By Peter Dansu The Point of No Return, the foremost tourism destination in the Badagry area of Lagos State, has lost its allure and now we...
By Peter Dansu
The Point of No Return, the foremost tourism destination in the Badagry area of Lagos State, has lost its allure and now wears a decrepit look. From the Slave Port in Badagry, abandoned buildings, overgrown weeds, refuse, and the odious stench of decomposing fecal matter greet tourists. The historic site, which compares favorably with many others on the world stage, risks fading into oblivion if urgent and practical steps are not taken to salvage it, INNOCENT DURU reports.
Femi, a social worker, recently visited the Point of No Return — a globally acclaimed tourist site in Badagry — to unwind after a two-day energy-sapping workshop.
Prior to his trip, Femi had heard and read extensively about the site and vowed to visit it whenever he had the opportunity.
His wish came true when he was shortlisted for a workshop that required him to spend two nights in Badagry.
“I was elated going to Badagry because I felt it would give me the opportunity to visit the Point of No Return and physically experience what I had read in books,” Femi said.
His excitement knew no bounds when the workshop ended, and he invited other participants to join him on what he hoped would be a memorable visit. However, he was deeply disappointed by the state of the place.
“I will never return there for any reason. It simply lived up to its name — and I shall never return,” Femi vowed in utter disappointment.
“What I saw was an eyesore. I was totally disappointed, to say the least. It fell far short of my expectations,” he added.
Describing his experience, Femi said: “The area leading to the site looked filthy. From the entrance to the main site, it was horrible.
“The whole place was in a mess. There were weeds and dirt everywhere. This condition will prevent the numerous tourist sites in the axis from attracting quality visitors. The entire place needs an upgrade.
“The locals aren’t helping matters either with all the mess they make there.
“It looks dingy and reeks. The entry point to the site shouldn’t be that messy. I doubt the place is under any formal management.
“It doesn’t deserve to be called a tourist site. It lacks everything that can attract even local tourists, let alone international ones.”
The Point of No Return refers to Gberefu Island in Badagry, a major slave port during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
Marked by two poles slightly slanted toward each other and facing the Atlantic Ocean, the island became a key slave port after its opening in 1473. It is estimated that over three million slaves were shipped from there to the Caribbean and the Americas between 1518 and 1880.
Today, it serves as a historical memorial to the victims of slavery.
Femi’s account was confirmed when our correspondent visited the area recently. Aside from the weeds and scattered refuse, it was discovered that the public toilet had been abandoned.
“This is why many people, including residents, defecate all over the place,” a resident who identified himself as Rasheed said.
“Even visitors defecate and urinate indiscriminately since the toilet is no longer usable. The new one they tried to build has also been abandoned for a long time.”
A tourist told our correspondent: “This is the worst marina I have seen in all my travels.
“I’ve toured many parts of the world, but this is the most disgusting place I’ve ever seen.
“Other African countries with similar sites keep the surroundings clean, attractive, and profitable.
“I never expected this kind of neglect in Lagos — a state that prides itself as the Centre of Excellence.
“What does the Ministry of Tourism do with its budgetary allocation?
“It’s clear that funds are disbursed without concern for actual results.
“We are not serious in this country.”
A boat operator, who gave his name as Wasiu, blamed the poor infrastructure for discouraging visitors.
“The tunnel at the end of the sea has collapsed. It was built during Marwa’s administration.
“Fashola also did something there, but everything has fallen apart.
“When we take tourists there, they often complain that there’s nothing attractive.
“Some even ask if there’s anything that can be done to improve it.
“We tell them it’s up to the government to develop the place and make it appealing to visitors.
“Many simply get turned off and go to Sultan Beach instead.”
Multi-million naira building project abandoned
An imposing structure, said to have been abandoned over ten years ago, was seen within the Slave Port area.
It was gathered that the project began under former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
“It was supposed to be a monument with a mini-museum and restaurants,” said a Badagry stakeholder, Abbey. He added that the contractor failed to meet the government’s standards, which led to a series of legal disputes.
“I was in charge of the place for years. The buildings were never completed. Even the monument we initiated didn’t go beyond the proposal phase.”
Abbey blamed the local community for the site’s decline.
“I travel a lot and see how other countries manage tourism. People blame the government, but they don’t understand the industry.
“Badagry tourism began as a communal effort — not a government project.
“But the community youths and stakeholders have done little to keep it going.”
Tourist criticizes prison location
A tourist named Ralph expressed concern over a prison located near the tourist site.
“Tourist destinations should be free of elements that unsettle visitors.
“The sight of a prison near a site like this can be frightening, especially with the risk of jailbreaks.
“Authorities should consider relocating it if they are serious about developing tourism.”
‘No tourist returns after visiting Point of No Return’
Vice Chairman of the National Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (Southwest), Nunayon Apata, lamented the poor state of the site.
“Once you’ve been there, you won’t want to return. Tourism is about experience. If the experience is negative, it ends there.”
He said the massive potential in Badagry remains untapped, and the people are not benefiting from tourism.
“Badagry has no thriving industry. Tourism is the only industry, and it has been neglected.
“In The Gambia, even children grow up with a tourism mindset. From selling juice on the beach, families pay for university degrees. That’s how tourism transforms lives.
“Badagry has more to offer, but we haven’t maximized it.”
He criticized the overreliance on festivals and said they are not being properly executed.
He absolved the state government of blame, stating: “The problem is Badagry’s local government. You own the property but fail to see its value.”
He dismissed claims that lack of funding was a barrier.
“They don’t need to have all the money. They need professionals. But politics won’t let that happen.
“I once branded a limousine for Badagry tourism and used it to give tourists a memorable ride. That’s experience. But when I left office, it ended.”
He called on the government to create an enabling environment and attract foreign grants.
Badagry’s location not a barrier
Contrary to popular belief, Nunayon insisted Badagry’s location is strategic.
“If you’re coming from any West African country through Seme Border, you must pass through Badagry.
“Even by boat, Badagry is on the coastal line. The only problem is packaging.”
Tourism, Badagry’s only industry, comatose
“Badagry is a special LGA among the 57 in Lagos. But it needs leadership with a tourism background,” Nunayon said.
He recalled the tenure of the late Hon. Moses Owolabani (Naminadu), who had a hospitality background and birthed Sultan Beach.
“After him, no chairman has done anything significant. Even when the state or federal government does something, they don’t understand it.”
Abbey said work may resume on the abandoned project as the contractor and state government have reached a compromise.
“The governor visited, rejected the shoddy job, and demanded a new design. The project is now included in this year’s state budget.”
Concerned stakeholder Victor Aihawu wrote an open letter to Assemblyman Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu listing underdeveloped tourism enablers in Badagry:
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Rural tourism: Untapped scenic villages and canoe rides
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Food: No iconic local food hubs
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Fashion: Untapped potential in local textiles and crafts
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Entertainment/Nightlife: Nothing for tourists after sunset
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Spa/Wellness: No relaxation options
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Arts/Crafts: Local artisans not thriving
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Cultural Heritage: Lack of immersive experiences
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Coastal/Beach Tourism: Underdeveloped shoreline
Victor added: “Developing these can create thousands of jobs and boost IGR for the local, state, and national governments.”
He urged genuine collaboration: “Let’s move beyond side talk to side-by-side work with private investors. Politics may reward a few, but development transforms all.”
At press time, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, had yet to respond to inquiries. Messages sent to her phone were marked as read but remained unanswered.
Culled from The Nation Newspaper
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