By Dansu Peter The historic town of Badagry has been recognized as one of 22 global destinations in UNESCO's prestigious Network of P...
By Dansu Peter
The historic town of Badagry has been recognized as one of 22 global destinations in UNESCO's prestigious Network of Places of History and Memory, a feat attributed to the persistent efforts of Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency.
A few weeks ago, UNESCO officially included Badagry and Calabar in this distinguished network, acknowledging their historical significance. This milestone is a testament to Hon. Whingan's unwavering dedication to advancing Badagry's tourism potential. A pivotal moment in this journey occurred in April 2024 when Hon. Whingan facilitated a visit to Badagry's iconic historical sites by the then-Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John.
During the ministerial visit, Hon. Whingan passionately advocated for UNESCO's recognition of Badagry’s rich history. He highlighted the town’s central role in the transatlantic slave trade, its historical landmarks, and its contributions to global narratives of freedom, resilience, and cultural identity. Additionally, he called for federal support to enhance Badagry’s appeal as a global tourism destination.
UNESCO’s acknowledgment underscores Badagry’s global significance as a living testament to history, fostering deeper appreciation and understanding of shared heritage. This recognition not only places Badagry on the international map for cultural tourism but is also expected to drive local economic growth, attract global visitors, and inspire the preservation of its historical sites.
Speaking on this achievement, Hon. Whingan expressed profound gratitude to stakeholders and commended UNESCO’s commitment to safeguarding historical sites worldwide. “This recognition is not just a win for Badagry but a win for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. It reaffirms the importance of preserving our cultural and historical heritage while unlocking global opportunities for our people,” he stated.
Hon. Whingan also emphasized his ongoing commitment to developing Badagry’s tourism potential. “This is only the beginning. I will continue to advocate for infrastructural development, improved accessibility, and international collaborations to establish Badagry as a premier destination for history and culture enthusiasts.”
Badagry, often referred to as the “Cradle of Christianity in Nigeria,” played a pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade. Iconic landmarks such as the First Storey Building in Nigeria, the Slave Route, and the Point of No Return are enduring symbols of its historical and cultural legacy.
UNESCO’s recognition is expected to ignite renewed interest in Badagry's heritage and align with national and global efforts to preserve and promote sites of historical importance. It also reinforces Hon. Whingan’s vision of transforming Badagry into a beacon of history, culture, and tourism, securing its rightful place on the global stage.
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