The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Bonu Solomon Saanu, along with committee members, conducted an oversight inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Point-of-No-Return and Door-of-Return tourism projects in Badagry. The inspection, authorized by Speaker Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, aimed to evaluate progress and ensure timely completion to enhance tourism in the state.
Inspection Details
The committee was accompanied by key government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Bolanle Oludare. During the visit, Bonu expressed satisfaction with the work executed so far, noting assurances that the sites would be completed promptly. He emphasized that finishing these projects would significantly boost Lagos State's tourism and position Badagry on the global tourism map.
Historical Significance
The inspection began at the Gberefu Ancient Tourism Site, where historian Mr. Tunde Ajose detailed the establishment of Badagry and the historical importance of the transatlantic slave trade, particularly the Point-of-No-Return. Bonu explained that the oversight visit was necessary due to unverified social media reports suggesting the projects had been abandoned.
Committee member Jubril AbdulKareem, representing Agege Constituency II, stated that lawmakers deemed it essential to inspect the sites firsthand to ascertain the true state of the projects and provide accurate public information.
Project Timeline
Project Supervisor Mr. Adelaja Oshaba assured the committee that work is on schedule, pledging completion within six months. Bonu noted that the reconstruction began before his appointment as committee chairman and reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to its success.
The Baale of Gberefu, Chief Semande Hungbo, commended the progress and thanked the Lagos State government and committee for their interest in developing the historic site. He expressed the community's satisfaction with recent advancements and anticipation for project completion.
As part of the visit, Bonu and committee members also paid respects to community leader Chief Patrick Yedenu Mobee.
