By Dansu Peter The Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, in a significant step toward renewed development in Badagry has assured...
By Dansu Peter
The assurance came during a strategic engagement on the sidelines of a high-profile event in Ekiti State, where the governor attended the installation of Chief Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Lagos APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC), as the Atobatele of Ekiti. Chief Olusi also holds a chieftaincy title in Badagry, as the Baba Oba of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom.
Facilitated by Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu, member representing Badagry Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, a source privy to the happenings—but who wished to remain anonymous due to lack of authorization—told Badagry Today that the brief side meeting brought together Governor Sanwo-Olu and two revered monarchs: Oba Sejiro Olalekan James, the Akweno of Kweme Kingdom, and Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ajose, the Possi of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom.
During the discussion, the monarchs voiced concerns over infrastructural neglect in their respective domains, particularly the prolonged blackout in Badagry West LCDA which has persisted for several years. They appealed for the governor’s swift intervention.
In response, Governor Sanwo-Olu offered firm reassurance. He disclosed that the long-overdue re-electrification project for Badagry West was on the verge of commencement. According to sources familiar with the conversation, the governor explained that stakeholders’ engagement would soon take place, after which contractors would be mobilized to site without further delay.
But the meeting wasn’t without its tense moments, Badagry Today source said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reportedly expressed his displeasure over alleged encroachment on land designated for the Lagos Energy City project—a flagship initiative meant to transform Badagry into a hub for energy, tourism, and investment. The governor, visibly concerned, warned that the land must be protected and emphasized the strategic importance of the project not only to Badagry but to the entire state.
“Why should land earmarked for a critical project like the Energy City be compromised?” the governor reportedly questioned. “That land must be safeguarded immediately.”
Spanning approximately 763 hectares, the Lagos Energy City is designed as a two-pronged development: a Convention and Tourism Zone to promote Lagos as West Africa’s top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination, and an Energy City Zone that aspires to place Nigeria among the world’s major energy capitals—joining the ranks of Houston, Calgary, Singapore, and Doha.
Once completed, the Energy City will host multinational oil and gas firms, IT companies, financial institutions, aviation operators, and key government agencies. The governor emphasized that such a high-impact project must not be jeopardized by local disputes or land mismanagement.
The private engagement concluded with renewed commitments from all parties to collaborate in advancing Badagry’s development goals, particularly in energy access and economic revitalization.
As the state government prepares to launch the re-electrification effort and move forward with the Energy City blueprint, all eyes will be on local stakeholders to ensure that promises made are swiftly translated into action.
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