19/07/2025
PRESS RELEASE
July 18, 2025
BEYOND THE CANOE PRESENTATION: GBENU ADMINISTRATION ROLLS OUT SCORECARD AHEAD OF VALEDICTORY EVENT
As the curtain gradually draws on the administration of Hon. Gbenu Henugbe Joseph, Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, the Council has released a comprehensive scorecard detailing its impact across key sectors in the last eight years. This comes in response to pockets of criticism particularly over the recent canoe presentation to local fishermen which some have attempted to downplay or mock.
While some critics have questioned the significance of such a gesture in the 21st century, they fail to understand the peculiarity of Badagry West as a riverine, agrarian community, where fishing remains one of the most viable sources of livelihood. To a regular fisherman, a canoe is not just a wooden vessel, it is a life-sustaining tool, and when provided free of charge, it represents a direct intervention in the daily struggle of survival.
But beyond the canoe, the Gbenu administration has executed and supported a broad range of transformational projects across education, health, empowerment, infrastructure, welfare, and community development all guided by the realities and needs of its people.
Below is a sectoral breakdown of some of the administration’s legacy projects:
EDUCATION
1. Construction of Salvation Army Primary School, Boglo
2. Construction of St. Peter Primary School, Agonrin Sea Beach
3. Construction of Methodist Primary School, Enuko
4. Construction of Methodist Primary School, Kweme
5. Construction of Our Lady of Fatimah School, Ganyingbo
6. Annual bursary awards to all tertiary institution students
7. Acquisition of school bus for student transport
8. Yearly distribution of school uniforms and writing materials
9. Provision of GCE forms for eligible secondary students
10. Annual celebration of Children’s Day with gift items
HEALTHCARE
1. Construction of Modern PHC at Apa
2. Construction of Modern PHC at Boglo
3. Acquisition of ambulance for emergency response
4. Total rehabilitation of Farasime PHC
5. Rehabilitation of old PHC, Apa
6. Sponsorship of six health officials for Lagos PHC Board training
7. Sponsorship of the Badagry West Marathon
EMPOWERMENT
1. Annual starter packs for ITF trainees
2. Grants to all CDCs annually
3. Biannual cash empowerment programs
4. Annual empowerment for youths and artisans
5. Empowerment schemes for widows and the vulnerable
6. Support for the skills acquisition centre (materials and grants)
7. Celebration of International Youth Day with empowerment packages
INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Construction of official Motor Park at Seme
2. Purchase of 100kv generator for the LCDA Secretariat
3. Transformer acquisition for Agbojetho community
4. Construction of a new area office in Seme
5. Road rehabilitation across several communities
6. Construction of 80 key-lamp shops
7. Provision of official vehicles to councillors and principal officers
8. Installation of solar-powered street lights across communities
9. Road reconstruction from Owode to Farasime (prior to FG intervention)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1. Monthly security and stakeholder meetings
2. Provision of wheelchairs for persons with disabilities
3. Gender-based violence sensitization campaign
4. Drug abuse awareness and sensitization programme
WELFARE PACKAGES
1. Food discount markets for all communities
2. Annual Christmas gift packages to over 4,000 families
3. Welfare support for the less privileged
PROJECTS SET FOR COMMISSIONING NEXT WEEK
1. Newly constructed Customary Court at the Secretariat
2. New administrative building within the Council premises
3. Modern PHC at Boglo
4. Boglo Community Road
5. APA Cemetery, accommodating both Christian and Muslim burials
6. Renovated Sito-Gbethrome Secondary School Classroom, equipped with solar power and modern furniture
As the Council prepares for its official valedictory program and project commissioning on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, the administration remains committed to ending strong, not with noise, but with results that are visible and felt across the local government.
Criticism, though welcome in a democratic setting, must be rooted in truth and objectivity. This scorecard reflects years of deliberate planning, community inclusion, and a tireless commitment to grassroots development.
Indeed, the end will justify the means, and history will remember this administration not for empty noise, but for tangible impact, strategic empowerment, and unwavering service to the people.
Signed:
Solomon ZOSU
Senior Special Assistant on Information, Tourism and Special Works
Badagry West LCDA