[Profile Watch] Kehinde Bamigbetan

”’Kehinde Oladapo Bamigbetan”’ (born March 30, 1965) is a Nigerian journalist, political strategist, and public servant. A veteran of media and governance, Bamigbetan has held key roles in Lagos State politics, including Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bola Tinubu, Special Adviser on Communities and Communications under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy. He served two terms as Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from 2011 to 2017 and currently holds the position of Chief of Staff to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. Known for his grassroots mobilization and strategic communication, Bamigbetan is a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure and the founder of ”Echonews”, a media platform bridging government and communities. In August 2025, he declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II.

Early life and education

Bamigbetan was born on March 30, 1965, in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended St. John’s Grammar School in Ile-Ife for his secondary education, where he later became National Publicity Secretary of the Old Boys Association (SJOBA). He earned a combined honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos.

Journalism career

Bamigbetan’s professional journey began in journalism, where he rose through editorial ranks at major Nigerian publications. He served as Sub-Editor at ”The Guardian”, Deputy News Editor at ”Vanguard”, Associate Editor at ”Media Review”, Group Political Editor at ”Concord Press”, Head of Politics Desk at ”The Punch”, and Editor of ”The Country”. He also held leadership positions in the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), including Chairman and Vice Chairman.

As an author, Bamigbetan published ”Teacher, Don’t Teach Me Nonsense”, a critique of educational and societal issues, alongside numerous articles on politics and governance. In 2018, he founded ”Echonews Newspapers Limited”, a multi-platform media outlet focused on community development and government-citizen engagement, serving as its Chief Executive Officer.

Political career

Bamigbetan’s entry into politics was marked by his alignment with progressive ideals and the APC. He began as a grassroots mobilizer in Ejigbo, leveraging his media background for community advocacy.

===== Early roles (1999–2010) ===== In 1999, he was appointed Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu (1999–2003), where he pioneered strategic political communication, enhancing government-public relations. He later served as Director of Media and Communication for the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2014–2015, contributing to the APC’s electoral success.

Under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (2015–2019), Bamigbetan was Special Adviser on Communities and Communications before elevation to Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy in 2017. During this period, he addressed controversies like the Lagos Land Use Charge Law and promoted initiatives such as Citizens’ Gate, a social media platform aiming for two million followers by June 2018.

===== Local government leadership (2011–2017) ===== Bamigbetan was elected Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA in 2011, securing re-election in 2014 for a second term. His administration focused on infrastructure, healthcare, and youth empowerment, setting benchmarks for grassroots governance. In 2017, he renounced support for Ambode’s re-election, endorsing Jide Sanwo-Olu amid APC primaries.

===== Recent roles (2023–present) ===== Post-2019, Bamigbetan advised on national campaigns and media strategy. In 2023, he became Chief of Staff to Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, where he has defended ministry policies against critics. In August 2025, he declared intent to contest the Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II House of Representatives seat, emphasizing integrity and developmental politics.

Personal life

Bamigbetan is married to Fatimah Bamigbetan, who passed away in November 2021 after battling cancer; he described her as his “best critic and adviser.” They have children. In October 2015, he survived a home invasion by armed men, prompting police vows for justice. A member of the World Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (WUSME), he advocates for political consulting and media innovation.

Recognition

On his 60th birthday in March 2025, President Bola Tinubu praised Bamigbetan’s “dedication to leadership and communication,” highlighting his media influence and service in journalism, publishing, and politics. He is celebrated for fostering democratic engagement through platforms like ”Echonews” and his “willingness to continuously serve in leadership positions.”

References

1. St. John’s Grammar School Old Boys Association. “Kehinde Bamigbetan – PROFILE.” March 19, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
2. The Lagosian Magazine. “A Life of Dedication and Service: Celebrating Honourable Kehinde Bamigbetan at 60.” March 30, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
3. THE AUTHORITY NEWS. “Kehinde Bamigbetan declares intention to contest for Oshodi-Isolo II Rep seat.” August 26, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
4. Mc Ebisco. “BREAKING: Tinubu Celebrates Kehinde Bamigbetan at 60, Praises His Contributions to Media and Governance.” March 30, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
5. Premium Times. “Garlands for the guardian of the mines at 69, By Kehinde Bamigbetan.” October 5, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
6. LinkedIn. “Kehinde Bamigbetan on LinkedIn: The Association of Political Consultants- Africa…” September 26, 2022. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
7. YNaija. “Kehinde Bamigbetan – Culture Intelligence from RED.” February 3, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
8. State House, Abuja. “President Tinubu Hails Kehinde Bamigbetan at 60.” March 30, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
9. The Nation Newspaper. “Kehinde Bamigbetan Archives.” Accessed December 8, 2025.
10. Freedom Online. “Garlands for the Guardian of the Mines at 69, by Kehinde Bamigbetan.” October 5, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
11. The Nation Newspaper. “Tinubu celebrates Kehinde Bamigbetan at 60.” March 30, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
12. The Guardian Nigeria. “Kehinde Bamigbetan Archives.” Accessed December 8, 2025.
13. LinkedIn. “Kehinde Bamigbetan – Chief Executive Officer.” Accessed December 8, 2025.
14. Sunrise. “I lost my best critic and adviser – Kehinde Bamigbetan.” November 27, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
15. BAT Ideological Group. X Post by @batideologicalg. November 22, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.

CivicWire.ng, profiling the trailblazers who shape Nigeria’s narrative from newsrooms to statehouses, honors Hon. Bamigbetan’s legacy of service and strategy. In an era of evolving media and politics, voices like his remind us: True leadership communicates, connects, and transforms.