By Peter Dansu For decades, one of the recurring concerns of the people of Badagry was having representation at the National Assembly that ...
By Peter Dansu
For decades, one of the recurring concerns of the people of Badagry was having representation at the National Assembly that barely made an impact. A representative whose voice was hardly heard, whose presence was rarely felt, and whose legislative contributions were minimal. Motions were scarce, bills were almost nonexistent, and the very essence of representation felt distant. That narrative, however, changed dramatically in 2023 with the emergence of Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan.
Since assuming office, Sesi Whingan has redefined what it means to represent Badagry at the national level. Today, it is almost impossible to follow proceedings of the House of Representatives without hearing the name “Badagry” mentioned in debates, motions, or legislative engagements. For the first time in a long while, the people of Badagry can confidently say they have a representative who speaks for them, fights for them, and places their concerns on the national agenda.
Beyond rhetoric, Sesi Whingan’s legislative footprint speaks loudly. Within just two and a half years, he has sponsored and co-sponsored an impressive number of bills touching critical sectors of national development. These include the Explosives Act Amendment Bill, the Internet Child Pornography Prevention Bill, the Palm Oil Development Bill, the Agriculture Control of Importation Amendment Bill, the Trade Union Amendment Bill, and the Chartered Institute of Financial and Investment Analysts of Nigeria Bill. Others include the National Agency of Science and Engineering Infrastructure Amendment Bill, the Cancer Registry Bill, the Environmental Health Bill, the Oil and Gas Investment and Free Zone Bill, as well as several constitutional and economic reform bills such as amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act, Central Bank of Nigeria Act, Labour Act, Pension Reform Act, Federal Highway Act, and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority Act.
These are not cosmetic legislations. They are bills with far-reaching implications for national growth, economic stability, public health, employment, and industrial development. They reflect a lawmaker who understands the weight of his office and uses it responsibly.
His motions on the floor of the House have also addressed real and pressing national concerns. From calling for the removal of illegal roadblocks and extortion along the Lagos–Agbara–Badagry–Seme Expressway, to urging the reopening of Banex Plaza in Abuja, to advocating for the conversion of seized properties for public use. He has also moved motions on oil sector accountability, safety concerns on major highways, the need for decommissioning compliance by oil companies, and the investigation of alleged fraud in the real estate sector. Notably, he also moved a motion calling for a full investigation into over 18 billion dollars allegedly expended on non-functional refineries.
Beyond legislation, Hon. Sesi Whingan has remained deeply connected to the people he represents. Over 75 constituents have secured employment through his interventions at federal and state levels. Numerous indigent students are currently benefitting from his scholarship schemes across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
In the area of infrastructure and community development, his impact is visible across Badagry. Schools such as Mowo Community Secondary School, Igbanko Primary School, Javie Community School, St. Leo’s College Ikoga-Zebbe, and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School have benefited from new buildings, renovations, fencing, and improved sanitation facilities. Solar-powered streetlights now illuminate several streets, improving safety and quality of life. Through his influence, NEMA has responded promptly to disaster situations in the area, providing relief materials and financial support to affected residents.
Youth empowerment has remained a cornerstone of his representation. Hon. Sesi Whingan believes empowerment must be meaningful and sustainable. Under his watch, no fewer than eight empowerment programmes have been facilitated through federal agencies, focusing on agriculture, fishing, tailoring, and vocational skills. Beneficiaries were not only trained but also provided with equipment and startup capital to ensure lasting impact. Over 700 bags of fertilizer have been distributed to farmers, strengthening local food production.
His commitment to human capital development is further reflected in the Badagry 1000 Tech Talents Programme, a personal initiative through which 200 youths were trained in digital and technology-based skills, with outstanding participants receiving brand new laptops to kick-start their careers.
One of his most remarkable interventions has been the revival of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry. Once neglected and fading into obscurity, ASCON is now regaining relevance due to his consistent engagements with federal authorities. He has repeatedly pushed for attention, funding, and reforms that have helped reposition the institution.
His passion for tourism development has also brought renewed attention to Badagry’s historical and cultural value. He played a key role in facilitating the visit of a former Minister of Tourism to Badagry, a move aimed at unlocking the area’s enormous tourism potential and placing it firmly on the national and international tourism map.
Despite these achievements, some critics continue to reduce legislative performance to visible handouts and publicity-driven empowerment. Such narrow thinking ignores the broader responsibilities of a lawmaker and the quiet but impactful work that often goes unnoticed. Sesi Whingan has empowered many beyond public display, focusing on sustainable development rather than social media optics.
For a first-term legislator, his performance stands out remarkably. Compared to previous representations, his tenure has brought visibility, relevance, and tangible progress to Badagry. Even within the complex hierarchy of the National Assembly, he commands respect and attention, consistently ensuring that Badagry’s interests are not sidelined.
It is not surprising that political detractors have begun to downplay his achievements. As 2027 approaches, the stakes are rising, and the reality is clear: Sesi Whingan has raised the bar. For many, his re-election is not just desirable but necessary. A second term would elevate him to ranking status, further strengthening Badagry’s voice and influence at the national level.
In just two and a half years, Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan has rewritten the story of representation in Badagry. He has moved the constituency from the margins to the mainstream of national discourse. And if given another opportunity, the future promises even greater transformation for the ancient town and its people.
Peter Dansu (B.A. in Yoruba and Communication Arts, PGD in Tax Forensics and Tax Fraud Examination, Master’s in Business Forensics – in view) is the Publisher of Badagry Today
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