By Akonasu Gbedozin MAEJT Nigeria In celebration of Children’s Day 2025, MAEJT Nigeria organized an educational tour to Badagry, a town st...
By Akonasu Gbedozin
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| MAEJT Nigeria |
In celebration of Children’s Day 2025, MAEJT Nigeria organized an educational tour to Badagry, a town steeped in history and known for its pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade. The tour brought together children from four local associations of; Ajara, Seme, Ikoga, and Okanran for a deeply reflective and interactive experience. The key heritage sites visited included the Badagry Heritage Museum, the First Storey Building in Nigeria, and the Vlekete Slave Market, each providing a unique perspective on the nation's past and its lingering relevance today.
The visit to the Badagry Heritage Museum served as a powerful introduction to the horrors of slavery. Through a guided tour of galleries filled with chains, photographs, and historical records, the children learned about the brutal experiences endured by African captives. The session according to Mr. Hunge Gabriel Semeton, the National Communication Officer of MAEJT Nigeria, was highly engaging, with the children actively participating by asking questions and drawing parallels between historical events and current issues. The distinction between field and domestic slaves sparked conversations about modern labor practices that still exploit vulnerable children.
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| Cross section of participants |
At the First Storey Building, constructed in 1845, the children explored the early chapters of Western education and Christianity in Nigeria. This site offered insights into how colonial legacies have shaped contemporary society. Facilitators used this moment to highlight the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and transformation. The children were encouraged to pursue knowledge and become advocates for positive change in their communities.
The tour culminated at the Vlekete Slave Market, once a hub of slave trading activity. The somber atmosphere of the site, marked by shackles and memorials, offered a poignant reminder of the human cost of slavery. As they stood in the same spaces where people were once sold and dehumanized, the children listened attentively to stories of lost families and the anguish of enslaved youth, many of whom were their age. This emotional experience fostered a moment of silence and deep reflection.
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| MAEJT Nigeria |
A key feature of the tour was its emphasis on linking the past to the present. MAEJT Nigeria National Coordination members comprising of Ms. Elizabeth Odion and Mr. Hunge Semeton led discussions on modern-day slavery, including child trafficking, illegal migration, exploitative labor, and domestic servitude. Children shared stories from their own communities, underscoring that slavery persists in less visible but equally damaging forms. The message was clear: education, awareness, and advocacy are essential tools in ending all forms of child exploitation. Through this tour, MAEJT Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people to recognize and resist abuse, making this Children’s Day not just a celebration, but a call to action.
Participants in the tour, including children and youth accompanies, express their gratitude to the leadership of MAEJT Nigeria, under the National Coordinator, Mr. Halilu Awesu, for the great initiative and the opportunity for onsite learning provided to them.
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