By Peter Dansu The ancient coastal town of Badagry is set to host the 5th edition of the Door of Return Festival on October 18, 2025, along...
By Peter Dansu
The ancient coastal town of Badagry is set to host the 5th edition of the Door of Return Festival on October 18, 2025, alongside the official commissioning of the iconic Door of Return Monument—a landmark project designed to celebrate cultural revival and diaspora reconnection.
This was disclosed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), during a media briefing in Badagry. She described the monument as “iconic” and a significant step in positioning Badagry as a global hub for cultural tourism, historical education, and the symbolic return of the African diaspora.
“This monument is more than symbolic—it is a gateway to cultural revival and global recognition,” said Dabiri-Erewa. “Unlike the Door of No Return, the Door of Return symbolizes a triumphant re-entry—Africans returning as kings and queens to their ancestral land.”
She noted that the festival tells the story of spiritual and physical reconnection, aiming to heal the wounds of the past while celebrating African heritage.
Historical records reveal that the concept of the Door of Return was first proposed in 1999 by renowned historian and author of the popular literary work Vothuno, Dr. Olaide Babatunde Mesewaku, a pivotal figure in the cultural preservation movement in Badagry
Also speaking at the event was Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency I and Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism. He stated that this year’s celebration promises a rich lineup of activities, including traditional performances, historical reenactments, and global participation from the African diaspora.
“This event is designed to spotlight Badagry’s vital role in the African diaspora experience,” Bonu said. “It aligns with Lagos State’s broader vision to preserve historical sites while driving economic development through tourism.”
He praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continued support of tourism initiatives in Badagry, noting that the festival would provide meaningful economic and cultural benefits for the local community.
The announcement has ignited excitement among cultural advocates, historians, and tourism stakeholders, who see the event as a long-overdue homage to Badagry’s pivotal place in African and world history.
Modeled after Ghana’s famed Door of No Return, the Door of Return Monument stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and reconnection. It honors the memory of those lost to the transatlantic slave trade and offers a spiritual welcome to their descendants returning to rediscover their roots.
With this milestone celebration, Lagos State is not only unveiling a monument—it is ushering in a new era of cultural healing, global reconnection, and heritage tourism.
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