By Peter Dansu Badagry, one of Nigeria’s most historic and naturally endowed cities, is facing growing concerns over what residents and st...
By Peter Dansu
Badagry, one of Nigeria’s most historic and naturally endowed cities, is facing growing concerns over what residents and stakeholders describe as decades-long neglect in infrastructure, tourism development, and political representation.
In a strongly-worded commentary, tourism advocate Prince Sonny Ajayi lamented the abandonment of several landmark projects that, if completed, could have transformed the division into a thriving economic and cultural hub.
Among the most glaring examples, Ajayi cited the Waterfront Project, which has lain idle for decades despite its potential to serve as a tourism and commercial hub, generating revenue for local, state, and federal governments while creating jobs and attracting investments.
Similarly, the once-elegant Lagos State Guest Chalet, renowned for its architecture and ambience, has remained shut for over eight years, wasting opportunities for hospitality growth.
Ajayi also drew attention to the Coconut Factory, a facility that could have leveraged Badagry’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading coconut producers to manufacture value-added products like coconut oil, soap, and cream for both local use and export.
Another sore point is the Port of No Return at Gberefu Beach, an internationally significant historical site marking the departure point for enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. Ajayi said the area could have been developed into a world-class tourism destination with cruise facilities, festival grounds, and event spaces, but instead remains underdeveloped.
Beyond infrastructure, Ajayi raised concerns about what he described as Badagry Division’s poor share of political appointments at both state and federal levels. He pointed to unfulfilled political promises and the absence of a minister from the division since the removal of the last appointee.
Ajayi appealed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to revive these abandoned projects alongside the ongoing construction of seven key roads in the area, noting that the economic and social benefits would be “unquantifiable and self-explanatory.”
He further urged President Bola Tinubu to address the feelings of marginalisation among Badagry’s indigenes, stressing that in the 21st century — centuries after the abolition of slavery — no community should feel like “third-class citizens.”
“The intellectual and professional achievements of our people, combined with our ancient city’s history and limitless natural endowments, make Badagry a sleeping giant. It’s time to awaken it,” Ajayi concluded.
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