By Goldmark Pentho Dansu Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, representing Badagry Federal Constituency, in a passionate intervention on the floor...
By Goldmark Pentho Dansu
Raising a motion titled “Halt the Deadly Cholera Crisis and Restore Power to Save Lives in Badagry West Now”, Hon. Whingan painted a dire picture of the humanitarian situation unfolding in the Zongo community of the Seme area, where several deaths have reportedly occurred amidst deteriorating public health conditions.
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the vulnerability of women and children who are suffering from severe cholera symptoms, tracing the outbreak to contaminated water sources, poor sanitation, and a failing local healthcare system. He noted that the recent relocation of the Nigerian Air Force’s Mother and Child Care Hospital from the area has left residents even more exposed.
Making matters worse, Hon. Whingan said, is the community’s staggering four-year electricity blackout. This power outage has crippled basic services, including water supply systems, vaccine storage facilities, and health centres—further undermining the community’s ability to contain the spread of disease.
“This neglect of a people’s basic needs is not just a humanitarian failure—it is a constitutional violation,” he declared, referencing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the government to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens.
Following Hon. Whingan’s impassioned plea, the House adopted a series of resolutions aimed at mitigating the crisis. These include the immediate deployment of emergency medical teams and resources by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), along with a nationwide public health awareness campaign. Humanitarian relief, including clean water and improved sanitation facilities, will also be provided through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is expected to supply disinfectants, water purification tablets, and other sanitary essentials to the affected communities. At the same time, the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency have been directed to work towards the immediate restoration of electricity in Badagry West, a move Hon. Whingan says is vital to supporting healthcare delivery and preventing further spread of disease.
In addition, the House has mandated a joint fact-finding mission involving its committees on Healthcare Services, Power, Rural Electrification, and Emergency Preparedness. The delegation is to visit the affected areas, investigate the outbreak, power outage, and hospital relocation, and report back within three weeks.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of those who have lost their lives to the outbreak, with lawmakers pledging to act swiftly to protect others.
Hon. Whingan concluded his remarks with a renewed commitment to his constituents, vowing to continue pushing for equitable access to essential services across every part of Badagry.
“No community in Nigeria should be forgotten,” he said. “The lives and wellbeing of our people must remain the highest priority of government at all levels.”
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