In a landmark move to transform Badagry into a premier tourism hub, Prince Olu Kosoko, the Aremo of Iworo Kingdom and founder of the Olu Kosoko Foundation, recently convened a high-powered brainstorming session in Abuja.
The meeting brought together influential figures, including renowned Nigerian film and TV producer Viyon Awhanse, enterprise risk expert Olufemi Iroko, and trade promotion specialist Opeyemi Oke, to strategize for the upcoming Badagry Tourism Development Centre (BTDC) initiative.
The BTDC initiative aims to position Badagry as a leading destination for cultural, historical, and economic growth. With its rich heritage, pristine beaches, and untapped potential, Badagry stands at the brink of a major transformation. Prince Olu Kosoko emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, stating, “This is not just a meeting; it is the beginning of a movement to unlock Badagry’s full potential.”
Viyon Awhanse, a key participant and founder of the My Badagry My Future International Foundation, shared an inspiring perspective on the project. “We all possess an inherent capacity for greatness; I have embraced and am living up to that potential,” he declared. Awhanse stressed the importance of leveraging unique talents to drive impact, adding, “Our originality is our power.”
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| Viyon Awhanse and Olu Kosoko |
He also commended fellow stakeholders Babatunde Ajose, Olufemi Iroko, and Opeyemi Oke for their dedication, describing them as “invaluable assets not only to Badagry but to the world.”
During the session, Prince Olu Kosoko outlined the BTDC’s core objectives, which include: Tourism Research & Development - Documenting and enhancing tourism products to meet market demands. Funding & Grants – Securing financial support for cultural and tourism projects. Capacity Building – Training stakeholders to boost expertise in tourism management. Destination Branding – Marketing Badagry as a must-visit location. Sustainable Development – Promoting eco-friendly and inclusive tourism practices. Local Economic Boost – Strengthening community involvement to reduce economic leakages. Support for SMEs – Empowering small tourism-related businesses. Inclusive Tourism – Ensuring accessibility for vulnerable groups. Environmental Conservation – Protecting and restoring natural resources. Global Partnerships – Collaborating with international bodies for heritage preservation.
The meeting reinforced a collective commitment to Badagry’s advancement. The attendees echoed a powerful mantra: *“We are from Badagry. We are Unique. We are the Future.” Awhanse further pledged, *“We will continue to give our best in making Badagry Visible, Attractive, and getting the right Attention.”
The Abuja session featured some of Nigeria’s most dynamic professionals: Viyon Awhanse – Founder of My Badagry My Future International Foundation and the Badagry International Film, Cultural & Sports Festival (BIFIF), Awhanse is a leading voice in promoting Badagry’s cultural and economic revival.
David Opeyemi-Oke – Head of Trade Services at World Trade Centre Abuja, Oke is a key player in international trade and youth mentorship.
Prince Olu Kosoko – Aremo of Iworo Kingdom and a seasoned business consultant with 15 years of experience in community development.
Olufemi Iroko – A top Enterprise Risk Management Professional (CRMP) who has trained over 30,000 youths and worked with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
With such a formidable team driving the BTDC initiative, Badagry is poised for unprecedented growth. The stakeholders are set to roll out actionable plans, including tourism infrastructure development, international partnerships, and youth empowerment programs.
As Prince Olu Kosoko aptly put it, “The future of Badagry is non-negotiable.” With unity, innovation, and relentless effort, Badagry is on track to becoming Nigeria’s next big tourism powerhouse.