The Lagos State Government has reinforced its drive to elevate heritage tourism with an inspection visit to major cultural and historical landmarks in Badagry by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila.
The tour underscored ongoing efforts to preserve the coastal town’s rich legacy while positioning it as a globally competitive heritage destination.
The tour took the Permanent Secretary and her delegation to several notable historical landmarks, including the Badagry Heritage Museum, which houses nine galleries that document the history and impact of the transatlantic slave trade. Other sites visited during the inspection included the Vlekete Slave Market Museum, the ongoing construction work at the Point of No Return, the Information Front Desk Office, and the historic Agia Tree Monument.
During the visit, Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila emphasised the need to upgrade and rebrand the museums and heritage infrastructure in Badagry to attract more international visitors and strengthen Lagos State’s position as a leading tourism destination.
Drawing insights from her recent visit to Rwanda, the Permanent Secretary noted how heritage sites in the country have been deliberately curated, modernised, and strategically marketed to deliver immersive experiences for visitors.
She explained that Lagos State could adopt similar innovative approaches by enhancing storytelling around its heritage assets, improving visitor facilities, integrating digital interpretation tools, and strengthening global promotion strategies.
According to her, such measures would help elevate Badagry’s historical landmarks into world-class tourism attractions capable of drawing visitors from across Africa and other parts of the world.
While at the Badagry Heritage Museum, the Permanent Secretary also interacted with students of Gracewill Academy who were on an educational excursion.
She encouraged the students to remain dedicated to their studies, uphold good character, and work collaboratively in building a responsible and progressive society, noting that understanding history plays a vital role in shaping the future.
As part of her visit to the historic town, Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila also paid a condolence visit on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Special Adviser, Mr. Idris Aregbe, and the entire staff of the Ministry to the family of the late Akran of Badagry, Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.
She conveyed the sympathies of the Ministry to the royal family and the people of Badagry over the passing of the revered Monarch, describing him as a warm, welcoming and fatherly figure who promoted unity and national integration. According to her, the late Monarch’s legacy of service, leadership, and inclusiveness will remain a lasting source of pride for the community.
The Permanent Secretary commended the people of Badagry for their continued commitment to preserving the town’s rich cultural heritage, acknowledging its global significance as a historic destination that continues to attract visitors from around the world.
She also assured the family of the State Government’s support, adding that a committee has been constituted by the appropriate authorities to further engage with them.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Baale of Apanukoh, Chief Mobee Viavoh, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary and her delegation for the condolence visit, describing it as a strong show of solidarity with the royal family and the entire Badagry community during their time of mourning.
Similarly, the younger brother of the late Monarch, Prince Adetunji Akran, appreciated the Ministry’s delegation for the visit and their prayers, while also offering prayers for the continued success of the Ministry in promoting tourism and preserving the cultural heritage of Lagos State.
Members of the delegation who accompanied the Permanent Secretary on the inspection tour included the Director of the Monuments Department, Mr. Ladejobi Ibrahim; Deputy Director, Tourism, Mrs. Folashade Jide-Oyesola; Chief Tourist Guide, Mr. Babatunde Ajose; Head of Tourism Unit, Badagry Local Government, Mr. Olumide Afeniforo; and Assistant Director, Tourism, Mr. Peter Mesewaku, who served as the tour guide during the inspection.
