Badagry
The emergence of Mrs Damilola Sonayon-James as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate for Lagos State is historic and signals a new era of political inclusion for Badagry.
The Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Hunpe said the development marked the first time, since the creation of Lagos State in 1967, that a son or daughter of Badagry had been nominated for such a high political office.
He said that the people of the Badagry Division of Lagos State had long been yearning for such.
Hunpe, a former House of Representatives Member, said the nomination was significant because it brought Badagry closer to the state’s highest political office than at any other time.
According to him, in spite of being one of the five traditional divisions in Lagos State and playing a pivotal role in the state’s history, Badagry had never produced a governor or deputy governor.
He said the emergence of Sonayon-James as APC deputy governorship candidate represented a major political breakthrough for the division after nearly six decades of waiting for such recognition.
The chairman said that the development had rekindled hope among residents, who viewed the nomination as an acknowledgement of Badagry’s contributions to the political, economic and cultural development of Lagos State.
According to him, the nomination has generated excitement across Badagry and is being celebrated as recognition of the division’s contributions to the growth and development of the state.
“These things are happening during our time, and we have to give thanks to God. Since the creation of Lagos State in 1967, Badagry has not had this kind of opportunity.
“We have been clamouring for it for years,” he said.
The council chairman noted that although Lagos comprised five divisions, key political positions had, over the years, been occupied by individuals from other divisions.
He thanked the leadership of APC and other political stakeholders in the state for supporting the emergence of the deputy governorship candidate.
He said that the development strengthened the confidence of Badagry people in Lagos State’s political process.
Hunpe said Badagry people were united and committed to supporting the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that the nomination would accelerate development in Badagry.
He described Sonayon-James as a worthy ambassador of Badagry.
Hunpe urged residents of Badagry to continue to support initiatives that would promote peace, progress and sustainable development. (NAN)
