By: Manoah Kikekon
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| I Love Badagry |
Badagry, Lagos – The Badagry Tourism Development Centre (BTDC) has officially unveiled the “I LOVE BADAGRY” iconic symbol. Marking a bold celebration of the town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and untapped economic potentials.
The landmark, strategically positioned opposite Wema Bank along Joseph Dosu Way, Badagry Lagos State, was inaugurated on December 26, 2025. This initiative is designed to showcase Badagry not just as a historical footnote, but as a premier, living destination for culture, commerce.
Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, emphasized the project's deep roots in both his electoral promises and the town's ancestral beginnings. “When I was campaigning for this position, I promised my people that I would unlock the tourism potential of Badagry. This is one of the fulfillments,” Hunpe stated.
“The site of this symbol has its own historical significance; we can say this is where Badagry started from, as the founder, Agbethe, is at the back of that symbol. This initiative has covered tourism and culture comprehensively, and we plan to install these icons at strategic locations all around Badagry.”
Echoing the call for community-wide ownership, Chairman Hunpe extended his appeal to the diaspora. “Every Badagry resident and visitor should carry this in their heart. Even those in the diaspora should carry the message: ‘I Love Badagry.’ Whatever we can do to promote Badagry, let us do it,” he urged, framing the icon as a unifying emblem for collective progress.
Prince Olu Kosoko, Board Chairman of the BTDC, elaborated on the symbol’s role in telling a new, positive story about the town. “We are passionate people; we do things from the heart. ‘I Love Badagry’ speaks to all parts that represent us: our food, dress, culture, water, and music,” Kosoko explained. “We want to tell a new story while appreciating our cultural heritage. We have fantastic aquatic endowments—our shoreline, mangroves, and waters. That iconic symbol will speak and tell you stories, and we intend to roll out different marketing campaigns and proper branding to sell Badagry to the world.”
Prince Kosoko also addressed the strategic economic vision, positioning Badagry as an investment haven. “Historically, we’ve faced challenges, but this centre will now position Badagry as the best haven for any investment. We are strategically located close to the border, which places us ideally for cross-border trade, and Badagry is very secured,” he affirmed, highlighting the town’s unique advantages for commerce and tourism.
Outlining the operational roadmap, Mr. Sewude Akande, Director General of the BTDC, detailed the centre’s mandate to foster sustainable development. “The centre is here to promote and preserve our tourism assets, protect our environment, and achieve sustainable tourism,” Akande said.
“We are building a culture of collaboration. The unveiling was done with the local government, and we aim to engage critical stakeholders and investors. We are not a government agency, but we support government activities to create an enabling environment for tourism to thrive,” he added.
Akande projected an ambitious timeline for transformative growth. “In the next two years, we are looking at an era where there will be a strong consciousness about promoting our heritage and connecting investors with grassroots stakeholders,” he shared, underscoring a community-inclusive approach to development.
The historic unveiling was graced by dignitaries including the Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Armstrong Takang, MD/CEO of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and Mr. Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, The Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) at Nigeria's Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The event also saw the presence of Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, House of Representatives Member for Badagry Federal Constituency; Hon. Bonu Solomon, House of Assembly Member for Badagry Constituency 01; as well as BTDC members Mr. Femi Iroko, Mr. Ope Oke, and Mr. Sewedo Balogun.