By: Manoah Kikekon
Mr Sesi Whingah, the House of Representatives Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, has told his people that Nigeria's borders will soon be open for business activity and the Constitution to the road his community will commnce soon.
Whingan made the guarantee during a Badagry Stakeholders and Youth Engagement event hosted by his office on Saturday.
The subject of the engagement was "Charting a Prosperous Future for Badagry: Unlocking Potential, Empowering People, and Accelerating Progress".
According to the member, the government is looking into how it may generate cash internally.
"We feel that this strategy is necessary and will result in positive outcomes.
“The current administration will soon open borders for commercial activities; I know it is affecting us and our incomes. I know what my constituents are going through,” he said.
On the issue of electrification in several Badagry settlements, he pledged that staff from Rural Electrification would come in and address it within the next few days.
Regarding roadblocks on Lagos-Seme expressway, Whingan stated that no development will come to Badagry due to many checkpoints along the Lagos-Badagry motorway.
"I have spoken against multiple checkpoints on the floor of the House.
“I doubt if we can achieve any development if we have people stopping and discouraging tourists and investors from coming to this corridor
“You cannot go through the stress of these multiple checkpoints as a tourist and you would want to come back to this place.
“The security agencies need to start looking at using technology to address this. A single drone can secure and monitor this axis,” he said.
Regarding his achievements in government, he stated that he had secured jobs for 30 Badagry youths in federal agencies.
"Again, we are attempting to get 40 pensionable positions for Badagry's meritorious kids.
Furthermore, our NIN registration centre in Badagry has registered over 70,000 people as of today.
"This is a critical step in ensuring that our people are accounted for in the national database and can access full benefits of citizenship," he said.
Whingan stated that he had arranged with a colleague in the Lagos House of Assembly to meet with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to assist with the repair of the Mowo-Ikoga road.
“I can assure you that contractors will begin work on the road in the few weeks to come. Though it is a Federal road, Lagos state has agreed to help us to fix it.
“Also, on the uncompleted Gbaji-Owode-Apa expressway, the Federal Government is considering re-awarding it, this time, concrete road.
“This will be captured in the new budget of 2025,” he said
Prof, Henry Hunjo, a Lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), in his keynote address highlighted the achievements of Whingah, emphasising their positive impact on Badagry.
He addressed the region’s pressing challenges, adding that there was need to develop Badagry beyond the present status quo.
“We must begin to address challenges such as environmental issues and infrastructural deficits, including electricity,” he said.
There was a panel of professionals who deliberated the way forward for the coastal town of Badagry.
Mr Setonji Koshoedo , the Deputy National Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), proposed a collective approach to problem-solving, which he termed a “Solution Revolution.”
“Let’s come together with our individual contributory solutions to solve our community problems,” he said.
Mr Gbenu Mathew, a Political Commentator, canvassed for the need to unlock Badagry’s dormant potential through collaboration among political leaders.
“There are potentials, but they remain untapped; this can be done through the collaboration of our political leaders.”
Dr Busola Odedina, the sole female panelist, called for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles within the community.
She stressed the importance of gender equity in driving Badagry’s progress.
Mr Bisiriyu Fanu, a former Chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA), Seme border, said government policy of fairly used vehicles had affected majority of the residents.
He urged the government to reintroduce the importation of fairly used vehicles through land border since the borders had been opened, adding that some of his members had died because of the policy.
The lawmaker, awarded cash prizes, laptops, and other gifts to select individuals in recognition of outstanding contributions to Badagry.
Whingan, also announced an ICT programme for 1,000 youths, tagged “Badagry Tech Talents 1,000 Programme” where youths will be trained, empowered and connected.