Metro
Youths Urge Lagos APC to Save Badagry Central from Domination
The race for 2023 is heating up and it is heating up very fast. If you think the action is only about Abuja, you are wrong. The Badagry division is also in strong contention. The youths are ready to take their place. They are saying no more to clear disregard of democratic norms, fairness, and credibility. They are calling for a departure from inactive leadership that is yielding little or no gains for the good people of the ancient city. They are calling for Badagry Central to allow the principle of ‘live and let’s live’ prevail so that power can rotate to Badagry West and Olorunda. Their inputs, they say, matter. Moreso, it should be now.
Here is a little background to the tussle.
Feelers reaching Trek Africa Newspaper establish that there are three zones in the Badagry Division. They are Badagry Central, Badagry West, and Olorunda. Of the three, Badagry Central has taken political power the most. Infact, the current member representing Badagry 1, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode in the Lagos House of Assembly who hails from the Badagry Central zone has been there for 4 terms. 4 terms multiplied by 4 years is a massive 16 years. This fact alone naturally should affirm that other zones should take precedence in the scheme of activities come 2023.
True to that assertion, some youths confirm to Trek Africa Newspaper that the leadership circles in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Badagry have decided that Badagry Central should take a back seat in 2023 most especially as the current members of the lower and upper chamber are currently from Badagry Central. This is so that Badagry West and Olorunda can take their turn. But some unscrupulous persons are determined to scuttle that position.
Badagry youths are sensing foul play again. The same way they sensed it 4 years ago. Badagry Central is bent on taking them for a ride again. Case in point, the incumbent state legislator who has been holding the position for almost 16 years wants to leave to get the Badagry constituency seat in the Federal House of Representatives. At the same time, a current aide and Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu who is supposed to busy himself with the job at hand is jostling for the seat in the State Assembly. And they are calling the bluff of the other zones. What is left? Nothing! Nothing for the people of badagry west and Olorunda zones, nothing for the umpteenth time.
The people of Olorunda want the Lagos House of Assembly next year as they do not have any aspirant for the House of Representatives. It is only fair that the state seat be ceded to them. On the other hand, the people of Badagry West desire the Federal House of Representatives and have aspirants. They ought to have that. This should not be too much to give. Current office holders continue to hold on to power and do not want to give room for other party faithfuls. This is unacceptable.
Is this how Badagry will be led in the next 4 years? A situation where Badagry West leaders handpicked the SA to the Governor in the parlour of the incumbent LGA Chairman Badagry West? A situation where few leaders will disrespect the entire APC membership base for pecuniary gains? A situation where someone who is supposed to concern himself with the business of government that the Governor committed to him is junketing for the legislative seat without resigning from the executive role? A situation where the serving lawmaker would be dishing out command to aspiring youths to forget their aspiration because he feels it’s all about him?
This is unacceptable. The people of Badagry deserve a change. They want their voices heard. They are calling on the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the entire leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state led by Hon. Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi to weigh into the matter. They want the state executives to stop Badagry Central from further contempt of other zones. They want the state executives to stop Badagry west from futher imposing of a sitting officer .The principles of fairness and democracy should be allowed to work. It is time for Badagry to be rescued. ‘Live and let’s live’ so says the maxim.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
