Badagry Rallies for Cleaner Environment as Chairman Hunpe Spearheads Monthly Sanitation Drive

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a proactive move to elevate public health standards, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, personally led the June edition of the community’s re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise this past Saturday.

The exercise, which saw high-level participation from council leadership and community stakeholders, was aimed at tackling waste accumulation and promoting sustainable hygiene practices across the historic city. The cleanup operation spanned several key arterial routes, including Joseph Dosu Way, Soglo Way, Awhanjigoh, Boekoh, Aradakoh, and the areas surrounding the Muslim Cemetery.

The sanitation drive was a unified effort, featuring the First Lady of Badagry Local Government, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Hunpe, alongside the Vice Chairman, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, and a team of council officials, including the leader of the house, Hon. Bankole Mautin Asokere, and the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Benjamin Adagba.

Speaking to residents and press members during the exercise, Hon. Hunpe praised the community for their increased compliance. He emphasized that maintaining a healthy environment is a shared duty that transcends government intervention.

"I am encouraged by the level of compliance and the commitment shown by our residents," Hon. Hunpe stated. "A clean environment is not the responsibility of government alone; it is a collective duty. As we continue to experience the rainy season, I urge everyone to dispose of waste responsibly, avoid dumping refuse in drainage channels, and maintain good sanitation around homes, markets, and business premises. Preventing flooding begins with keeping our drains free of refuse."

The administration’s commitment to a cleaner Badagry extends beyond monthly exercises. The Chairman highlighted his administration's focus on: Drainage Management: Continuous desilting and clearing of waterways to mitigate seasonal flooding.

Waste Evacuation: Strengthening partnerships with LAWMA-accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators to ensure prompt refuse collection. Public Awareness: Sustained enlightenment campaigns aimed at fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

Hon. Hunpe reiterated that indiscriminate waste disposal is a primary driver of environmental pollution and the spread of preventable diseases. By fostering active community participation, the administration aims to build a more resilient and aesthetically pleasing Badagry.

 Monthly Environmental Sanitation, Lagos State Sanitation, Waste Management Badagry, Community Hygiene Nigeria, Flood Prevention Badagry, Environmental Sustainability.

Olorunda LCDA Pupils Get Nutritional Boost as Chairman Ajose Flags Off ‘PBAT FEEDS’ Initiative

By: Manoah Kikekon 

The Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, has officially flagged off the "Adopt A School for Snacks 4 Thought – PBAT FEEDS!" initiative. The program, which benefited 500 pupils at the Local Authority Primary School, Mowo, is part of the broader Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

The initiative, designed to provide nutritious breakfast snacks and beverages to primary school students, aims to address the challenge of learning poverty by ensuring that children arrive in class energized and ready to focus.

During the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Ajose emphasized that the program is more than just a meal service; it is a strategic investment in human capital. "This program is designed to improve school attendance, boost classroom concentration, promote better nutrition, and encourage enrollment in our public schools," he stated.

The Chairman took the opportunity to express his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the welfare of Nigerian children through the "Renewed Hope" agenda. He also commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support of educational policies that foster development at the grassroots level.

While the government has spearheaded this pilot phase, Hon. Ajose issued a clarion call to the private sector. "I urge corporate organizations, philanthropists, and community leaders to embrace the 'Adopt A School' initiative by supporting schools with regular feeding programs," he noted, adding that such partnerships are vital for the program’s long-term sustainability.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Fowowe S. S., who represented the National Program Manager, Dr. Princess Aderemi Adebowale, reinforced the importance of the adoption model. He stressed that the initiative provides a transparent, digital platform through which individuals and businesses can directly contribute to the nutritional needs of schoolchildren.

The Olorunda LCDA Supervisor for Education, Hon. Afeez Bankole, lauded the Chairman’s collaborative spirit, noting that the initiative aligns perfectly with the council's commitment to child welfare.

According to Mrs. Idowu Onashile, the Head of the Department of Education in Olorunda LCDA, the distribution of snacks will continue throughout the week, with organizers optimistic that the consistent provision of meals will significantly improve attendance and participation across local schools.

"Leave Tinubu Alone": Pastor Adeboye Defends President’s Security Efforts Amidst National Challenges

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has publicly defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration regarding the management of Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity. 

Addressing attendees at the U.S.-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala on June 23, the revered cleric urged Nigerians to cease criticisms against the President, asserting that he has fulfilled his primary duty as Commander-in-Chief.

Pastor Adeboye’s remarks centered on the division of labor within the security apparatus. Drawing a parallel to international leadership, he noted that a Commander-in-Chief’s role is to issue directives rather than personally oversee tactical operations on the ground.

"When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit," Adeboye stated, adding that it is unreasonable to expect the President to personally engage in combat. To illustrate his point, the cleric referenced how global leaders, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, issue high-level military orders from the safety of their offices, leaving the implementation to subordinates.

The defense comes at a time when the Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to address the persistent threats posed by terrorists and bandits across the country. While some critics argue that the administration's response has been insufficient, particularly in light of recent kidnappings such as the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, Pastor Adeboye remains steadfast in his support. 

He explicitly distanced himself from those accusing the President of inaction, emphasizing that the President’s authority rests in giving clear commands to his security chiefs.

Beyond the political defense, the event also saw the pastor offer words of spiritual assurance regarding the nation’s security crisis. He revealed that he had received divine insights concerning the sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria and offered a glimmer of hope, promising that the resolution to the Oyo school kidnapping case would be "dramatic."

The comments follow recent backlash directed at the cleric regarding his perceived silence on national security issues. In response to such criticism, the RCCG issued a statement clarifying the church's position, asserting that they are not a political entity and that Pastor Adeboye holds no elected office. 

As the national discourse on insecurity continues to evolve, Pastor Adeboye’s intervention serves as a significant moment, highlighting the complex intersection of faith, governance, and public expectation in Nigeria today.

Court Nullifies Registration of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as Political Party

By: Manoah Kikekon 

LOKOJA, KOGI STATE – The legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been thrown into uncertainty following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which has set aside its previous judgment that had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the entity as a political party.

Presiding Judge Isah Dashen, in his ruling on suit marked FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, declared the December 10, 2025, judgment "constitutionally defective." The court noted that the initial proceedings failed to include all necessary parties, a procedural oversight that has now rendered the former decision null and void.

The court’s decision followed a vigorous legal challenge filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP). The PMP argued that it held a significant legal interest in the matter and should have been formally joined as a party before the court issued any directives regarding the NDC's registration.

Justice Dashen upheld the PMP’s application, stating that the applicant had established sufficient interest to be heard. Furthermore, the judge emphasized that material facts were withheld during the earlier proceedings, necessitating the vacation of the previous order to ensure judicial integrity.

As a result of the ruling, the court has ordered a restoration of the status quo as it existed prior to the December 2025 judgment. The substantive suit is now set to begin afresh, with the court mandating that INEC, the Peace Movement Party, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress must all be joined as active participants in the new proceedings.

This development follows earlier controversies regarding the NDC's entry into the Nigerian political arena. In February 2026, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan had noted that only two out of eight applicants had successfully met the rigorous constitutional and Electoral Act requirements for registration, yet the NDC had secured registration through the initial court mandate that has now been vacated.

The ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse regarding the registration of new political associations in Nigeria, placing the burden back on the judiciary to ensure that the process remains transparent and inclusive of all stakeholders.

Police Apprehend 53 Suspected Members of Deceptive Recruitment Ring in Badagry

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Nigerian Police Force has taken 53 individuals into custody following an intelligence-led operation in the Badagry area. The group is currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in a recruitment syndicate that reportedly lured job seekers with promises of employment and business opportunities.

The raid, conducted at a facility on Akwuzu Street within the Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), followed reports that the group was operating under the guise of a legitimate medical product enterprise. Authorities are now meticulously profiling each individual to differentiate between those potentially misled and those actively facilitating the syndicate’s operations.

According to preliminary reports, the syndicate specifically targeted unemployed youth and other vulnerable residents. Once recruited, victims were reportedly subjected to intense orientation sessions where they were encouraged to market health products and, crucially, pressure others to join the network a hallmark of pyramid-style schemes.

The Badagry Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Jude Nwokolo, who paraded the suspects on Friday, emphasized that the investigation is focused on transparency and accountability. "The police are profiling every individual to determine their level of involvement before any decision on prosecution is made," Nwokolo stated.

Among those detained is 36-year-old Abdulmalik Aliu, a native of Kogi State, whom investigators believe held a supervisory position within the organization. While Aliu maintained that his activities were lawful and that recruits joined the program of their own volition, the police remain skeptical given the clandestine nature of the orientation sessions.

The operation comes at a sensitive time for Badagry, as security agencies increase their presence to combat a recent surge in criminal networks using remote communities for illegal activities. While this case is separate from recent human trafficking busts in the region, the recurring nature of these incidents has prompted a call for heightened community awareness.

The police are advising members of the public to exercise extreme caution regarding "get-rich-quick" schemes or employment offers that require secrecy or the recruitment of others.

"We urge residents to be cautious of organisations offering unrealistic employment or business opportunities, particularly those requiring attendance at secretive orientation camps," DPO Nwokolo advised. He further urged the public to verify the official registration of any company before committing to a role and to report suspicious gatherings to the nearest police station immediately.

As the investigation continues, the police are working to identify further victims and map out the full extent of the syndicate's operations. The 53 individuals remain in custody as the force works to ensure that those exploiting the vulnerable are held accountable under the law.

Nigeria Customs Intercepts Over 580,000 Unregistered Medicaments

By: Manoah Kikekon 

KANO, NIGERIA – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted and transferred custody of over 580,000 unregistered pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The massive seizure, which took place at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to shield Nigerian consumers from potentially lethal, unverified medications.

The interception, conducted on June 9, 2026, was the result of a highly targeted, intelligence-driven operation at the SAHCO Shed of the international airport. Following the seizure, a joint examination by Customs officials and NAFDAC experts confirmed that the massive consignment lacked the mandatory registration and certification required for legal distribution within Nigeria.

Speaking during the formal handover ceremony at the Customs House in Bompai, Kano, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, provided a breakdown of the haul. The seizure included: 575,440 tablets of various medicaments, 5,415 injections, 1,075 bottles of eye drops, 243 inhaler canisters.

“The interception underscores the commitment of the NCS to protecting public health and strengthening collaboration with regulatory agencies in combating the influx of illicit and uncertified pharmaceutical products into the country,” DC Adamu stated. “The products were found to be unregistered and therefore not approved for circulation in Nigeria. Their interception is part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians.”

Receiving the items on behalf of NAFDAC, **Azik Kanadi**, Assistant Director in the agency’s Ports Inspection Directorate, commended the Customs Service for their vigilance. He warned importers that the agency remains uncompromising in its stance against unverified drugs, which pose severe risks to unsuspecting patients.

“NAFDAC will remain committed to working closely with Customs and other relevant agencies to prevent the circulation of unsafe medicines and ensure that only approved pharmaceutical products are available in the Nigerian market,” Kanadi said.

The Kano/Jigawa Area Command has issued a final warning to importers and distributors of pharmaceutical products: the command is intensifying its surveillance and enforcement operations. Customs authorities emphasized that any attempt to bypass regulatory scrutiny will be met with the full force of the law, as the Command continues to prioritize the safety of the public over the profits of criminal syndicates.

NSCDC Dismantles Trafficking Ring, Rescues 24 Victims in Badagry

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Suspects and Victims 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Division, have successfully dismantled a major human trafficking and illegal confinement hub. The operation, conducted under the leadership of the Divisional Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Gbenga Ekunola, resulted in the rescue of 24 victims and the arrest of three key suspects.

The raid, which followed months of intelligence gathering and community-led surveillance, uncovered a hidden facility where victims mostly foreign nationals were being held under exploitative conditions. According to reports from the Lagos State Command, the victims included citizens from Togo and the Benin Republic, as well as one Nigerian from Imo State.

Investigations into the facility revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse. The syndicates allegedly lured victims into the country under false pretenses before subjecting them to unlawful detention, extortion, and psychological manipulation.

"The victims have suffered memory loss to the point that they cannot remember how they got into those confinements," said Oluwaseun Abolurin, the NSCDC Lagos State Command spokesperson. He further alleged that the perpetrators used food items laced with unknown substances to control the victims, effectively stripping them of their autonomy. Among those rescued were pregnant women and a young toddler, highlighting the brutal nature of the criminal enterprise.

The success of this operation was met with praise from local leadership, including the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon. Following the rescue, Hon. Kumayon visited the NSCDC divisional headquarters to commend the officers for their professionalism and swift response.

This breakthrough occurred shortly after a crucial Peace and Security Stakeholders Meeting in Iworo, where local leaders and security agencies discussed strategies to fortify the council area against emerging threats. Hon. Kumayon reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support for security forces to maintain peace across Olorunda.

As investigations continue, the NSCDC has called on families with missing relatives to come forward, as some of the rescued individuals had been reported missing for as long as three years. The Corps has reaffirmed its dedication to ridding Badagry of such criminal networks, emphasizing that the fight against human trafficking requires a concerted effort between security agencies and the public.

“We will do everything within our capacity to synergize with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Lagos is not a safe haven for criminals,” CSC Ekunola assured, noting that the rescued victims are currently being processed for proper care and eventual repatriation.