By Peter Dansu In a bold step to put Badagry on the global tourism map, the Chairmen of the three councils in Badagry Federation have join...
By Peter Dansu
In a bold step to put Badagry on the global tourism map, the Chairmen of the three councils in Badagry Federation have jointly inaugurated a powerful committee to push for the recognition of Badagry as a UNESCO World Tourism Destination.
The newly formed body, known as the Badagry UNESCO Tourism Destination Committee (BUTDC), was unveiled during a high-level strategic session held at the Olorunda Local Council Development Area Secretariat, where the host, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, welcomed his counterparts, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe of Badagry Local Government and Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY) of Badagry West LCDA.
The meeting also drew the presence of tourism experts, council tourism heads, and seasoned professionals, including Mr. Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe, a former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, who was appointed to chair the committee.
The committee’s primary mandate is to compile a comprehensive record of all tourism assets, sites, and cultural treasures across Badagry. This compendium will serve as the official document to be submitted to UNESCO as part of the town’s quest for global heritage recognition.
Speaking during the inauguration, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe said the initiative is a significant stride toward restoring Badagry’s place as the cradle of Nigeria’s culture and history. He explained that UNESCO recognition would not only strengthen global awareness of Badagry’s heritage but also attract major investments in tourism infrastructure and open up fresh economic opportunities for residents.
For Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY), the development marks a milestone in inter-council cooperation. He described the move as a unifying effort that will drive innovation, empower young people, and create space for local entrepreneurs to thrive through tourism-related ventures and international collaborations.
Host chairman Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon reaffirmed Olorunda Council’s readiness to provide resources and technical support to ensure the success of the UNESCO recognition campaign. He emphasized that tourism remains one of the most sustainable tools for job creation, cultural preservation, and economic growth in the Badagry region.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and commended the chairmen for their foresight in pursuing such a landmark project. He pledged to leverage his experience, especially his prior work with UNESCO to steer the committee’s efforts toward achieving the long-awaited recognition.
According to Fadipe, Badagry’s rich historical and cultural heritage, from its ancient slave route to its unique traditions and monuments, deserves to be celebrated on the world stage. He assured that the committee would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the successful documentation, engagement, and advocacy required for UNESCO’s approval.
Other members of the committee include Mr. Peter Messewaku, Mr. Babatunde Ajose, Mr. Solomon Zosu, and several other stakeholders drawn from the three councils.
As part of its roadmap, the committee is expected to pay a consultative visit to the UNESCO office in Abuja to further its advocacy and documentation processes, signaling the start of a new chapter in Badagry’s journey to global recognition.
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