Mr. Raymond Olugbenga Tedunjaye is a practising journalist and also the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu (fondly known as Olugbani).
In this close-up chat with Juliana Francis, he reveals the secrets to Saliu’s success, especially in the area of security.
What’s the difference between your normal journalism work and now as Chief Press Secretary?
As a practising journalist, I go out to source news, process it, write it as a report, and send it to our news editor for refinement and perfection. But as Chief Press Secretary to the council chairman, I am essentially an image manager.
The difference is clear: in journalism, we often look for news that makes headlines and sells the newspaper or attracts readers to our platform.
But as Chief Press Secretary, we manage the image of the council and our principals, no matter how bad it may seem, and present it in a way that helps people understand and appreciate our chairman’s efforts.
My role is to help people understand the importance and significance of our policies and to ensure that the sacrifices of our chairman are seen and appreciated. Our chairman is not just a performer, but also someone who is people-centric and genuinely has the interest of the people at heart.
Now, what are you bringing to the table as Chief Press Secretary?
I am bringing a wealth of experience to this role. Let me start with my professional background. During my years as a practising journalist, I had the privilege of working with seasoned Chief Press Secretaries who mentored me.
Those experiences prepared me for this position, even though I never imagined that I would one day become a Chief Press Secretary myself.
Earlier in my career, I had always aspired to become a councillor and even contested for the position about three times. However, by the grace of God, I have now found myself serving in this capacity.
My pedigree includes working as a correspondent and later as a senior correspondent covering government affairs.
During that period, I worked closely with Mr. Segun Ayobolu, who served as Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ayobolu served as Chief Press Secretary to Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and subsequently as his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Mr Ayobolu was a seasoned journalist and a former editor at the Daily Times. He was very accessible and took time to guide me through the intricacies of the Chief Press Secretary’s role.
After he left office, he was succeeded by Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, a former editor with The Punch Newspaper. I also learned a great deal from him.
Later, during the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, I continued in my role while Mr. Hakeem Bello served as Chief Press Secretary. Altogether, I spent between 10 and 12 years learning firsthand what it truly means to serve effectively as a Chief Press Secretary.
Now, I intend to bring all that experience and professional pedigree to this office and help change the narrative. My goal is to ensure that the image of the local government and that of the Executive Chairman are projected with transparency and credibility.
Unlike what may have happened in the past, I believe in presenting a balanced picture, highlighting both achievements and challenges, to meet the expectations of residents and the broader public.
In a few days, we will mark our first year in office. We have been documenting our achievements, and we intend to showcase them to the world, including those who may still have doubts about our performance.
Governance is a shared responsibility. Residents have their part to play, just as the government has its obligations. My responsibility is to communicate the truth, promote the administration’s achievements, and ensure that people see the genuine efforts being made in the interest of the people. We are not just making promises; we are delivering on them.
Finally, I must add that the Executive Chairman is a true son of the soil. He understands the needs of the people because he comes from this community.
He has prioritised those needs, beginning with education, and significant initiatives have already been put in place. Much more is still to come.
Could you highlight just three things you consider the chairman’s most outstanding achievements?
Certainly, the chairman’s most significant accomplishments over the past year can be grouped into three key areas: education, infrastructure, and security.
Education has remained one of the administration’s highest priorities.
Just last month, we attended an awards programme in Abuja that assessed the performance of all 774 local government councils across Nigeria. Our local government ranked third nationwide in education, a remarkable achievement.
When we assumed office on July 27 last year, schools were on their long vacation. Rather than allowing students to remain idle, the chairman immediately introduced free summer lessons for primary and secondary school students.
To encourage participation and ease the financial burden on parents, the administration distributed free exercise books and T-shirts to participants.
The chairman also organised preparatory classes and mock examinations for students sitting the General Certificate Examination, GCE.
Following the programme, 100 outstanding students received free GCE registration forms and transportation support.
Students who successfully passed the GCE were later provided with free JAMB registration forms. For those who scored above the admission cut-off marks, the council compiled their names and results and wrote to institutions, including the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, and Lagos State University, LASU, advocating for their consideration on merit.
These initiatives reflect the chairman’s unwavering commitment to education. It is also worth noting that the chairman is a practising journalist.
He previously worked with Tell magazine and later served as Managing Editor of King’s Magazine. His professional background has greatly influenced his passion for education, knowledge, and youth development.
What about in the area of infrastructure development?
The administration has also recorded significant progress in infrastructure, completing several road projects that had been abandoned for years.
Among the flagship projects are the construction of the roadway and drainage system on Makanjuola Street, Sari, and the construction of Akinola Street, Sari, both of which are scheduled for commissioning as part of the council’s first anniversary celebrations. The projects have significantly improved access for residents and businesses in the area.
Closer to the council secretariat, interlocking works have also been completed, improving accessibility and easing movement within the community.
In Ireti Street, Badia, an area previously plagued by flooding and poor road conditions, the chairman ensured the road was rehabilitated, making it motorable throughout the year.
Beyond road infrastructure, the administration provided office accommodation for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, a first for the community.
The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Modern Library has also been upgraded into a modern ICT centre powered by solar energy, enabling students and residents to study, conduct research, and work even at night.
What About Security?
Security has arguably been one of the administration’s most impactful achievements. Before the chairman assumed office, cult-related violence posed a serious security challenge in the community. Violent clashes and criminal activities were frequent.
Recognising that security requires both enforcement and community engagement, the chairman convened meetings with parents, community leaders, and security agencies, making it clear that anyone involved in cultism or criminal activities would face prosecution.
Today, the local government holds monthly security meetings involving the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, and community-based security groups such as the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC.
These regular engagements have strengthened intelligence sharing, coordination, and rapid response to security threats.
To improve operational capacity, the administration procured new patrol vehicles for security agencies operating within the council area.
A major milestone will be achieved on July 16, when a new police station is commissioned, further strengthening law enforcement presence and improving emergency response across the community.
The administration has also invested in modern policing. Ten security personnel were sponsored to undergo drone operation training at the Police College in Ikeja, a programme I personally attended. The initiative is expected to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and crime prevention.
The local government also maintains a strong working relationship with the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, ensuring effective collaboration between the council and the Nigeria Police Force.
The chairman personally participates in night security patrols, an uncommon practice among previous administrations, because he believes that firsthand assessment of the security situation enables better decision-making and faster intervention.
These proactive measures have significantly improved public safety and restored residents’ confidence. Today, people can go about their daily activities and sleep peacefully, knowing that security has become a top priority.
The chairman’s hands-on leadership and commitment to protecting lives and property have earned him the nickname “Olugbani”, meaning our saviour, among many appreciative residents.
