Over 400 Nigerian and foreign travel agents embarked on a tour of historic sites in Badagry, showcasing the town as a top global tourist destination. The tour, organized by the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), aimed to promote the rich historical significance of Badagry and boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
The agents visited iconic attractions such as The First Storey Building in Nigeria, Mobee Slave Relics Museum, Seriki Abass Brazilian Barracoon, and the Point of No Return. Anago Osho, a professional tour guide, provided detailed explanations of the slave trade history in Badagry, highlighting the harrowing experiences of African captives.
Participants from countries like Dubai, Morocco, Angola, Namibia, Turkey, India, Egypt, and Nigeria expressed their excitement and interest in marketing Badagry as a tourist destination. Catherine Kryst, a travel agent from Singapore, found the tour both exciting and revealing, vowing to collaborate with local agents to promote the ancient town.
The Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Humphery Geiseb, shared his emotional response to the slave history, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences. Meanwhile, Mr. Isa Yelwa, Managing Director of Coastline Nigeria Ltd., called on the Lagos State Government to enhance safety measures for tourists visiting the coastal area in Badagry.
Overall, the tour not only showcased the historical significance of Badagry but also highlighted the potential for tourism growth in the region. With the support of travel agents and government initiatives, Badagry has the opportunity to become a premier tourist destination in Nigeria.