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Tag: BADAGRY WEST

  • Badagry West empowers artisans, boosts healthcare

    Badagry West empowers artisans, boosts healthcare

    As part of activities marking his first 100 days in office, the Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rauf Ibrahim Yemaren (RIKAY), has rolled out a massive empowerment programme aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening grassroots economic growth across the council area.

    The event, themed “100 Days of Renewed Hope, Action and Accountability,” witnessed the distribution of vital work tools and business-support equipment to artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs, as well as direct financial support to traders, widows, the aged, and persons living with disabilities. Items distributed included motorcycles (Okada), grinding machines, tiling tool sets, hair clippers with generator units, wheelchairs, welding machines, and other productivity-enhancing equipment designed to promote self-reliance and sustainable income generation.

    In a major boost to primary healthcare delivery, the council chairman also donated medical equipment to five primary healthcare centres spread across the LCDA, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services at the grassroots.

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    The empowerment programme attracted top political leaders and party stakeholders from within and outside the Badagry axis. Leading the delegation was the Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who was represented by the APC Lagos West Senatorial Youth Leader, Rasheed Gboshe.

    Other dignitaries in attendance included Sesi Whingan, Member of the House of Representatives, Badagry; Setonji David, Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Solomon Bonu Saanu; Bamgbose A. Joseph, the Apex Leader of Badagry West, and Babatunde Hunpe, Chairman of Badagry Local Government. Also present were Hon. Joseph Gbenu and Olusegun Onilude, immediate past Chairmen of Badagry West LCDA and Badagry Local Government, alongside several other community and party leaders.

    Yemaren reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, economic empowerment, and people-oriented development, noting that the programme was designed to give residents the tools they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

    Stakeholders who spoke at the event commended the chairman for translating campaign promises into visible action within a short period, describing the empowerment initiative as a clear demonstration of responsive leadership and the true dividends of democracy.

    The 100-day empowerment exercise further underscores the Badagry West administration’s determination to expand opportunities, stimulate vocational growth, and improve the quality of life for residents across the council area.

  • THE THREE PRINCESSES OF BADAGRY WEST, A CLOSER LOOK AT THE APC’S FEMALE CONTENDERS

    THE THREE PRINCESSES OF BADAGRY WEST, A CLOSER LOOK AT THE APC’S FEMALE CONTENDERS

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies efforts to actualize its 30% women inclusion policy in elective offices, a transformative political narrative is unfolding in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State.This development is particularly significant as it aligns with national conversations on gender equity in governance, championed by figures like First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who advocates for increased female representation in legislative and executive arms of government.

    In Badagry West, the chairmanship race is notably competitive, featuring three distinguished female aspirants. Princess Damilola Sonayon James, Princess Oluremi Nutayi, and Princess Sesi Ogungbe. Each brings a unique blend of experience, political backing, credentials, and community engagement to the political arena.

    Princess Damilola Sonayon James: Bridging Legacy and Innovation, emerges as a formidable contender, blending royal heritage with a progressive vision for Badagry West. Scoring an impressive 83 (the highest) in the recent APC chairmanship screening, she stands out for her commitment to youth and gender inclusion. Currently serving as the Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Social Service, her professional background encompasses roles in sustainability, risk management, and community development, reflecting a holistic approach to governance.

    Working in public service since 2009, James’s political journey is deeply rooted in public service. Her grandfather, the late Oba Afolabi James, was a close confidant of President Bola Tinubu, while her father, Hon. Bolarinwa Seyon James, served in the House of Representatives during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor. Her family is a pillar of the community, routed in public service, community development and advocacy for the people of Badagry West. This lineage underscores her deep-seated commitment to community advancement.

    While she may not have publicly declared endorsements from local Badagry West APC Leaders, her affiliations with key political figures, including Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK). Ogunlende, seen as a strong emerging force with a subtle but growing base of young political mentees. Shared ideals of youth empowerment and grassroots development may serve as the tie binding them. Further connections to state officials like Tayo Ayinde, further bolster her political capital at the state level, including James’s active participation in initiatives such as the BOSCO ambassadors who actively campaigns for APC state and presidential elections.

    Today, Damilola maintains an active membership of APC, whilst making substantial contributions to Seyi Tinubu’s social projects in Badagry highlight her dedication to grassroots empowerment.

    Princess Oluremi Nutayi: Championing Traditional Values joining the race more recently than others, Princess Oluremi Nutayi brings traditional support to her candidacy. Scoring 67 in the APC chairmanship screening, she is the daughter of the Oba of Apa and enjoys backing from both local monarchs in Badagry West and political figures, including Hon. Bonu Solomon and Chief Ade Agoro.

    Nutayi’s platform emphasizes the integration of cultural heritage with governance, aiming to foster unity and development within Badagry West. Her candidacy resonates with constituents who value traditional leadership.

    Politically, her base is strengthened by the fact that her ward has yet to produce a council chairman since the creation of the LCDA, which may promote her argument in a consensus arrangement.

    Princess Sesi Ogungbe: with 14 years in the Lagos State Civil Service, presents a candidacy grounded in administrative experience. Scoring 76 in the APC chairmanship screening, she currently serves as the Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Badagry West LCDA. Her initiatives, such as empowering women with cash grants, underscore her commitment to uplifting marginalized groups.

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    Ogungbe’s political support is inforced by endorsements from local APC leaders, Hon. Joseph Bamgbose the apex leader of Badagry West and incumbent chairman Mr. Joseph Gbenu. These endorsements place her in a good negotiating position.

    A Pivotal Moment for Badagry West, the convergence of these three female aspirants in Badagry West’s chairmanship race marks a significant moment in the quest for gender-inclusive governance, as the APC continues to promote women’s participation in politics.

    While each candidate offers distinct strengths, One particular candidate has established a blend of youthful energy, professional acumen, and deep-rooted community ties positioning her as a transformative leader for Badagry West. Her candidacy embodies the progressive ideals that the APC seeks to advance, potentially heralding a new era of inclusive and dynamic local governance.

    Whether the decision will be settled by consensus or primaries remains to be seen, but we must make sure all sentiments are aside and the best person for the job is elected.