The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to reposition Badagry as a leading heritage tourism destination, as top officials embarked on a two-day working tour of historical sites in the Republic of Benin.
Leading the delegation was the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka said the visit was aimed at drawing lessons from the Republic of Benin’s approach to preserving similar historical assets and promoting them as global tourism attractions.
Benson-Awoyinka noted that the tour reflects Lagos State’s commitment to preserving shared history between West African nations, while also leveraging cultural diplomacy to deepen regional ties.
She said the visit is expected to inform ongoing and future tourism development initiatives in Badagry, with the aim of elevating its historical assets to meet international standards and attract a broader global audience.
Leading the delegation was the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka said the visit was aimed at drawing lessons from the Republic of Benin’s approach to preserving similar historical assets and promoting them as global tourism attractions.
Benson-Awoyinka noted that the tour reflects Lagos State’s commitment to preserving shared history between West African nations, while also leveraging cultural diplomacy to deepen regional ties.
She said the visit is expected to inform ongoing and future tourism development initiatives in Badagry, with the aim of elevating its historical assets to meet international standards and attract a broader global audience.
During the tour, the delegation visited key landmarks in Ouidah, including the Point of No Return, the Slave Market, and the iconic Amazon Statue. These sites provided insights into global best practices in heritage tourism, particularly in the areas of storytelling, site preservation, and immersive cultural experiences.
Others in the delegation are the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu. Also on the tour were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Engr. Adekunle Olayinka; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; senior management staff; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sageto Nigeria Limited, Engr. Salim Abou Jaoude.
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