Badagry has recorded another milestone in its growing development narrative following the appointment of Dr David Opeyemi Oke as Vice Chairman of the Lagos World Trade Centre (WTC Lagos), a strategic institution positioned at the heart of global trade and investment facilitation in Nigeria.

Dr Oke, who is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the DOOKE Innovation Centre in Ajara, Badagry, joins the leadership of the Lagos World Trade Centre at a time when Lagos is seeking to strengthen its role as Africa’s commercial gateway.

Confirming the appointment in a public statement, Dr Oke described the role as a responsibility beyond personal advancement, noting that it aligns with a broader mission to reposition Lagos and Nigeria within global trade networks.

“This appointment is not merely a new title; it is a responsibility to help reposition Lagos, and Nigeria, as a serious global trade gateway at a time when Africa’s role in the world economy is being redefined,” he said.

He highlighted Lagos as more than a megacity, describing it as a convergence point for enterprise, innovation, logistics, capital and ambition. According to him, the city’s full economic potential can only be realised through strong institutions capable of connecting local businesses to international markets through globally accepted standards.

Dr Oke also acknowledged the leadership of the Lagos World Trade Centre for the confidence reposed in him, expressing appreciation to the institution’s founding figures and current management.

“Many of the bold visions that inspired the establishment of this institution remain unrealised. This moment offers an opportunity to give those visions new life, anchored in strong governance, global standards and purposeful execution,” he stated.

Beyond the Lagos and global trade implications, stakeholders say the appointment casts renewed attention on Badagry, particularly Ajara, where the DOOKE Innovation Centre has emerged as a recognised hub for youth-focused digital skills training, technology innovation and enterprise development.

Community leaders describe Dr Oke’s elevation as evidence that grassroots innovation initiatives can influence national and international economic conversations, while reinforcing Badagry’s relevance in Lagos State’s evolving development and investment ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Dr Oke pledged to work with governments, the organised private sector, investors and trade institutions across Africa and beyond, stressing that Africa’s participation in global trade must move from potential to structured engagement.

“Africa does not lack opportunity; it lacks platforms that convert potential into participation,” he said, adding that the World Trade Centre Lagos represents one such platform.