The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, has called for stronger local involvement in the preservation and management of Badagry’s heritage sites as stakeholders explored strategies for unlocking the area’s tourism and economic potential.

Hunpe, speaking on Badagry’s tourism assets highlighted landmarks including Nigeria’s first storey building, first church and first primary school as well as the Agia heritage site associated with the early spread of Christianity and the celebration of Christmas in Nigeria. He noted that majority of the historical sites and monument are currently under the Lagos State Government and advocated greater Local Government responsibility for sites within its jurisdiction, citing similar arrangements in Epe.

He also urged traditional institutions, communities, tourism practitioners and investors to support the administration’s tourism drive, stressing that government alone cannot develop Badagry’s tourism sector.

Delivering the keynote lecture, “Harnessing Diaspora Investment Towards Badagry Tourism Development,” Professor Senayon Olaoluwa of the Centre of Excellence and Diaspora Studies, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, said Badagry’s tourism appeal extends far beyond its slave-trade history.

He highlighted the town’s diverse cultural assets, including Ajogam royal dance, Zangbeto, Othan, Agasa Pohepo and Agasha alongside its historical heritage as opportunities for developing distinctive tourism experiences and attracting diaspora interest and investment. He noted that diaspora capital and networks could support heritage conservation, tourism infrastructure, hospitality, cultural enterprises and other businesses that create jobs and stimulate the local economy.

Also speaking, tourism practitioner Mr. Victor Aihawu called for stronger collaboration between government, tourism practitioners and investors, particularly in developing Badagry’s beaches, waterfronts and lagoon environment. Drawing from his experience in Venice, he noted that Badagry’s relationship with water presents opportunities for recreation, hospitality, transportation and commerce.

The stakeholders’ perspectives collectively pointed to a broader tourism strategy built around heritage, living culture, diaspora investment and waterfront development as pathways to sustainable economic growth in Badagry.