the ATPN Ogun State Chapter and former Permanent Secretary. Her legacy in public service and tourism development was hailed as the foundation upon which the current chapter stands.

The event concluded with a strong sense of momentum. With the registration drive in full swing and the countdown to SWITEX 2026 officially on, the ATPN South West has reaffirmed its commitment to turning Nigeria into a globally competitive tourism destination.

Gunmen Kidnap Ex-Power Minister Bayo Adelabu's Sister and Twin Sons in Ibadan

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the former minister of power

IBADAN, NIGERIA — Gunmen have abducted the younger sister and twin children of the former Minister of Power and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 governorship aspirant, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, throwing the Oyo State political circle and local residents into deep anxiety.

The violent ambush occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in the Elewura area of Challenge, located within the Ibadan South West Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses reported that the victim, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, was intercepted by heavily armed men while driving her children to school. 

Video footage surfacing from the crime scene shows a red sedan left abandoned with its doors flung open, its driver-side window completely shattered, and a crowd of distressed onlookers gathering around the vehicle.

Confirming the incident in a detailed press briefing, Femi Awogboro, a media aide to the former minister, stated that the family is working directly with law enforcement agencies to track down the perpetrators.

The statement formally identified the abducted family members and clarified their background:

 “The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of APC in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.”

“Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan. The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons, who were with her at the time of the incident.”

Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children born to Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. Before her voluntary retirement last year, she had a distinguished corporate career, working at both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and First Bank Pension Custodian. Following her exit from the banking sector, she relocated to Ibadan to finalize logistics to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who currently resides in the United States.

The family media aide noted that security networks were alerted immediately after the ambush, and tactical teams are currently scouring known transit corridors out of the city.

“Immediately the incident was reported, all relevant security and law enforcement agencies were duly contacted. We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest. Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.”

The statement further added that Chief Adebayo Adelabu and his relatives are "deeply distressed" by the harrowing development but retain confidence in the state's security apparatus. The family has urged the public to stay completely calm, avoid spreading unverified rumors online that could damage active rescue missions, and provide any reliable information to local police channels.

When reached for an official situational update, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olayinka Ayanlade, noted that official confirmation is still developing:

“I can not independently verify this for now, but please hold on.”

This high-profile abduction strikes a city already on edge from a series of structured kidnapping operations targeting both educational systems and political actors over the past several months.

May 15, 2026: A highly coordinated raid took place at Ahoro-Esiele in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, resulting in the mass abduction of more than 40 students and teachers.

December 2025: APC chieftain Wale Oriade was violently taken by gunmen at his office within the PJ Square Shopping Complex, situated adjacent to the NNPCL filling station along the Akala Expressway in New Garage, Ibadan. Witnesses at the scene noted that Oriade was forced into a blue passenger Micra vehicle by an armed team with precise execution.

Local security experts suggest that the proximity of the recent abotions near major expressway access networks highlights a deliberate tactical strategy by syndicates to maximize quick escape routes before regional border blockades can be enacted.

Gberefu Island Death Trap: Badagry Residents Raise Alarm Over Substandard Tourism Infrastructure Construction

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — Urgent safety concerns have mounted on Gberefu Island in Badagry, Lagos State, as local residents and stakeholders raise alarms over highly substandard reconstruction works. The ongoing projects, designed to revitalize the globally recognized historical site, are being labeled potential "death traps" that pose an imminent threat to the lives of international tourists, visitors, and host community members alike.

Gberefu Island is home to the historic "Point of No Return" slave trade route, drawing thousands of cultural heritage tourists annually. The sweeping regeneration initiative by the state government is split into three primary structural phases awarded to different contractors: the construction of the Footpath, the construction of the Attenuation Well, and the total reconstruction of the beachfront Monument Structure (locally known as the Tunnel).

An on-site investigative tour of the island revealed severe structural deficiencies in the execution of the projects. Residents who have consistently filed complaints with the on-site engineers note that their warnings have been entirely ignored.

For an island deeply susceptible to heavy seasonal flooding, the foundational integrity of the tourist footpath is critically compromised. Rather than pouring solid, reinforced concrete, contractors are allegedly heaping loose sand and masking it with a dangerously thin layer of superficial cement.

The footpath 

A close evaluation of the work shows that the surface concrete can easily break apart with minimal physical force. Furthermore, workers laid down the interlocking paving stones directly onto the bare soil without putting a defensive nylon or plastic underlayment first—a standard engineering step necessary to stop invasive grasses and weeds from destroying the pavement from beneath.

The footpath 

Equally alarming is the status of the historic Spirit Attenuation Well, which stands partially completed. Despite the harsh coastal elements, the construction utilizes materials that cannot withstand basic environmental wear and tear. Observers point out that the shelter over the well is being roofed with short-lived grass thatch instead of durable, marine-grade aluminum, guaranteeing that the roof will degrade completely within a few months.

Spirit Attenuation Well 

The most catastrophic hazard is unfolding at the beachfront monument structure, initially constructed between 2010 and 2015 during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. Over the past decade, the intense sea salt spray from the Atlantic Ocean has severely oxidized and weakened the building's iron core.

The monument structure 

While the Lagos State Government explicitly approved and funded the contract for a total reconstruction of the shifting monument, site workers are doing nothing more than applying cosmetics. Tons of corroded iron parts are simply being scraped off and painted over, ignoring the fact that the underlying metal framework has already lost the vast majority of its load-bearing strength.

Local community members have historically warned that the entire monument has visibly shifted on multiple occasions and could easily collapse at any moment under the weight of tour groups.

Historical precedents have intensified local distrust. The current contract was re-awarded to Sageto Limited, the exact same engineering firm responsible for the original, failed installation a decade ago.

A long-term resident of Gberefu Island, who personally witnessed the original execution process between 2010 and 2015, shared a troubling account of the contractor's historical practices:

“When they were about to construct this tunnel back then, they initially brought high-quality, heavily treated anti-rust iron to the site. But immediately after the official project flag-off ceremony was concluded, all those quality materials were secretly moved away. They replaced them with low-quality alternative iron, which they used for the main building. Unsurprisingly, it began to rust and fail within just a few years.”

When contacted with the damning evidence and community outcries, Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu, the Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism and the Lagos State House of Assembly Member representing Badagry Constituency I, promised that the legislative branch would step in without delay.

“I will take action immediately,” Hon. Bonu stated when contacted regarding the Gberefu Island safety situation. “I promise to personally visit the site to inspect the quality of work myself and verify these reports before releasing a full, formal legislative statement.”

With tourist traffic expected to rise, this report serves as an urgent public appeal to all relevant governing institution including the Badagry Local Government leadership, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the executive office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Stakeholders stress that regulatory authorities must deploy independent structural engineers to the island immediately to halt the current cover-ups, audit the materials used, and avert a catastrophic structural disaster.

Geneith Activation Team Celebrates Initiator Cletus Iloabanafor, Reaffirms Zero-Malaria Campaign

 By; Manoah Kikekon

ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a powerful convergence of corporate celebration and public health advocacy, the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) Activation Team has rolled out a comprehensive birthday tribute honoring the project’s initiator and Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor.

The nationwide project activation team utilized the milestone to formally recalibrate and accelerate their strategic operations. They explicitly reaffirmed their shared baseline commitment to driving a sustainable, youth-led framework to achieve a completely malaria-free Nigeria.

In an official public brief dispatched by the project’s field coordination unit, signed on behalf of the activation network by Mr. Emmanuel Adams, the coalition characterized Prince Iloabanafor as a multi-dimensional institutional asset. His career spans active service as a media entrepreneur, indigenous language advocate, public health champion, and developmental communicator.

The field operators emphasized that his operational roadmap continues to serve as an administrative anchor, driving significant structural progress across West African civic spaces.

The statement systematically mapped out his long-term contributions to the continent's information ecosystem, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists and modern communication professionals. The network noted that his deliberate integration of information technology with community-level behavioral change campaigns has fundamentally altered how public health messaging is executed.

The activation team contextually reframed the birthday event, noting that the annual milestone goes far beyond personal sentiment. Instead, they view it as a structural reminder of what data-driven, empathetic executive planning can accomplish within Nigeria's complex health ecosystem.

Expressing the collective sentiment of the operational field forces, the statement emphasized the structural transformation spearheaded by the celebrant:

"Today is not merely a birthday celebration but a reflection of the growth and impact of a young leader whose vision continues to inspire hope among Nigerians and beyond. His commitment to national development has established him as one of the emerging voices of responsible leadership in the country."

Delivering a direct, individualized tribute within the administrative brief, Mr. Emmanuel Adams lauded the CEOAFRICA executive's clear-headed professional bravery and his ongoing resistance to outdated administrative paradigms.

"You are obviously very intelligent and fearless, and we are proud to be part of your vision for nation-building and the progress of Nigeria," Adams noted directly. "Nigeria needs voices that challenge the status quo, encourage thoughtful discourse, and keep hope alive for the future of our country."

The GHC Activation Team heavily praised the structural layout of the health competition, which pairs corporate resources with grassroots advocacy to systematically lower the vector-borne disease burden across vulnerable demographics.

The field team underlined how Prince Iloabanafor’s executive mentorship model has effectively built up the functional capacities of hundreds of young field managers nationwide:

"Your tireless dedication to transforming Nigeria's healthcare sector has been a beacon of hope and inspiration. Your guidance and humility continue to shape the futures of many across the country. Your remarkable contributions to the media landscape and your unwavering support for peace, harmony, and inclusive development remain exemplary."

Beyond direct healthcare campaigns, the group acknowledged his systematic investments in updating regional democratic discourse. They spotlighted his multi-media strategies designed to catalyze civic responsibility and prompt everyday citizens to take ownership of environmental hygiene and healthcare accountability.

Joining the core activation units, the broader Geneith Health Team (GHT) also voiced their shared praise. They cited his decades of advocacy as clear evidence of an unyielding commitment to systemic equity, human rights, and widespread structural advancement for ordinary Nigerians.

Responding directly to the flood of honors and field team citations, Prince Iloabanafor stated that his primary focus remains fixed on reducing the nation's severe malaria rates. He made it clear that personal accolades matter very little if the country continues to lose human capital to preventable vector diseases.

He reconfirmed that the Geneith Health Competition was deliberately designed to disrupt passive public health attitudes. The project provides secondary and tertiary students with a high-stakes, competitive platform to transform themselves into active, long-term health ambassadors within their respective communities.

Simultaneously, the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals and the primary financial sponsor of the GHC initiative issued a separate call to action. He urged all current "War Against Malaria" ambassadors to redouble their neighborhood sensitization efforts to ensure maximum structural impact.

World No Tobacco Day 2026: Pharmacists Demand Nicotine Ban as Nigeria Records 28,000 Annual Deaths

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has mounted intense pressure on the Federal Government to overhaul its public health policies, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement sweeping tobacco control frameworks. The professional body warned that an absolute ban on tobacco products or the scientific elimination of nicotine may be the only viable paths left to save the country from an escalating health and financial crisis.

The strategic call to action was delivered by the National Chairman of the ACPN, Pharm. Ambrose Igwe Kammah Ezeh, during a media briefing commemorating World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2026. This year's global event is anchored on the highly critical theme: "Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction."

According to internal epidemiological tracking, tobacco use remains one of the single most destructive preventable agents of mortality in modern history. Globally, it claims up to half of its life-long users, resulting in over eight million fatalities annually including 1.3 million non-smokers tragically lost to secondary secondhand smoke exposure.

On the domestic front, the statistics paint a profoundly sobering picture of the challenges facing the Nigerian health sector.

The True Cost of Tobacco Use in Nigeria (2026 Metrics)

Annual Mortality| 26,000 to 28,000 deaths | Chronic cancers, cardiovascular failures, and respiratory breakdowns.

National Economic Toll| ₦634 Billion annually | Aggregated healthcare treatment expenditures and severe workforce productivity losses.

Global Youth Exposure| 40 Million children (Ages 13-15) | Active consumers of at least one major commercial nicotine/tobacco product.

Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh emphasized that the current regulatory architecture inside the country is losing its edge due to systemic bottlenecks.

“Tobacco remains one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide," Ezeh stated. "The continued prevalence of tobacco consumption demonstrates that our current interventions have not delivered the desired outcomes. Government complacency in addressing this epidemic only benefits the tobacco industry while thousands of Nigerians continue to lose their lives annually.”

A core area of distress raised by the ACPN leadership is the highly sophisticated, predatory branding campaigns executed by manufacturing syndicates. By blending deceptive packaging, exotic artificial flavors, and hyper-targeted digital media placements, companies are effectively locking down a brand-new generation of substance-dependent citizens.

Furthermore, the rise of e-cigarettes, vapes, and high-tech electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has further complicated behavioral rehabilitation efforts.

“The tobacco industry continues to target young people through carefully crafted campaigns designed to make harmful products appear attractive and harmless," Ezeh warned. "This is creating a new generation of nicotine-dependent individuals. A strong policy that eliminates nicotine from tobacco products or an outright ban on tobacco will permanently address many of these avoidable health hazards.”

The pharmacists emphasized that since tobacco yields absolutely zero therapeutic or medicinal value to human physiology, it should no longer be treated with legislative leniency. The organization is asking the executive and legislative arms of government to close legal loopholes, tighten import inspections, and fully penalize entities violating clean-air acts.

Concluding the brief, Ezeh extended the community pharmacists’ solidarity to millions of Nigerian families directly managing the traumatic effects of tobacco-related terminal illnesses.

“As we commemorate World No Tobacco Day 2026, we must recommit ourselves to protecting public health, reducing preventable deaths and building a healthier, tobacco-free Nigeria," Ezeh concluded.  "This is a burden that Nigeria can no longer sustain. Every year, families are devastated, healthcare systems are stretched and economic productivity is undermined because of diseases caused by tobacco use.”

"A Win for All Badagry Women": BWDF Hails Damilola Sonayon-James as Lagos APC Deputy Gov Candidate

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — The Badagry Women Development Forum (BWDF) has described the selection of Princess (Comrade) Damilola Sonayon-James as the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate for Lagos State as a historic victory for gender inclusion and regional representation.

In a celebratory statement released on Monday, June 1, 2026, the Principal Coordinator of the BWDF, Mrs. Sewede Pot-Balogun Olorunfemi, expressed immense pride in the elevation of one of the forum's pioneer members to the pinnacle of state politics.

The BWDF leadership emphasized that Sonayon-James’ emergence was not a matter of chance but a result of her proven track record in grassroots governance and party administration. Having served as the Supervisor for Agriculture in the Badagry West LCDA and later as the Deputy Woman Leader of the APC in Lagos State, her resume is seen as the perfect fit for the Deputy Governor’s office.

Mrs. Sewede Pot-Balogun Olorunfemi noted that the candidate possesses the rare blend of empathy and executive capacity required to govern a complex state like Lagos.

“For those of us who are familiar with her, she is the right choice and a round peg in a round hole. Comrade Damilola has demonstrated capacity to lead at different levels and platforms. She is truly positioned to be a result-oriented and purpose-driven leader.”

Beyond her political credentials, the forum highlighted her personal contributions to women's development in the Badagry division. As a "backbone" of the BWDF, Sonayon-James has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives that empower local women through agriculture and social advocacy.

The statement also touched on the symbolic meaning of her name, "Sonayon," which translates to "Tomorrow will be great," as a prophetic sign of what her leadership represents for the future of Lagos.

“As her name implies, she is a young but great leader with a lot of potential. Being able to deputize for a state like Lagos shows she is destined, positioned, equipped, and designed for more opportunities in the future,” Olorunfemi added.

The endorsement from the BWDF signals a strong, unified voting bloc forming behind the Hamzat-Sonayon-James ticket in the Badagry division. For a region that has long sought a more prominent seat at the "center" of Lagos governance, this nomination is being treated as a collective achievement for the entire community.

The forum concluded by offering its full support and "best wishes" to the candidate, ensuring that the women of Badagry will be at the forefront of the upcoming campaign trail to ensure a resounding victory at the polls.

Time, Opportunity, Tenacity and Positioning: The Story of Princess Damilola Sonayon James, DSJ

By Prince Tunji Ogabi

Damilola Sonayon-James and Tunji Ogabi 

In every generation, certain journeys remind us that success is rarely the product of a single factor; rather, it is the convergence of time, opportunity, tenacity and positioning working in perfect harmony.

History teaches us this. Leaders emerge not merely by birth, but at the intersection of preparation and circumstance. Some arrive at the right time. Others recognise opportunities that most miss. Some refuse to quit, while others position themselves precisely where opportunity can find them.

The journey of Princess Damilola Sonayon James, DSJ, is one such story.

As the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations wound down and the world turned its attention to the UEFA Champions League final, a different kind of excitement stirred in Badagry. By Sunday morning, whispers had turned into widespread jubilation: the APC Lagos State chapter had named Princess Damilola Sonayon James as the running mate to Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

For many, it was a moment of pure celebration. For others, it was the definitive result of years of service, persistence and strategic engagement. Her emergence affirms a timeless truth: when preparation meets opportunity, extraordinary outcomes follow.

 Time

 'To everything there is a season.'

Timing is often the silent force behind significant political shifts. Leaders emerge when their unique qualifications align precisely with the demands of the moment.

The SMA GOLD phenomenon during the APC primaries achieved something rare: it placed Badagry’s aspirations squarely at the centre of Lagos politics. Though the ticket was not won, the movement made Badagry’s voice unavoidable. It created vital visibility and forced widespread attention. Since the era of HRM Aholu Claudius Dosa Akran, few developments have projected Badagry’s interests with such intensity.

Without that pivotal moment, would a Badagry deputy governorship have gained traction? Perhaps, but certainly not with the same momentum. As the local saying goes: 'Lori SMA GOLD; Baba gba ope wa.'

The current political climate demanded leadership that embodies competence, loyalty, youth, innovation and inclusiveness. It is hard to imagine a more fitting time for DSJ’s emergence. Time is not just about chronology; it is about readiness meeting a favourable season.

Opportunity

Opportunities rarely arrive with fanfare. More often than not, they come disguised as routine meetings, taxing assignments or casual conversations.

Exceptional individuals recognise and maximise these moments. Nelson Mandela turned a prison cell into a masterclass in preparation; similarly, DSJ treats every platform as a golden chance to demonstrate leadership.

While I do not know her extensively, one distinct trait stood out during our few encounters: she never misses an opportunity to make her presence felt.

At a state-wide seminar for supervisors drawing attendees from 57 LGAs and LCDAs, hundreds filled the hall. While many came merely to observe, she did not. She actively moved through the room, introducing herself, building networks, exchanging ideas and establishing rapport. When called upon to speak, she spoke eloquently. When discussions opened, she contributed meaningfully. Wherever a connection could be forged, she made it.

While many sit idly waiting for opportunity, DSJ positions herself where opportunity simply cannot ignore her.

Tenacity

Every profound success story contains an unseen chapter dominated by setbacks. Tenacity alone decides whether the story ends there or moves forward.

Abraham Lincoln lost numerous elections before securing the presidency; his global legacy was built entirely on a stubborn refusal to quit.

DSJ served as a supervisor in the Badagry West LCDA, quickly earning a reputation for absolute commitment. She later contested for the position of Executive Chairman against established political heavyweights. Though she did not secure the ticket at the time, that disappointment did not mark the end of her journey. For her, it was merely a plot twist.

She stayed deeply engaged, continuing to serve, aspire and contribute to the party framework. Consistent persistence inevitably attracts notice, and political leaders value reliability.

In due course, she emerged as a Supervisor-designate and the APC Deputy State Woman Leader for Lagos State. That steady progression was by no means accidental. It was the direct reward for staying visible and proactive long after disappointment might have justified a retreat. Success is a leased asset, and tenacity is the daily rent required to maintain it.

Positioning

If time creates the season, opportunity opens the door and tenacity keeps you moving, it is strategic positioning that ensures you are standing at the threshold when the door finally swings open.

True positioning is not political manipulation. It is the deliberate accumulation of preparation, credibility and genuine relationship-building. It ensures your name naturally enters the room when critical conversations occur.

Lee Kuan Yew successfully positioned Singapore, transforming it from a modest port city into a global powerhouse through sheer clarity of vision.

In her role as the APC Deputy State Woman Leader, DSJ occupied a strategic platform that extended far beyond her immediate constituency. She effectively represented youth, women, grassroots politicians and a rising generation of modern leaders. She remained active, visible, connected and engaged.

Concurrently, Badagry became central to the broader Lagos political discourse. The convergence was clear: a politically visible Badagry, a highly visible DSJ, a structural demand for inclusivity, an administrative search for balance, and a favourable political season.

Her emergence, therefore, is less of a surprise and more of an inevitability. Positioning means being fully prepared when favour arrives.

The Take-Home Message

DSJ’s story is larger than a single individual. It serves as an enduring lesson for young leaders, public servants and anyone seeking a path in public service: success is rarely down to luck alone.

Time: creates the season.

Opportunity: opens the door.

Tenacity: keeps you moving forward.

Positioning: ensures you are ready to step through.

Congratulations to Princess Damilola Sonayon James, DSJ. I wish you, our principal Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and all APC candidates wisdom, strength and outstanding success in the campaign ahead.

May your campaign be purposeful, your service deeply impactful, and your victory earned through the shared confidence of the people be truly resounding.

God bless the Badagry Federation.

 God bless Lagos State.

 God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Prince Tunji Ogabi is a Public Servant, Community Development Advocate, and APC Stakeholder, Lagos State.