Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John has expressed the Federal Government’s preparedness to unlock Badagry as a prime tourism destination in the country.
The minister, who was hosted by the Lagos State Government, stated this during her working visit to Badagry at the palace of the traditional ruler of Badagry, the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi l, noting that the visit is aimed at invigorating tourism development in the historic town.
Mrs. Lola Ade-John was, on Wednesday, received by top lawmakers, government functionaries, traditional rulers and tourism practitioners in the state.
The Honourable Minister’s visit to Badagry was facilitated by the Member of the House of Representatives, representing Badagry, Hon. Sesi Whingah as part of efforts to unlock Badagry’s full Tourism potential to empower local communities, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Mrs. Lola Ade-John and members of her entourage were received by the Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Permanent Secretary, Oloruntoyin Atekoja, the Council Chairmen of Badagry West LCDA and Badagry Local Government, among others.
During the visit of the Honourable Minister to the Palace of the Traditional Ruler of Badagry, the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyil, her first port of call, the Minister expressed the government’s dedication to providing increased support and resources to unlock Badagry’s tourism potential.
The meeting, which brought together the Monarch, his White Cap Chiefs, Baales from Iru Land, and various stakeholders, provided an avenue for all those who would be affected by the construction work to deliberate on strategies for cooperation with the Government throughout the road construction.
She assured that the Lagos State Government would not leave them to bear the burden alone and promised all the members of the Iru Community that their concerns about the road project would be presented to the State Governor who will also communicate the same to the Federal Government through appropriate quarters.
“Everything that we have discussed here today will be taken back to the Governor of Lagos State and whatever needs to be done will be done. We will look into how to get timely compensation for affected persons because the Lagos State Government will not leave the community members to bear any burden that comes with this project alone”, she added.
On his part, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal Abisogun ll expressed his gratitude for the engagement and reiterated the importance of maintaining open communication channels between the government and the community.
