By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Medemaku Abayomi Noah |
Barrister Medemaku Abayomi Noah (MSc, LLM) has officially declared his intention to run for the House of Representatives, Badagry Federal Constituency, under Peoples Democratic Party PDP. Promised comprehensive "Eighth Mission for Badagry" blueprint, including free education transport, a federal medical center, land rights protection, and youth empowerment programs.
The declaration was made public during a well-attended press conference held in Badagry, where the legal practitioner and community advocate formally unveiled his ambitious "Eight Mission for Badagry" (MB) blueprint, promising a new era of good governance, federal presence, and grassroots empowerment for the people of Badagry.
"I stand before you today not just as a candidate, but as a son of Badagry who understands the struggles, the aspirations, and the untapped potential of this great constituency," Noah declared before journalists, party faithful, and community stakeholders. "Badagry deserves more than just representation; it deserves transformation, and I am here to deliver it."
Medemaku's declaration was anchored on a robust eight-point agenda designed to address critical infrastructure deficits, social welfare gaps, and economic empowerment needs facing Badagry residents. Each mission represents a strategic pillar aimed at repositioning the constituency for sustainable development.
The cornerstone of Noah's campaign is the Federal Presence Initiative, which seeks to attract critical federal government projects to Badagry. He outlined a comprehensive list of infrastructure projects he would facilitate through effective lawmaking and strategic lobbying if elected.
"Through the instrument of lawmaking and lobbying, I will ensure the commencement of work on the site allotted for the building of the Federal Medical Center in Badagry," Noah announced. "This is not just about healthcare; it is about dignity, access, and saving lives that are currently being lost due to the absence of federal health infrastructure in our community."
The legal practitioner also promised to facilitate the reconstruction of the Mowo-Ikoga road, a critical artery that has suffered years of neglect and decay.
"We cannot speak of development when our roads are impassable. The Mowo-Ikoga road will be reconstructed, and Badagrians will finally experience the relief they deserve," he emphasized.
Educational Transformation: From Airforce Base to Degree Awarding Institution
In a move that could revolutionize educational opportunities in Badagry, Noah pledged to facilitate the upgrading of the Airforce Base and Institute in Owode-Apa to a degree-awarding institution, with a long-term vision of transforming it into a full-fledged Airforce University.
"This is not just about military training; it is about academic excellence. Our youths deserve world-class educational opportunities right here in Badagry, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that the Airforce Institute attains university status," Medemaku stated.
Connecting Communities: The Badagry-Ipokia Link Bridge
One of the most ambitious projects outlined by the aspirant is the construction of a link bridge between Badagry Local Government in Lagos State and Ipokia Local Government via Itohon in Badagry.
"I will collaborate with my counterpart from Ogun State to ensure that this project becomes a reality," Noah declared. "This bridge is not just about connectivity; it is about economic integration, cultural exchange, and unlocking the economic potential of both states. When Badagry thrives, Lagos thrives, and when Lagos thrives, Nigeria thrives."
Tourism Development: Harnessing Badagry's Rich Heritage
Noah also committed to facilitating Federal Government presence in Badagry's tourism sector, recognizing the constituency's immense historical and cultural significance.
"Badagry is the cradle of Nigeria's history, yet we have not fully harnessed this potential. I will ensure that the federal government invests in our tourism sector, creating jobs and showcasing our rich heritage to the world," he explained.
Indigent Rescue Movement (IRM) – Protecting the Vulnerable
Demonstrating a deep commitment to social welfare, Medemaku unveiled the Indigent Rescue Movement, a program designed to protect individuals whose rights have been infringed by law enforcement agencies, landlords, tenants, and other entities.
"This movement will take care of individuals whose rights have been violated. Whether you are a tenant facing wrongful eviction, a citizen whose rights have been trampled by law enforcement, or an indigent person residing within the constituency, we will be there for you," Medemaku assured.
In a groundbreaking provision, the IRM will provide monthly stipends of N5000 to every person aged 70 years and above residing in the constituency.
"The elderly deserve our respect and care. N5000 might seem small, but for an aged person in our community, it can make a significant difference," he said.
Noah also pledged to take care of the medical needs of indigent pregnant women and citizens, emphasizing that this was not a new initiative but an expansion of his ongoing personal humanitarian efforts.
"This is something I have been doing already; it is not a new thing. I already have people I am supporting in my little capacity. The House of Representatives office will only help me to reach more people," he explained.
Land Rescue Team (LRT) – Protecting Property Rights
Addressing one of the most pressing concerns in Badagry, Noah announced the establishment of a Land Rescue Team to investigate and collate all government-acquired lands and protect the rights of landowners.
"Seeing people's houses destroyed by government agencies and corporate bodies because of wrongful land acquisition is pathetic," Medemaku lamented. "I will set up this team to investigate and collate all government-acquired lands with the help of the Surveyor General's Office and furnish any interested individual with the necessary facts."
The aspirant also promised to collaborate with his state counterparts to ensure that all lands acquired by government but not utilized be released to the family landowners.
"This is about justice. It is about protecting the heritage of our people. Land is life, and we must protect it," he declared.
Young Students Initiative (YSD) – Investing in the Future
Recognizing the critical importance of education, Noah unveiled the Young Students Initiative, a comprehensive program designed to support pupils and students across Badagry.
"Free buses will be provided for pupils and students in every community having a distance and motorable road of 5 kilometers and above," Noah announced. "The buses shall operate between 6:30 am and 8:30 am in the morning and 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the evening on every school day."
The initiative also includes annual inter-school competitions in the form of quizzes, debates, and sports.
"We must catch them young and groom them for greatness. These competitions will not only foster academic excellence but also build character, teamwork, and community spirit," he said.
Badagry Development Fund (BDF) – Empowering Youth and Artisans
The Badagry Development Fund, also known as the Youth Development Fund, represents Noah's commitment to economic empowerment.
"This fund will be accessed by both indigent students who intend to acquire tertiary education and the youths who are artisans and want to acquire work equipment," he explained.
Aspiring farmers will receive a grant or loan of N300,000 to pursue their agricultural dreams.
"We will give N300,000 to youths with a passion for farming. Agriculture is the backbone of any economy, and we must support our young farmers," Noah stated.
The physically challenged will also benefit from the fund through various forms of empowerment, ensuring that no one is left behind in Badagry's development journey.
Badagry Sports Initiative (BSI) – Fostering Unity Through Sports
With a vision to harness talent and foster community unity, Noah unveiled the **Badagry Sports Initiative**, which includes the construction of a mini-stadium through self-help and constituency allowance.
"I will ensure that a mini-stadium is built in Badagry. This is not just about sports; it is about providing a platform for our youths to showcase their talents and keep them away from social vices," he said.
The initiative will organize periodic competitions in field, track, and indoor sporting events, including football and video games.
"We will sponsor inter-community competitions twice a year to harness necessary talents in sports and foster inter-community unity. Sports bring people together, and Badagry needs that unity now more than ever," Noah emphasized.
Competent and Articulate Representation (CAR) – "The MAN Shall Give You a CAR!"
In a powerful conclusion to his declaration, Noah promised the people of Badagry Competent and Articulate Representation, deploying his training as a lawyer for effective and efficient lawmaking.
"I promise the good people of Badagry a Competent and Articulate Representation. I shall deploy my training as a lawyer into effective and efficient lawmaking for the benefit of Badagry and Badagrians," he declared.
Additional Promise: Facilitating Study Abroad Opportunities
In a move that could transform the lives of countless Badagry youths, Medemaku promised to facilitate study abroad opportunities for at least 10 students annually.
"I will make sure I facilitate study abroad for at least 10 students a year, which will mean 40 students in four years. The turnover effect on Badagry will be enormous," he said. "This is what I singlehandedly did for myself, so it's not rocket science".
Noah emphasized the brilliance of Badagry youths and the need for encouragement.
"Our youths are very brilliant; all they need is encouragement. My target is to make sure I build independent-minded youths like myself, where their sources of survival will not influence their decisions, and most importantly, speaking up for themselves," he concluded.
"Badagry deserves the best, and I am committed to giving nothing less than my absolute best," Noah declared. "The journey to a new Badagry begins now, and I invite every Badagrian to join me on this journey."