.jpg)
Hon. Bonu Solomon and the current structure of Point of No Return
BADAGRY — Hon. Bonu Solomon, the Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Badagry Constituency 1, has announced the official approval for the complete remodeling and reconstruction of the historic Point of No Return on Gberefu Island.
In an exclusive interview on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Hon. Bonu disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has greenlit the ambitious project. The lawmaker, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, stated that contractors are expected to mobilize to the site "any moment from now" to begin the transformative work.
 |
| Current Point of No Return structure |
Hon. Bonu noted that the reconstruction isn’t just about the monument itself but involves a wider territorial expansion of the Gberefu tourism corridor. Drawing inspiration from a recent working visit to the Republic of Benin, the lawmaker highlighted the need to upgrade Badagry's offerings to match global heritage standards.
Related News:
“What I saw in Benin Republic has given me much knowledge on how we can expand the scope of tourism around Gberefu,” Bonu stated. He revealed that future phases of the project, planned for the next fiscal year, will include the construction of beachside chalets and a full-scale replica of a historical slave ship to provide an immersive educational experience.
The initial phase of the project focuses on three critical structural components that have already received executive approval:
1. The Walkway: A modernized path leading tourists through the historical route.
2. The Main Structure: A remodeled monument at the Atlantic shore.
3. The Attenuation Well: The restoration of the "Spirit Attenuation Well," where enslaved Africans were historically forced to drink to forget their origins.
Beyond the historical monuments, Hon. Bonu unveiled plans for a Diaspora Village. This proposed residential estate is envisioned as a high-end environment where Nigerians in the diaspora and international tourists can lodge for extended periods.
“The house will be built by the government in a nice environment where people can lodge for days,” he explained. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between heritage tourism and luxury real estate, encouraging descendants of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade to find a permanent home in their ancestral land.
The lawmaker clarified that his office and the state government has handed over the construction of the "Door of Return" to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) which will be completed soon. This synergy ensures that the physical infrastructure in Badagry aligns with the national agenda for diaspora engagement.
 |
| Door of Return |
Refining the narrative of public works in the division, Hon. Bonu assured constituents that it would not be "business as usual." He pledged to personally visit the site at least once a week to monitor the quality and pace of the construction, ensuring that the project meets the high standards required for a global heritage site.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Hon. Bonu used the opportunity to call for continuity. He argued that re-electing him is essential to ensure that these "pipeline projects" are successfully delivered and that the revival of Badagry’s tourism economy is not stalled by a change in leadership.
The remodeling of the Point of No Return is expected to complement the existing three-star hotel (The Chalet) in the area, creating a comprehensive tourism hub. Analysts predict that these developments will trigger a surge in hospitality jobs and local commerce, positioning Badagry as the "Jerusalem of Africa" for heritage seekers.
For Hon. Bonu, this project is the culmination of years of advocacy within the legislative and executive arms. By securing these approvals, he aims to leave a lasting legacy that transforms Badagry from a "sleeping giant" into a vibrant global destination.