By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a significant move to unlock its vast economic potential, a major new tourism initiative, VisitBadagry, has been launched to position the historic city of Badagry as a world-class destination for cultural and historical tourism.
The three-year project is a powerful collaboration between Gbagi Communication Ltd, organizers of the acclaimed Badagry International Film Festival (BIFIF), and Senami Viyon Awhanse, a prominent community leader and CEO of the hospitality brand Eviviv Place. The partnership aims to leverage Badagry's rich heritage to drive investment, create jobs, and showcase the city's unique narrative to a global audience.
"For too long, Badagry's profound story has been under-told," said a representative from Gbagi Communication Ltd. "Our mission with the VisitBadagry project is to change that. We are combining strategic marketing with world-class events to create a sustainable tourism economy that benefits the entire community."
Badagry is renowned for its deep historical significance, housing sites like the Vlekete Slave Market and the First Storey Building in Nigeria. The VisitBadagry project plans to amplify these landmarks through targeted digital marketing campaigns, enhanced visitor experiences, and international partnerships.
The initiative will focus on a comprehensive strategy to ensure sustainable growth:
Digital Storytelling: Aggressive online campaigns to highlight Badagry’s historical sites, vibrant culture, and natural beauty.
Expanded Film Festival: Growing the Badagry International Film Festival (BIFIF) into a larger platform for cultural exchange and creative talent.
Local Business Collaboration: Working directly with hotels, tour guides, and artisans to improve hospitality services and offer authentic experiences.
Cultural Showcasing: Promoting local arts, crafts, and the city's distinctive cuisine to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Senami Viyon Awhanse, a filmmaker and social crusader deeply embedded in the Badagry community, emphasized the project's core mission of local empowerment.
"Badagry's story is one of resilience and triumph. This collaboration is about honoring that past while building a future of prosperity," Awhanse stated. "VisitBadagry is more than tourism; it's a platform for our artists, entrepreneurs, and youth to thrive on a global stage."
Place of Event: Ndali's Pop Up Market in Lagos
The project gains immediate momentum with a special pop-up event this weekend, offering a taste of Badagry’s finest products in Lagos.
Event: Eviviv Place at Ndali's Pop Up Market
Date: August 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Ndali's Place, 23, Ikoyi Crescent, Lagos
Featured Products: Cold-pressed coconut oil, palm kernel oil, fresh coconuts, local pap variants, seafood biscuits, cassava biscuits, and Apan Glasse's Honey.
Contact: +234 906 6386 600 | [email protected]
Follow @biffestival on social media or visit the official website at www.bifff.com.