By Peter Dansu The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations that the ongoing reconstruction of the historic Point of No Return Monu...
By Peter Dansu
The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations that the ongoing reconstruction of the historic Point of No Return Monument in Gberefu, Badagry, was copied from a museum design in Henan Province, China, insisting that the project is an original Nigerian concept developed to preserve the history and cultural identity of the ancient slave trade site.
In a rejoinder issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the government described the allegation, which originated from an opinion article published in The Nation newspaper and later circulated online, as unfounded and misleading.
The ministry said it considered it necessary to clarify the issues in order to protect public trust, ensure transparency, and safeguard the integrity of one of Africa's most significant heritage and slave trade memorial sites.
According to the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the conceptualisation and architectural design of the new monument were carried out by Nigerian architects, historians, and cultural consultants working in collaboration with the ministry.
She explained that the design emerged from extensive research into the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the oral history of Badagry, and internationally recognised best practices for memorial sites, stressing that the concept is uniquely Nigerian and reflects the country's identity, pain, resilience, and historical experience.
The ministry also maintained that all procurement and design processes complied fully with Lagos State procurement laws. It noted that all required approvals were secured while consultations were held with community leaders, historians, and heritage experts from Badagry throughout the planning stages.
Responding directly to claims that the monument's design was copied from the Zhengzhou Liuzhuang Urban Development Museum in China, the ministry stated that its internal verification found no evidence of copyright infringement.
It explained that any resemblance between the structures is purely coincidental and limited to generic architectural features commonly found in modern museums and memorial centres around the world.
According to the ministry, the symbolism, narrative, and overall concept of the Point of No Return Monument remain deeply rooted in the unique history of Badagry and Nigeria's role in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
The government further disclosed that members of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture recently visited the reconstruction site to inspect the quality of work and reaffirm the state's commitment to delivering a monument that meets the highest standards of historical significance and architectural excellence.
While acknowledging concerns earlier raised by the Chairman of the Badagry Local Government Tourism Committee, Dr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, and other stakeholders, the ministry said such concerns were appreciated when expressed in good faith.
However, it urged stakeholders to channel their observations through official government platforms rather than public speculation, warning that misinformation could erode public confidence, discourage investment, and undermine ongoing efforts to position Badagry as a globally recognised heritage tourism destination.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration under the THEMES+ Agenda, the ministry said the state would continue investing in tourism infrastructure that tells Africa's story from an African perspective while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
The ministry added that upon completion, the reconstructed Point of No Return Monument would serve as a powerful symbol of remembrance, education, reconciliation, and heritage tourism, assuring Lagosians, Nigerians, and the international community that the government remains committed to originality, professionalism, and the preservation of the state's cultural heritage.
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