By Jumoke Owoola
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, addressing the stakeholders in the tourism business in Badagry said the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will look into various ways to develop and nurture the tourism potential in Badagry. She lamented that, though little or nothing could done by the federal government this year due to the non-budgetary allocation of 2024 for Badagry tourism, she promised that her ministry, the ministry of tourism, would capture projects that will enhance tourism development in Badagry in the future budgets of the current administration. The Minister charged the community, stakeholders, relevant governments, and its agencies with ensuring that the environment is cleaner enough to promote Badagry as Nigeria's true tourism hub.
In his welcome address, the House of Representatives member for Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon Sesi Whingan, congratulated the honorable minister for responding to his invitation to Badagry. He stated that his invitation to the minister to visit Badagry and gain firsthand knowledge of the city's tourist potential fulfills a campaign promise made to his constituents.
"The presence of the Minister of Tourism and his Lagos State counterpart here today underscores the importance of promoting and preserving our cultural heritage and natural beauty. It signifies a renewed commitment to showcasing Badagry's unique attractions to both domestic and international tourists, thereby stimulating economic growth and fostering community development."
"Let us seize this chance to engage with the Ministry of Tourism, leveraging our combined efforts to promote Badagry as a top cultural tourism destination in Nigeria."
"My campaign commitment to the great people of Badagry included promoting and developing Badagry's tourism potential for economic growth and prosperity. I have focused, among other things, guaranteeing Badagry mines from the riches of tourism." MHR Sesi said in the welcome address
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 honorable 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.
Badagry's rich cultural heritage and historical significance have long been recognized as potential drivers of Tourism in Nigeria, yet many areas remain untapped. The Minister said the Ministry of Tourism has now set its sights on the historic town of Badagry with the view of developing the various tourism potentials in the historic town, aiming to unlock its tourism potential and elevate it to a global destination following her visit organized by the national assembly member representing Badagry, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan.
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.
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