Mrs. Lola Ade-John, the Minister of Tourism, has expressed the Federal Government commitment to supporting the growth and development of Badagry’s tourism industry. She praised Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan for organizing a working visit that allowed her to witness the incredible tourism potential of Badagry, a city of great historical significance in Nigeria.

The Minister made the commitment yesterday, April 3rd, 2024, in Badagry, at a stakeholder engagement organized by Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, House of Representatives member for Badagry Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

Mrs. Ade-John, after hearing the concerns and issues raised by various stakeholders in Badagry’s tourist sector, stated that the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will look into various ways to develop the tourism potential in Badagry.

She acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders in Badagry’s tourism sector. She also mentioned that the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to exploring various avenues to develop the tourism potential in Badagry. While there may not be immediate federal government funding this year, Mrs. Ade-John assured that her ministry will include projects for tourism development in Badagry in future budgets. She emphasized the importance of a clean environment and encouraged the community, stakeholders, and relevant government agencies to work together in promoting Badagry as Nigeria’s true tourism hub.

Hon. Sesi Whingan, the House of Representatives member for Badagry Federal Constituency, expressed his congratulations to the honorable minister for accepting his invitation to visit Badagry. Hon. Whingan emphasized that this visit fulfills a campaign promise he made to his constituents to showcase the city’s tourism potential.

During his welcome address, Hon. Whingan highlighted the significance of the presence of the Minister of Tourism and his Lagos State counterpart, stating that it underscores the importance of promoting and preserving Badagry’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. He emphasized the renewed commitment to attracting both domestic and international tourists, which will contribute to economic growth and community development.

Hon. Whingan urged everyone to seize this opportunity to engage with the Ministry of Tourism and collaborate in promoting Badagry as a leading cultural tourism destination in Nigeria. He reiterated his campaign commitment to the people of Badagry, emphasizing his focus on harnessing the riches of tourism for the economic growth and prosperity of the region.

During the engagement, the stakeholders in the tourism industry in Badagry, led by Mr. Babatunde Ajose, a renowned tourism entrepreneur, historian, and writer, presented a position paper on tourism development in Badagry to the honourable Minister.

The paper highlighted various concerns, challenges, and impediments to tourism development in Badagry. The paper further suggested immediate and long-term solutions to problems impeding tourism development in Badagry.

The Honourable Minister promised her ministry would support and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to involve and promote diaspora festivals among others in Badagry. She also mentioned that the FG will look into the construction of the Door of Return and other various interventions aimed at the development of tourism in Badagry.

The working visit by the minister was aimed at showcasing the various tourism potentials in Badagry, exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Badagry, and engaging with stakeholders in the tourism industry on ways to develop the sector for the economic gains of Badagry, Lagos State, and Nigeria at large.

During her visit, the Honourable Minister paid homage to the paramount king of Badagry, Aholu Babatunde Menutoyi 1, the Akran of Badagry. The minister and his entourage also visited Vlekete, the Badagry Slave Market, the first-storey building in Nigeria, and the Agia Tree Monument Center, the place where the gospel was first preached and the first Christmas was held in Nigeria, which was recently reconstructed by the Lagos State government.

The minister was joined by the Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr. Ayo Adeagbo; the Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; and top government functionaries from the federal and Lagos State’s ministries of art, culture, and tourism.

Among the hosts, apart from MHR Sesi Whingan, are Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly for Badagry Constituency 1 and house committee chairman on tourism, arts, and culture; Lagos State’s Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Badagry Local Government Chairman, Hon. Segun Onilude; Hon. Gbenu Henugbe; the council chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area; and other top government officials.

The host royal fathers include: HRM, Aholu Menutoyi, the Akran of Badagry; HRM, Oba Friday Kosoko, the Oniworo of Iworo kingdom; Aholu Fabiyi Jimoh, De-Ovitotode Toyi of Ikoga Zebbe Kingdom; Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori’s kingdom; HRM, Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ilufemiloye Ajose Posii III, the Ajagun of Imeke Kingdom; Oba Olatunji Ogabi; the Aholu of Ajido; HRM Saheed Sedonu Adamson, Topon-Toyiaga 1, Aholu Sejiro Olalekan James, the Akweno of Kweme Kingdom; HRM, Aholu Agano Toniyon 1 of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Aholu Shewhenu Toyon 1 of Dale Whedakoh Kingdom; HRH, Aholu Nunayon Awogbemi Travil, Tosavi 1 of Akarakumo Kingdom; HRM Patinvo A, the Aholu of Iyafin, HRH, Aholu Jonah S. Egbenayon, the Owa Ajaka 1 of Age-Mowo land, some white cap chiefs among others.