By Peter Dansu It was a valedictory address filled with gratitude, nostalgia, and pride as Hon. Gbenu Henugbe Joseph, the outgoing Executi...
By Peter Dansu
It was a valedictory address filled with gratitude, nostalgia, and pride as Hon. Gbenu Henugbe Joseph, the outgoing Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, formally brought his eight-year tenure to a close with a speech that highlighted years of transformational service and massive developmental projects.
Addressing a large crowd of residents, stakeholders, political leaders, and traditional rulers on Thursday, July 23, 2025, Gbenu, who became the third substantive chairman of the LCDA in 2017, described the moment as emotional and historic.
Looking back, he expressed gratitude to God and the people of Badagry West for the rare opportunity to serve. “It all started in 2017 with high hopes and deep responsibility. Today, I thank the Almighty God and the good people of Badagry West for the honour to lead this great council,” he said.
In a speech that blended reflection with achievement, the outgoing chairman first paid special tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as the "architect of modern grassroots administration in Nigeria," for creating LCDAs. He also saluted Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support for local governments, and honoured political mentors like Hon. Bamgbose Joseph and the late Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, whose leadership helped shape his political journey.
Gbenu began his administration by tackling the pressing state of the Owode–Apa Road, initiating asphalt rehabilitation work before stepping down following the federal government’s award of the same road project—a decision he said was taken in the spirit of inter-governmental coordination.
Education, he said, was one of the cornerstones of his government. He recalled how children of St. Peter's Primary School in Agonrin were learning under trees—a reality that moved his administration to act swiftly. A six-block classroom, crèche, offices, and treated water plant were built for the school. This gesture was replicated in other schools like Salvation Army Primary School in Boglo, Our Lady of Fatima in Gayingbo, and Methodist Primary Schools in Kweme and Enuko. He also provided school uniforms, writing materials, free GCE forms, a school bus, and organized annual Children’s Day celebrations with mentorship and gifts.
Despite the economic challenges of the COVID-19 era, Gbenu said his government ensured that over 90 communities received palliatives. Health centres were equipped with modern tools and staffed adequately. During the nationwide #EndSARS protests, he proudly noted that Badagry West recorded zero casualties and zero vandalism, thanks to proactive engagements with security agencies, traditional rulers, and youths.
When the fuel subsidy was removed in 2023, his administration responded by launching the Oja Irorun Gbenu Discount Market, disbursing food palliatives, and creating transport support systems to cushion the impact.
Healthcare infrastructure also received a big boost. His government commissioned modern Primary Health Centres in Apa and Bapo, rehabilitated Farasime PHC, procured ambulances, and facilitated several health worker trainings in partnership with the Lagos State PHC Board.
In the area of empowerment, Hon. Gbenu’s administration rolled out annual cash grants, supported artisans and widows, and partnered with the ITF to distribute vocational starter packs. Youths were trained in agriculture, ICT, hair styling, fashion design, and small business management. He also empowered graduates of the Sito Skills Acquisition Centre and marked International Youth Day with the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) through empowerment drives.
Tourism development was another highlight. His government constructed the Boglo Cenotaph—a unifying monument to the area’s cultural heritage—and made World Tourism Day a calendar event in the LCDA. The council, in partnership with NIHOTOUR and under the guidance of traditional rulers, also launched research into newly discovered historical sites to drive future economic benefits.
Infrastructure-wise, Gbenu reported the rehabilitation of several roads and sand-filling of swampy routes, construction of a new area office in Seme, provision of transformers to Irosu and Kweme, installation of solar-powered street lights, and commissioning of an official motor park at the Seme border. He also built 80 lock-up shops, procured official vehicles for councillors and management staff, supported traditional rulers with logistics, and provided a 100kv generator for the council secretariat.
Community welfare was sustained through regular security meetings, gender-based violence campaigns, anti-drug sensitizations, food distributions during festive periods, and welfare packages to over 4,000 families yearly.
Capping off his tenure, Gbenu announced the commissioning of six legacy projects: a modern PHC in Bapo, renovated and solar-powered Sito-Gbethrome Secondary School classroom block, Boglo Community Road, and a newly built APA Cemetery for Christian and Muslim burials. At the Council Secretariat in Kankon, the newly constructed Customary Court and the Modern Administrative Building were also unveiled.
“These were not for applause, but for impact,” he said passionately.
Gbenu handed over to his Vice Chairman of eight years, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY), urging him to stay grounded with the people, uphold integrity, and expand the legacy. “You are not inheriting a structure; you are inheriting a vision. Make it fly,” Gbenu advised.
He also called on party leaders to remain united and to reward loyalty, warning that the future of the party depends on discipline and inclusiveness. “Protect the house we have built,” he appealed.
As his speech drew to a close, Gbenu thanked the people of Badagry West for their unwavering support through the years. “Our journey has come to a dignified end. God bless Badagry West LCDA. God bless Lagos State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
With his head held high and legacy firmly in place, Hon. Gbenu Henugbe Joseph exited office not just as a former council chairman, but as a man who left his footprints across the length and breadth of Badagry West.
No comments