By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – Gbenu Youth Movement (GYM) has officially declared its unwavering support for Hon. Gbenu Henugbe Joseph in his bid for the Lagos State House of Assembly (Badagry Constituency 1).
During the endorsement ceremony held on Friday, which saw over 50 youth leaders in attendance, the movement also threw its weight behind the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
Speaking on his motivation for joining the race, Hon. Gbenu Joseph stated that his candidacy is a direct response to a "call from the people." His tenure as the Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA serves as the foundation for this trust. His achievements include:
Education Reform: Construction of modern schools and the consistent provision of yearly scholarships and bursaries.
Infrastructure & Health: The construction of a flagship Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Apa, the Boglo PHC in Ward D Seme, and the development of modern road networks in Boglo.
Rural Electrification: The "Light Up Badagry" initiative, which distributed solar street lights across the LCDA.
Political Unification: Successfully uniting 30 previously divided party leaders, bringing unprecedented stability to the local APC leadership.
Aladeotan David, the pioneer of the Gbenu Youth Movement, emphasized that Hon. Gbenu’s professional background makes him the ideal candidate for the House of Assembly.
"We are supporting him because we have seen his works. As a former civil servant who has served in the Court of Law, he understands the intricacies of legislation. He knows how to make laws that benefit the common man. He is a grassroots leader who truly understands our needs," David stated.
Prior to Gbenu’s administration, youth engagement in the region was described as "shabby" and dysfunctional. However, the movement noted that the Chairman has since "lifted the bar," creating empowerment structures that birthed the GYM—an organization dedicated to humanity and youth development rather than just politics.
The Gbenu Youth Movement has been evolved in social change. The group has organized high-impact Youth Summits focusing on education, economic growth, and political participation.
Beyond advocacy, the group played a pivotal role in the APC membership drive and PVC registration exercises. While rooted in Badagry West, the movement has now expanded its reach to Olorunda LCDA and Badagry Local Government, signaling a unified front for Hon. Gbenu Joseph and the APC as the election cycle approaches.