APC YOUTHS MOBILISE FOR 2027 AS CITY BOY MOVEMENT INAUGURATES LGA, WARD EXECUTIVES; PRINCESS DAMILOLA URGES LEADERS TO LEARN FROM 2023 ELECTIONS

By: Lagostrend Correspondent

Lagostrend report that the City Boy Movement has strengthened its grassroots organisational structure in Badagry Division with the inauguration of its Local Government Area (LGA) and ward executives, bringing together prominent political leaders, elected representatives, council chairmen, youth stakeholders, women leaders, and party faithful ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The high-profile gathering, held at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, during the monthly meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth wing, provided a platform for political engagement, leadership development, and strategic discussions on strengthening grassroots participation across Lagos West II Senatorial District.

The event attracted an impressive array of political stakeholders, including the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Hon. Ogunlewe; the Lagos State Coordinator of the movement and Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sesi Whingan; and the Divisional Coordinator, Prince Lanre Sanusi.

Also present was Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State and State Woman Leader of the City Boy Movement, whose presence added significance to the gathering.

Other prominent dignitaries included Hon. Kayode Robert, popularly known as Bibire, who is associated with the political ambition to represent Ojo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The three council chairmen across the Badagry Federation were also in attendance. They were Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government; Hon. Peter Ajose Kumayon, popularly known as RIKAY, Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA); and Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemenre, Executive Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area.

The Member representing Badagry Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Bonu Saanu Solomon, was equally among the distinguished guests at the event.

The convergence of political leaders, elected representatives, and young people underscored the importance of grassroots organisation, unity, and youth participation as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.

PRINCESS DAMILOLA SONAYON-JAMES URGES APC LEADERS TO LEARN FROM 2023 ELECTIONS

In her welcome address, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James warmly welcomed party leaders, members of the City Boy Movement, youth leaders, women leaders, and other stakeholders to what she described as a significant occasion for strengthening grassroots engagement and political participation in Badagry Division.

She expressed appreciation to the movement’s leadership, coordinators, and members for their dedication to building an organised platform that brings people together and encourages active participation in the democratic process.

According to her, the inauguration represented more than a ceremonial gathering; it was an opportunity to strengthen relationships, consolidate the movement’s organisational structure, and renew members’ commitment to the future of Lagos State and Nigeria.

Addressing preparations for the 2027 general elections, Princess Damilola urged party leaders and members to reflect on the lessons of the 2023 elections and ensure that previous challenges and organisational shortcomings were not repeated.

“We must not allow the challenges, divisions, complacency, or mistakes of 2023 to repeat themselves in the forthcoming elections,” she emphasised.

She called for greater unity, improved organisation, responsible communication, voter education, and sustained engagement with residents across communities in Badagry Division.

The APC Deputy Governorship Candidate stressed that effective political participation required more than enthusiasm at rallies, noting that consistent engagement and adequate preparation were essential to building a stronger grassroots structure.

She also encouraged eligible voters to ensure that they had their Permanent Voter Cards, verify their polling units, and participate peacefully in the electoral process.

Furthermore, she urged members to respect electoral rules, protect their votes through lawful means, and report electoral concerns through the appropriate channels.

Princess Damilola maintained that political mobilisation should begin long before election day through community engagement, listening to residents, identifying their needs, and building lasting relationships across wards and local government areas.

She urged the City Boy Movement to promote peaceful political participation, constructive dialogue, and mutual respect, regardless of differences in political opinions.

BADAGRY MUST HAVE A STRONG VOICE

Princess Damilola also highlighted Badagry’s historical significance, rich cultural heritage, and development potential, stressing the importance of sustained attention to infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment, tourism, and economic opportunities.

She called on political leaders and grassroots stakeholders to pay attention to the needs of traders, artisans, farmers, fishermen, transport workers, teachers, students, and other residents whose contributions remain vital to the development of the division.

According to her, the strength of a political movement should not be measured solely by the size of its gatherings but also by the quality of its organisation, its commitment to the people, and its contribution to community development.

She further encouraged youths and women to participate actively in community affairs and democratic processes, noting that their contributions were important to building stronger communities.

Concluding her address, she urged the newly inaugurated executives to embrace unity, discipline, teamwork, and responsibility as they began their assignments.

She reiterated that the lessons of 2023 should guide preparations for the forthcoming elections, while peace, respect for the people, and commitment to community development should remain central to their activities.

CITY BOY MOVEMENT INTENSIFIES GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION AHEAD OF 2027

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the Badagry gathering provided an opportunity for APC youths and political stakeholders to discuss organisational development, community engagement, and strategies for strengthening the movement’s presence across the division.

A major focus of the engagement was mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, alongside efforts to consolidate the movement’s grassroots structures and encourage greater participation among young people.

Participants emphasised the importance of building a coordinated network that connects the movement’s leadership with members and supporters at the local government and ward levels.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for political leaders and youth representatives to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and explore ways to sustain engagement within their communities.

The inauguration of the executives therefore marked an important organisational step towards establishing a more structured connection between the movement’s leadership and its grassroots supporters.

INAUGURATION OF LGA AND WARD EXECUTIVES MARKS A NEW CHAPTER

The formal inauguration of the City Boy Movement’s LGA and ward executives was the major highlight of the occasion.

The newly inaugurated executives are expected to coordinate the movement’s activities, strengthen communication, engage residents, and mobilise members within their respective areas.

By establishing leadership structures at the grassroots, the movement aims to improve coordination, encourage wider participation, and provide a more organised platform for engaging youths and other community stakeholders.

The presence of the movement’s leadership, elected representatives, council chairmen, and other political stakeholders underscored the importance attached to the inauguration and the expansion of the movement’s organisational structure in Badagry.

Members were encouraged to approach their responsibilities with dedication, discipline, and a strong sense of commitment to the movement’s objectives.

The inauguration also reinforced the importance of teamwork and effective leadership in building a sustainable grassroots organisation.

PRINCESS DAMILOLA SONAYON-JAMES HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

The presence of Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State and State Woman Leader of the City Boy Movement, highlighted the role of women in political organisation and leadership.

Her participation provided an opportunity to emphasise the importance of collaboration among political leaders, women, youths, and grassroots organisations in strengthening community engagement across Lagos State.

The gathering brought together stakeholders committed to expanding political participation and improving organisational coordination as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.

The event also underscored the value of inclusive participation, with women and young people encouraged to contribute meaningfully to political discussions and community development initiatives.

RIKAY REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR TINUBU AND APC CANDIDATES

Speaking at the event, Hon. Peter Ajose Kumayon, Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, popularly known as RIKAY, reaffirmed his support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC candidates in Badagry.

He pledged to sustain his commitment to the party and support mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kumayon also charged members of the City Boy Movement to hit the ground running by strengthening their grassroots presence, engaging residents, and working collaboratively towards the party’s political objectives.

He emphasised the importance of unity, discipline, commitment, and effective grassroots engagement in strengthening the movement’s organisational structure.

RIKAY further acknowledged the value of youth participation, genuine collaboration, and sustained community engagement in promoting development across Badagry Division.

He noted that keeping residents informed about government initiatives and opportunities capable of positively affecting their lives remained an important aspect of responsible leadership.

As Badagry continues to pursue its development aspirations, he stressed the need for collaboration among political stakeholders, community leaders, and youth organisations to advance shared goals.

His remarks reinforced the importance of connecting political engagement with the everyday concerns and development needs of residents.

APC YOUTHS URGED TO EMBRACE UNITY, DISCIPLINE, AND EFFECTIVE MOBILISATION

Beyond the inauguration ceremony, the gathering reinforced the importance of unity, strategic planning, and sustained grassroots engagement among APC members and supporters of the City Boy Movement.

The participation of youths from different local government areas across Badagry Division highlighted their role in political organisation and democratic participation.

Members were encouraged to remain committed to their responsibilities, strengthen their relationships with residents, and promote constructive engagement within their communities.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and ensuring that political engagement remains connected to community needs.

For the movement, building a sustainable organisational structure requires more than appointing executives. It also demands consistent engagement, effective communication, teamwork, and a shared commitment to clearly defined objectives.

The newly inaugurated executives are expected to contribute to these efforts through their activities at the local government and ward levels.

BADAGRY MOVES TOWARDS A MORE COORDINATED GRASSROOTS STRUCTURE

The inauguration of the City Boy Movement’s LGA and ward executives represents a fresh phase in the movement’s organisational activities across Badagry Division.

With leadership structures established at the grassroots, the movement aims to intensify its engagement with members and supporters while expanding its network across communities in Lagos West II Senatorial District.

The event underscored the importance of cooperation among political leaders, elected representatives, youth organisations, and community stakeholders in strengthening political participation.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, the Badagry gathering has drawn attention to grassroots coordination, leadership responsibility, youth participation, and the importance of learning from previous electoral experiences.

The inauguration concluded with renewed calls for unity, commitment, and sustained engagement, as leaders encouraged the newly inaugurated executives to translate their responsibilities into meaningful organisational activities.

For the City Boy Movement, the Badagry inauguration marks an important step towards consolidating its grassroots structure, strengthening youth participation, and preparing members for the political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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