Badagry Set to Host 2025 International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and Its Abolition

By Goldmark Pentho Dansu  Badagry, the historic cradle of culture and heritage in Lagos State, will once again take centre stage as it join...

By Goldmark Pentho Dansu 

Badagry, the historic cradle of culture and heritage in Lagos State, will once again take centre stage as it joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

The event, which is being organized by Badagry Local Government in partnership with the Confederation of Badagry Tourism Practitioners (CBTP), promises to be one of the most memorable editions since the annual commemoration began in the town in 1999.

UNESCO set aside August 23 each year to honour the sacrifices, struggles, and resilience of enslaved Africans, drawing inspiration from the historic slave revolt in Santo Domingo (now Haiti), which marked a turning point in the global fight against slavery.

This year’s celebration will take on a new dimension following the unprecedented support of the local government under the leadership of Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, who has committed resources to sponsor and elevate the event.

Speaking on the significance of the day, tourism stakeholders explained that the 2025 commemoration aligns with the United Nations’ broader program, which emphasizes:

• Acknowledging the Past: Recognizing the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impact.

• Advocating for Reparatory Justice: Developing frameworks to address historical injustices and the economic gains built on slavery.

• Combating Systemic Racism: Tackling exclusion and discrimination against people of African descent, legacies that still echo today.

• Promoting Dignity and Justice: Building a future where human rights, equality, and freedom are guaranteed for all.

As in previous years, the Badagry commemoration will feature a rich array of activities, including public lectures, drama, spoken word, exhibitions, vigils, traditional rites, atonement ceremonies, and guided visits to heritage sites that bear testimony to the painful history of slavery.

The occasion is expected to draw a wide spectrum of participants, including diplomats, cultural advocates, political leaders, researchers, students, traditional rulers, community leaders, artists, tourists, and members of the press, all converging on the ancient town to reflect on history and chart a path towards a just future.

The official venue for the commemoration is the Badagry Heritage Museum, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 12 noon.

As the world looks back on one of the darkest chapters of human history, Badagry—a community that remains a symbol of resilience, memory, and hope—will once again provide the platform for truth, remembrance, and the call for justice.