The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, today flagged off the pilot phase of the Renewed Hope Ounje Arugbo for Senior Citizens, a food palliative initiative aimed at cushioning economic hardship and supporting elderly residents. The inaugural distribution at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat reached 500 senior citizens across the wards, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive, compassionate and people-centred governance under the Greater Badagry Rising Agenda.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Hunpe described the programme as a practical demonstration of responsible grassroots governance, stressing that senior citizens deserve dignity, care and recognition for their contributions to society. He assured that subsequent phases would expand coverage, including through door-to-door outreach, while noting that beneficiaries also cut across the Arewa, Igbo and South-South communities, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness.

The Chairman further disclosed that the Renewed Hope Ounje Arugbo is part of a broader package of social interventions being rolled out to mark the administration’s first anniversary in office with additional support programmes planned for widows and other vulnerable categories of residents.

Speaking earlier in her opening remarks, the Supervisor for Senior Citizens and Social Services, Alhaja Risikat Padonu-Hassan, commended the initiative as a thoughtful and timely intervention, noting that it reflects the administration’s genuine concern for the welfare, dignity and wellbeing of senior citizens. She applauded the Chairman for prioritising inclusive governance and programmes that directly impact the lives of residents.

The Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Bankole Mautin Asokere; APC Badagry LGA Chairman, Hon. Gafar Muritala Meyon; Apex Leader, High Chief Moses Zannu Ogunbiyi; and Apex Woman Leader, Alhaja Kikelomo Pesu Ladipo, in separate remarks, commended the Chairman’s inclusive and compassionate leadership, particularly his focus on vulnerable groups. They described the initiative as a commendable demonstration of responsive governance and genuine concern for residents.

The event was attended by the wife of the Chairman, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Hunpe; Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Adagba Benjamin; Council Manager, Mrs. Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi; Councillors, Supervisors, Special Advisers and Council Management Staff, among other stakeholders.