Boss Picks

Rate Your Leader Will Rekindle Hope in Elected Representatives – Joel Popoola

Published

7 years ago

December 27, 2019

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

One man has developed the appropriate app to not only link voters to their representatives, but also curb the origin and spread of fake news in its entirety. He is JOEL OYEYINKA POPOOLA. He told The Boss everything that needs to be known about the app called Rate Your Leader, due for launched in Nigeria in February 2020. Excerpts:

Joel Oyeyinka Popoola, fondly called Joel or Yinka is the Founder of Rate Your Leader Ltd and Aacle Ltd. He grew up in Gbongan, Osun State where he had his primary and post-primary education at St Paul’s Anglican Primary School and later at Gbongan Community High School. He is a British Citizen of Nigerian decent.

He says more about himself:

I studied Accounting with a background in Banking, Finance, and Insurance from The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State. I also have a Masters degree in Managerial Psychology obtained from Nigeria’s Premier University, the University of Ibadan.

“I later joined the IT world where I have practiced professional software testing consultancy for many uninterrupted and highly productive and eventful years. My earliest career path saw me traversing through two superior financial institutions based in my home country, Nigeria; they are United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the former Intercontinental Bank, which is today a part of the ever-growing Access Bank. These institutions sharpened, shaped and honed my professional skills and grounded me in distinguishing Leadership roles with excellent service delivery in Banking Operations, Branch Start-up and Management, Relationship Management, Business Development, Risk Management, and Information Technology. I am an Advance Member of the Institute of Directors, Great Britain; Associate Member of Rain Cloud, Westminster; Member, London Tech Advocates, and Various Meet Up groups in North East of England.”

His growing up days, like every typical Nigerian child, was eventful and full of adventures. He disclosed that that his was a fairly family where everyone interacted as one big family.

“I grew up in a very big compound in Gbongan with my siblings, cousins, nephews, and nieces, from my mother and father’s families. The beauty of growing up in Gbongan was that we were one big family. My mum was a food vendor with some local schools and because of that, I had many friends who were guaranteed extra food. There were quite a number of challenges though but looking back now, I realize that those challenges were part of my destiny, and they helped to pave the way to where I am now.”

Explaining what aroused his interest into developing the Rate Your Leader app, and what exactly tuned up his interest in leadership and democracy since he has a financial background, Popoola went down memory lane to bring to the present series of brief but important occurrences that is about to change the face of digital democracy.

He narrated: I joined the United Bank for Africa as a corps member in 1999/2000 and around 2001/2002, our then Managing Director, Mallam Abba Kyari (now Chief of Staff to the President) introduced a 360-appraiser system to the Bank, where customers, colleagues, line managers all have a say in your annual performance evaluation. I could remember then that, the junior staff couldn’t be trusted to give feedback on our Director’s performance, hence the question came to my mind, who appraises the Directors, Managing Directors, and our Chairman then was Hakeem Bello-Osagie.

As God would have it, I was privileged to join the Bank’s condolence team to late Justice Atinuke Ige, shortly after Chief Bola Ige was murdered. In the bank’s team were my branch manager, Busola Adebusuyi, Hakeem Bello-Osagie, Arnold Ekpe, (was coming from Eko Transnational to join UBA) Alero Otobo, from Human Capital Management and a host of others. I thought to myself that having these people in Ibadan, would proffer an answer to my question as to who appraises the Directors, and consequently the Chairman of a bank and by extension the governor of a state, a president of a country or who is qualified to appraise them. There and then, the seed of Rate Your Leader was sowed. Getting to the UK was just the icing on the cake, more often than not politicians would send flyers to houses inviting people for surgeries, to join their campaign and all what not. One day, I asked myself, why can’t the politicians reach the residents online real time through a credible platform and allow engagement within their constituencies? This would not only give back the power to the people to hold their leaders accountable, but will also help the leader to know what matters most to the people whose interest they are serving. That was the beginning of the digital democracy project- Rate Your Leader

His deep knowledge of the electoral process of the nation in comparison to what is obtainable elsewhere has propelled his thought process, and shaped him towards changing the narrative responsible for the no motion movement in the country’s democracy since 1999?

“There are a series of challenges that are responsible for this slow movement; the major one has to do with the electoral process; there is lack of internal democracy within the political parties. Here, candidates for elective positions mostly emerge as the highest bidders. More often than not, people with deep pockets get a nomination to be the flag bearers of their political parties. I think at the party level, all the party members should be allowed to vote and choose who to represent them at any election. Selecting delegates to vote for presidential candidates, state governorship candidates as over the years, laid the corrupt foundation for vote buying. This has now extended to our polling stations and even booths.

Also, sources of funding elections in Nigeria are shrouded in secrecy. It is the right of every Nigerians to know how much each political party spent in the last election, for example, and who are their contributors/donors. The National Assembly should do the needful in this regard and enact laws that will empower INEC to compel every political party to publish sources of their funding, and the amount raised for any election. This would be the first step in the right direction to effectively fight corruption. This will also kill the new waves of vote-buying and ensure a credible electioneering process at the political party level.

There’s a huge disconnect between our elected representatives, our governors, House of rep members, senators and the people who elected them. No means of reaching them at all, immediately they voted in, they disappear, only to come back after four years canvassing for votes. There are no means of holding them accountable for their campaign promises. In the UK, almost two-thirds of Britons believe the political system is “rigged to the advantage of the rich and powerful” and only half believe they can influence politics. These figures cannot be significantly different if the same research is conducted in Nigeria. There are no popularly known ways of sending direct messages to our elected leaders in Nigeria. No official emails, (the majority of our elected leaders are still using yahoo email, Gmail, or Hotmail for official matters) no official phone numbers, (and where one is provided, you can’t reach them. Your call goes straight to a voicemail or answering machine)

You are the brain behind the now globally rated Rate Your Leader app, which has its base in the United Kingdom. Can you tell us what it entails?

Rate Your Leader is a cutting edge bridge between the elected representatives and their electors, The app will help politicians to listen, connect and engage with the voters within their constituencies, providing them with the tools to Improve their voter reach, Target and broadcast to voters at the touch of a button, Encourage people to register to vote, and Engage directly with voters without fear of abuse. On the flip side, it allows confirmed voters to communicate directly with the elected representatives from their phones or tablets in a way that makes abuse impossible, as well as rating them for responsiveness. It pre-populates for voters their elected representative based on their ward, local council, federal constituency, senatorial district and states after which confirmed voters can directly start a conversation with the elected leaders that serve them, constructively.”

Are there plans to replicate this novel app in Nigeria and other developing countries in order for their democracy to have a facelift?

Yes, we did a pilot in Nigeria earlier this year – January, and we are planning the launching of the app in a few weeks’ time across all the states in Nigeria. We’ll be looking at about four other Africa Counties in our first phase of expansion.

As a tech entrepreneur who has an interest in good governance, democracy, and leadership recruitment, what are the challenges you face in the course of preaching this leadership barometer app?

In all honesty, it has not been a very smooth journey – from the conception stage, to the development of the minimum viable product, to onboarding elected representatives and voters, but the crucial point is, I have tremendously enjoyed the support of various organizations and individuals in Nigeria and in the UK. For instance, The Sunderland Software City paid up to 70% for our functional specification cost, Mincoffs Solicitors, The Business Information Units of the Institute of Directors UK, handled almost all our business research, The Rain Cloud Westminster provided opportunity to meet with frontline politicians and Ministers-across the political parties, the Metropolitan Police and Jo Cox Foundation provided useful feedback, the Big Tent Ideas Festival provided the opportunity to pitch at 2019 Big Tent that attracts over 2500 participants across all sectors, The Councillors, MPs, too numerous to mention. Also, in Nigeria, our solicitors, Olawinun Ajayi LP, Chief Dele Momodu, Tolu Ogunlesi, Akin Fadeyi my good friends Riliwan Olawale Yusuf, Bolade Adesokan, Tope Agboola, Moses Adebisi, Funsho Ojo-Kayode, Tony Eluba, Abiola Joshua, my cousins Adesoji Adeyanju, Oladele Adedeji and host of others did a lot to support the pilot in Nigeria

What does the Nigerian system stand to gain if this app is enlisted in the country’s democratic system?

Crucially, as many that have lost faith in their elected representatives have just got their faith rekindled.

Recall that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo sometimes last month, called on news organisations to do more to tackle the “fake news or provocative information” he believes “can cause chaos, civil unrest, war, and even death”. He continued: “I think all of us in the media; social media, print, TV, all of us, should begin to do something serious about fake news before it begins to consume us”.

However, I am of a considered opinion that the project’s Rate Your Leader app helps politicians engage with voters in their constituencies, helping them understand what matters most to the people who elected them and build relationships of trust with the electorate. Politicians need to ask themselves why social media provides such fertile soil for dangerous rumours to take root – one of the main reasons is the lack of trust electors have for the elected.

Young Nigerians are more likely to own a Smartphone than they are to vote. That’s why it makes it so important for politicians to use that technology to built relationships of trust with the voters. Fake news of the kind we’ve seen in Nigeria in recent weeks necessitates the public having reliable source of information they can go to online, and where is a better place to go than directly to their local representatives? Nigeria voters need to know what information they can trust, and also that they can trust their local representatives.

How secured is the app from invasion or disruption, especially by politicians who have perfected means of subverting any electoral system in the country?

It will be extremely difficult for anyone either politician or voter to register multiple accounts on Rate Your Leader, We use one of the most credible platforms to verify all users, unlike most social media giants where you can create thousands (with just email address) accounts.

Do you think the Nigerian electoral system can still get it right, especially when it comes to voting the right people in public offices?

I believe our electoral system can still get it right if it is willing to do so. Our INEC needs to be truly independent and be ready to supervise the political parties’ activities effectively. INEC should query political spending and be interested in how political parties source their funding.

What is your take on the phenomenon of fake news and what impact do you think it will have on democracy, especially in developing countries?

The phenomenon of fake news and its impact on democracy all over the world needs to be nipped in the bud if nations are concerned about their unity and harmony. I urge electors to embrace new technology to ‘take back democracy’ or risk the downside. “From military rule to Africa’s biggest democracy, Nigeria has come this far in my lifetime. But fake news threatens our fledgling democracy. Fake news of fake explosions, fake massacres, fake roads and even a fake President are inimical to our growth as a society. This cannot continue. This goes beyond politics. All parties need to work together to combat a menace that endangers our international reputation and our very democracy. Independent international studies have shown the influence social media misinformation had on our most recent elections. This cannot happen again. We cannot let people be conned. Misinformation is a weapon of mass destruction, which threatens Nigeria’s democracy and we need to come together to combat it.”

How do you intend to get the youths involve in this drive since it has more to do with technology?

The recent presidential election in Africa’s most populous democracy saw the lowest turnout since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, with just a third of voters turning up at polling stations. Almost half of young Nigerians now own a Smartphone, with research from analysts Pew showing that 48% of 18-34-year-olds, and 39% of all adults, access the Internet using their mobile telephone. Young Nigerians are more likely to own a Smartphone than they are to vote. For the sake of our democracy, it’s vital that politicians think creatively about how best to use digital technology to reach out to voters, the youngest in particular.

Turnout in Nigerian elections has been decreasing since 2003, and it seems reasonable to speculate that a driving force behind that could be decreasing faith in a political establishment, which looks less and less like the electorate. We would take the news to universities, football pitches, club houses and everywhere we can draw the youth to the platform. In fact, we are set for a revolutionary structuring of voting process, and elector/elected relationship.

Boss Picks

Glo Celebrates Executive Director, Sade Michael-Adenuga at 31

Published

3 weeks ago

July 1, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Communications giant, GLOBACOM, has celebrated its Group Executive Director, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, as she clocks 31.

In a message via the Group’s X account, Globacom celebrated the go-getting abilities Ms Michael-Adenuga, recognising her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment, which have continued speak loud in the growth and development of the Gbobacom Group.

The message reads:

“Today, we celebrate Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, whose dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment continue to make a meaningful difference.

“As you mark another year, we wish you good health, happiness, and many more years of fulfilment and remarkable accomplishments. May the year ahead bring every opportunity to continue making an enduring impact.

“Happy Birthday, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga.”

Sade Michael-Adenuga is the last daughter of the billionaire businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Glo brand, among many other business concerns.

Beautiful and highly ceregral, Sade is a certified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She currently serves as a Group Executive Director of Globacom Group, and is the founder of QuickLaw.

Boss Picks

Adeleke and Momodu: A Classic Tale of ‘Twin’ Brothers

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The story of the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is one told from a multiple dimension. It encompasses passion, love, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration, and more importantly, brotherhood.

Here’s a classic tale of two individuals, who started as acquaintances, transmuted into being friends, and today has become inseparable, not just as brothers, but as ‘twin’ brothers. No wonder the Bible says, there’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother; that’s the story of ‘Demola and Dele. A typical example of Double D. A classic tale of friendship made in heaven.

Both have seen measured successes in their various fields of endeavours. Adeleke, besides being an accomplished entrepreneur, has in his own way, conquered the field of politics, having served as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and presently serving as the Executive Governor of Osun State.

Momodu, on his part, has not in any way lacked behind. Beyond establishing and sustaining Africa’s number one celebrity magazine, Momodu is an iconic journalist, publisher, businessman and a motivational speaker, who has both working and personal relationships with many influential world leaders. He has been one shot away from the highest office in the land, having contested for the Nigerian presidency, first as a candidate in 2011, and as an aspirant in 2023.

Born same year, 1960, same month, May, the brothers have from time in memorial, shared a common bond that has given onlookers the apertite to ask more questions about their originality. But while one is from Edo State, the other is from Osun. However, the state barriers notwithstanding, Adeleke and Momodu has proved to the world what true friendship means.

Over the weekend when Momodu celebrated his 66th birthday, just three days after Adeleke celebrated his at the Government House, in Oshogbo, the Governor gladly referred to Momodu as his ‘twin’ brother, a motion that everyone readily agreed with. It is worthy of note that while Adeleke was born on May 13, 1960, Momodu was born on May 16, 1960. Friends and associates always insist that Adeleke is three days older than Momodu, and that one fact Momodu has come to live with, and joyously celebrates.

In his message at the birthday celebration, held with incisive discussion on the theme, Ignorance and The Danger of Xenophobia, at the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre, Alalubosa, Ibadan, the Governor extolled the qualities of Momodu, fondly referring to him as ‘my twin brother’. He hailed Momodu for always using his birthday to speak to the conscience of Africa, especially in the last three years.

At the event, organized by The Dele Momodu Foundation, with the theme, “Ignorance and the Danger of Xenophobia.” Speakers at the occasion condemned the rising tide of xenophobic attacks, particularly those targeting Nigerian citizens in South Africa, warning that such hostility undermines regional progress, peace, and continental unity.

Taking the podium to honour the celebrant, whom he affectionately described as his “twin brother,” Adeleke praised Chief Momodu not only as a towering figure in African journalism and publishing; serving as the CEO and Publisher of the celebrated Ovation International magazine but also as an advocate for unity. The governor further called for urgent action to protect Nigerian citizens abroad in relation to the theme of the day, and the body language of the continent as a result of the present situation in South Africa, where black foreign population is being persecuted and threatened.

“Xenophobia is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our shared humanity,” Governor Adeleke said. “The attacks on our citizens in South Africa and elsewhere demand serious and immediate attention. As leaders, we must come together across borders to ensure that these hostilities stop. We cannot speak of a united Africa while our brothers and sisters are targeted simply for being Nigerian,” the governor said.

The governor further pledged his administration’s full support for initiatives aimed at ending xenophobic violence against Nigerians in the diaspora, emphasizing that diplomatic and collaborative efforts are necessary to safeguard the dignity of African citizens everywhere.

The event drew a distinguished array of guests. The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Eghosa Emmanuel Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, who provided an incisive analysis of the socio-political roots of xenophobia and its impact on pan-African integration.

The Chairperson of the occasion was Her Excellency Jewel Howard-Taylor, former Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, whose presence emphasized the pan-African significance of the gathering. A somber yet inspiring musical performance was delivered by Sir Shina Peter, the guest musician, who paid tribute to a life well lived in service of journalism and humanity.

In his remarks, the celebrant thanked the governor, the dignitaries, and the foundation for turning his birthday into a platform for meaningful dialogue and action.

DELE MOMODU – MAY 16, 1960

Dele Momodu, without an iota of doubt stands tall among those who have been diligent in businesses, and it is therefore, no surprise that he has stood, and is still standing not just before kings but with kings.

Born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on May 16, 1960, some 63 years ago, Chief Dele Momodu as he is known in the business circle, and Bob Dee, in the social stage, is by every standard a man who is diligent in his business. And it is no wonder that he has not only stood before kings, he had and continues to dine with kings. There is practically no influential person that Dele Momodu does not know across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Africa and on the inter-continental stage. He is that large!

By every standard a rare breed, Momodu is many things in one; journalist/publisher, businessman, philanthropist, actor, politician and motivational speaker. Among all these he considers himself simply as a reporter, and even with a retinue of seasoned staff still ventures into the field to scoop exclusives. Those who have referred to him as a workaholic are not far from the truth. Even he, himself has an oft quoted line thus “those who come from poor background cannot afford to sleep too much”.

A beacon of the Momodu family, Dele, the last of three siblings, was ‘privileged’ to lose his father at the age of 13, and was therefore sentenced to the complete tutelage of his mother, and sometimes relatives. His mother became practically his mentor, teacher and soulmate until she passed away on May 18, 2007, two days after Dele’s 47th birthday. According to him, one of the many morals his mother, who he revered next to God, taught him, is never to despair even when times are tough. Even in her near poverty state, Dele maintained that ‘she didn’t give up on me.’

The accomplished journalist, whose first name was derived from Ayobamidele, meaning “my joy has followed me home”, is a proud 1982 graduate of the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) where he obtained a degree in Yoruba Language, and followed it up in 1988 with a master’s degree in English Literature.

He kicked off his professional career as a lecturer at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife, between 1982 and 1983 while serving as a corps member. He went on to become the private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, a position he held from 1983 till 1985. In 1986, he was elevated to serve the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing his Motel Royal Limited.

Momodu is the proprietor of the no 1 celebrity journal, Ovation International Magazine, The Boss Newspaper and Ovation Television.

The Akinrogun of Gbonganland, who is also the Aare of Iwoland, has also been honoured with the Prestigious Value Leadership award by an organisation, Nigeria, which is a subsidiary of Moonlite Integrated Concept, among an avalanche of awards, honours and tags. Momodu us consistently praised for his admirable efforts, which have not gone unnoticed.

ADEMOLA JACKSON ADELEKE – MAY 13, 1960

Born of the Adeleke family of Ede in Osun State on May 13, 1960, Adeleke commenced his primary education at Methodist Primary School, Surulere Lagos State before he was privileged to relocate to Old Oyo State to continue his education at Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire.

Adeleke was born Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke to a Muslim father and Nnena Esther Adeleke, an Igbo Christian mother. Like him, Adeleke’s father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was a Senator and the Balogun of Ede land in Osun State. His father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was also the leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

On completion of his primary education, he moved on to The Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede to begin his post primary schooling. In the later years however, he attended Ede Muslim Grammar School Ede, where he completed his secondary school education and subsequently relocated to the United States of America, joining his two older brothers, who were also studying there.

In the United States, he joined Jacksonville State University, Alabama, and studied Criminal Justice, with minor in Political Science.

To prove doubting Thomases, who wiped up controversies around his educational qualification, wrong, he went back to school and got enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2021.

A businessman and administrator of no mean repute, Adeleke was the humble Group Executive Director at his brother’s company, Pacific Holdings Limited from 2001 to 2016, where his credible performances shot the company to enviable heights; a height it is still enjoying till date.

It is imperative to note that before he joined Pacific Holdings Limited, Senator Adeleke worked with Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, as a service contractor from 1985 to 1989. His dexterity to work earned him a progression in career, and he berthed as Vice President at Origin International LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, US, a flavours and fragrance manufacturing company. His meritorious stewardship lasted a period of five years, from 1990 to 1994.

Not a few has described Adeleke as the philanthropic capital of Ede, as his influence in aiding the less privileged and downtrodden remains top notch. He is a voracious believer in community development, and has not spared any expense to see that his community receives global influence.

Politically, Adeleke is a beacon of light and hard nut to crack, having remained an albatross to opposing powers and a reference point to ideal administration.

Shortly after he lost his brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who died in April 2017, he contested the Osun West 2017 Senatorial by-election, emerging as the winner under the Peoples Democratic Party, where he decamped to from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Having emerged senator, Adeleke’s political influence waxed stronger, an on July 23, 2018, he emerged as the governorship candidate of PDP in Osun State.

Adeleke ran for Osun state governorship election under the PDP against top contenders Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of APC and Iyiola Omisore of SDP on 22 September 2018. The election was declared inconclusive by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) while Adeleke was leading, and a rerun slated on September 27, 2018. The candidate of the APC Oyetola was declared winner after the run-off. Adeleke protested the result describing the election as a “coup”.

Much as on March 22, 2019, the tribunal sitting in Abuja declared Adeleke the winner of the election, the Supreme Court later affirmed Gboyega Oyetola as the authentic winner of the 2018 Osun State governorship election on Friday, July 5, 2019

Popularly known as the Dancing Senator because of his penchant to joyfully react to the sounds of music, Adeleke is uncle to one of Nigeria’s popular musicians, Davido.

Governor Adeleke is married to two beautiful women. They are blessed with three children who are all entertainers. They are B-Red and Shina Rambo and a daughter, Nike Adeleke. He is the uncle of one Nigeria’s primus inter pares in entertainment, Davido.

As expected, Adeleke is moving Osun State to the greatest of heights as he promised, and many who know him agree that there are still very many more in the offing even as he navigates his political prowess to win again on August 15.

These ‘twin’ brothers have become a toast of reference. They are hardworking, philanthropic in nature, and always happy.

Yes, always happy as the smiles and dance in their gaits at all times are unmistakable.

Cheers to brotherhood!

Cheers to Ademola Adeleke and Dele Momodu!

Boss Picks

Koumagnon Family Pledges Unalloyed Support for Romuald Wadagni As President

Published

3 months ago

April 9, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Koumagnon Family and Allied Families of Seme-Kpodji, of the Republic of Benin, led by Monsieur Alberto Koumagnon, has declared their unflinching support for the candidacy of Romuald Wadagni as he steps out on Sunday to vie for the presidential seat of the Republic of Benin.

In statement of declaration, the families observed that Wadagni is propelled by a ‘vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country’.

The declaration is presented in full:

DECLARATION OF SUPPORT BY THE GREAT KOUMAGNON FAMILY AND ALLIED FAMILIES OF SÈMÈ-KPODJI FOR CANDIDATE ROMUALD WADAGNI

The great KOUMAGNON family and allied3 families of Sèmè-Kpodji, deeply committed to the values of peace, progress, and development, followed with particular interest the presentation, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, of the “Further Together” (Plus loin ensemble) social project by our dear candidate, President Romuald WADAGNI.

Following this important political event, and gathering on this day, 04/04/2026, we wish to express our full support for the vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country.

From the outset, we, descendants of the KOUMAGNON family and allied families, commend the enlightened leadership of President Patrice TALON who, faithful to his commitment to building a modern and prosperous Benin, has been able to propose to the presidential majority a competent, credible candidate who brings hope for consolidating achievements.

In this dynamic of continuity and progress, the candidacy of President Romuald WADAGNI is fully in line with the continuation of the structural reforms undertaken over several years in all sectors, particularly in infrastructure.

In this regard, we recognize and commend the many achievements of the government, especially road infrastructure, which has significantly improved mobility and living conditions for the populations of the communes of Sèmè-Kpodji and surrounding areas.

Moreover, these remarkable efforts reflect a constant determination to connect localities, stimulate economic exchanges, and sustainably strengthen the attractiveness of our territories.

Building on these achievements and firmly oriented toward the future, we are convinced of the relevance of the “Further Together” project.

Therefore, the great KOUMAGNON family and allied families of Sèmè-Kpodji give their firm, committed, and unconditional support to candidate Romuald WADAGNI, as well as to his running mate, Mrs. Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima.

In the same spirit, we call on all daughters and sons of Sèmè-Kpodji, as well as all citizens committed to peace and development in our country, Benin, to mobilize massively in support of this hopeful momentum by turning out in large numbers on April 12.

We also wish to assure our dear candidate of our commitment to mobilize widely to ensure a high voter turnout in the commune of Sèmè-Kpodji.

Together, let us continue the efforts undertaken.

Together, let us consolidate our achievements.

Together, let us go further.

Long live Benin on its path toward progress!

Long live the WADAGNI–TALATA ticket!
Thank you.

Done at Sèmè-Kpodji, on 04/04/2026

The great KOUMAGNON family and allied families