By: Manoah Kikekon
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Door of Return |
The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially approved construction of the highly anticipated "Door of Return" Tower in Badagry, a monumental project set to redefine cultural tourism and heritage in Nigeria.
Located at the High Chief Mobee Waterside near the historic First Storey Building in Boekoh Quarters, the tower is poised to become a global symbol of reconciliation and homecoming for the African diaspora.
Hon. Bonu Solomon, member representing Badagry Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly and former Special Adviser on Tourism, disclosed this on Sunday on his Official Facebook page, he hailed the project as a game-changer for Lagos tourism.
"The Door of Return Tower will stand as a premier destination for diaspora returnees, offering a profound connection to their ancestral roots," he said. "Badagry’s history as a key site in the transatlantic slave trade makes this initiative even more significant."
The project aligns with similar initiatives like Ghana’s "Year of Return", which drew thousands of diaspora visitors.
The project has received strong backing from key stakeholders, including: Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). Dr. Olaide Mesewaku, President of the African Renaissance Foundation (AREFO). Both have been instrumental in promoting Badagry’s tourism potential, ensuring its recognition as a vital hub for historical and cultural reconnection.
Badagry’s rich history as a former slave trade port makes it a powerful location for this initiative. The Door of Return Tower is expected to: Boost tourism from the African diaspora, Strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and descendants of enslaved Africans, Enhance economic growth in Badagry through hospitality and heritage tourism.