By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Badagry February 1851 and Manoah Kikekon |
Nestled along the serene coastline of Lagos State, the ancient town of Badagry or Badagri stands as a living museum, a place where the whispers of a painful past collide with the quiet hopes of a future yet to be realized. As the first point of European contact in Nigeria, a critical gateway during the transatlantic slave trade, and the undisputed cradle of Western education in Nigeria, Badagry is a foundational chapter in the nation's story. Yet, despite possessing a historical significance that should place it on the global tourism map, Badagry remains a footnote in Nigeria’s tourism strategy, its potential languishing from a lack of the required attention and strategic development.
The First Point of Contact: A Historical Crucible
Badagry’s role in Nigerian and African history is unparalleled. Founded in the early 15th century, it became a major hub for commerce. However, its destiny was irrevocably altered with the arrival of Portuguese explorers and, later, other European powers. By the 18th century, it had transformed into a brutal epicenter of the slave trade, earning the grim moniker "The Creek of Tears."
Landmarks like the Point of No Return, the Seriki Abass Slave Barracoon, Mobee Slave Museum, and Vlekete Slave Market, where slaves were imprisoned and sold, stand as haunting testimonies to this era. This painful history, while a somber reminder, is the very bedrock of its tourism appeal, offering a pilgrimage site for the African diaspora and global historians.
The Cradle of Western Education in Nigeria: A Legacy of Light
Following the abolition of the slave trade, Badagry’s narrative pivoted from darkness to light, becoming the fertile ground where the seed of Western education in Nigeria was first planted. In 1842, the town witnessed another monumental first: the arrival of Christianity in Nigeria. The following year, 1843, the First Primary School in Nigeria was established by the Wesleyan Mission (Methodist Church) in the area now known as Marina.
This was swiftly followed by the founding of the Nursery of the Infant Church by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1845. This incredible concentration of "firsts" solidifies Badagry's status as the undisputed birthplace of formal Western education in the country, a legacy that complements its earlier, more somber history.
A Tapestry of Tourism Assets Beyond History
Beyond the slave trade and education, Badagry’s tourism offerings are remarkably diverse. The First Storey Building in Nigeria, constructed in 1845 by the CMS, is where the Bible was first translated into Yoruba. The Agiya Tree Monument under which the first Christian sermon in Nigeria was preached in 1842, are major attractions for religious tourism.
Furthermore, its natural assets are stunning pristine beaches like Suntan Beach and Gberefu Beach offer breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic. This unique combination of cultural, historical, educational, religious, and eco-tourism assets creates a multifaceted destination capable of attracting a wide range of visitors.
The Persistent Infrastructure Deficit: A Tourism Bottleneck
Despite its immense potential, Badagry’s growth has been stymied by a critical infrastructure deficit. The most significant barrier is accessibility. The single road leading from Lagos metropolis to Badagry is perennially congested and in a state of disrepair, making what should be a scenic journey a grueling hours-long ordeal.
This lack of a smooth transport corridor discourages day-trippers and international tourists alike. Within the town itself, the supporting infrastructure is weak: erratic power supply, underdeveloped road networks connecting the various sites, a lack of reliable public transportation, and limited potable water. These deficiencies create an unwelcoming environment for tourists accustomed to basic comforts and ease of movement.
The Development Paradox: Neglect and Missed Opportunities
The neglect of Badagry represents a profound paradox. While it is frequently mentioned in political rhetoric and development plans, tangible action has been scarce. There is a notable absence of large-scale, government-driven investment to preserve its historical sites to international standards, build modern museums to showcase its educational heritage, or develop its beaches with necessary amenities.
This lack of attention has resulted in a failure to create a cohesive "tourist experience." Many sites are maintained by local families or communities with limited resources. The opportunity to create a world-class heritage destination that educates, generates significant revenue, and creates thousands of jobs continues to be missed.
The Blueprint for a Renaissance: Strategic Recommendations
Unlocking Badagry’s potential requires a deliberate and multi-faceted strategy. First, government intervention is critical. This must include urgent road construction, providing stable power and water infrastructure, and granting special status to Badagry as a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate. Achieving this requires Badagrians deliberate and direct involvement in Lagos governance process in one voice.
Second, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are essential for developing high-quality amenities boutique hotels, resorts, curated tours, and restaurant facilities. Finally, community involvement is non-negotiable. The local population must be active stakeholders, trained as tour guides, hospitality staff, and artisans, ensuring that tourism revenue benefits the community and fosters a sense of ownership and pride in preserving their heritage.
A Call to Honour the Past by Investing in the Future
Badagry is more than just a tourist destination; it is a sacred ground of collective memory. It is a place where the darkest and most enlightened chapters of Nigeria's history converge. Its current state of underdevelopment is not just an economic misstep but a cultural oversight. Transforming Badagry into a thriving tourism hub is a duty owed to the past and an investment in the future.
By addressing its infrastructural challenges, implementing a strategic development plan, and marketing its unique story to the world, Badagry can finally transition from a symbol of pain and a forgotten cradle of learning to a beacon of cultural resilience, education, and sustainable economic prosperity for Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.