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TOURISM
Badagry
area in naturally endowed with all the potentials of present day sophisticated
tourism, which on the international scene is the greatest foreign exchange
earner.
The
beautiful coconut groves on the silvery sandy soil coupled with the historical
relics and monumental structure depicting the past and passionately identifying
our cultural heritage have equally encouraged the people of this historic town
to be committed to the development of the tourism industry in the entire Badagry
areas
There
is such diversity in the things one could see and do in Nigeria that is
confining one’s holiday to a small part of the country would be like walking
around with one eye closed. Badagry beaches, antiquities and monumental sites
will always attract tourists and provide tourism – oriented ventures sites of
interest as means to effectively promote educational tours which undoubtedly
will continue to fascinate even the uninitiated tourists.
Places
of interest in the historic city of Badagry and environs
1.
The Palace of his majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu – Toyi 1 (OFR) The Akran
of Badagry, Jegba, Badagry (with the Palace Museum)
2.
Museum for relics of the Slave Trade at High Chief Sumbu Mobees Court,
Boekoh.
3.
The first two-storey building in Nigeria situated at the Marina, Badagry,
built by the C.M.S. Missionaries in June 1845
4.
The site of the fallen Agia Tee – where Christianity was first preached
in September 1842, The first Christmas Day in Nigeria was also celebrated under
the Tree in December, 1842
5.
The Graves of the early Christian Missionaries and few former colonial
officers – the cemetery containing the combs is located along Hospital Road
not too far from the General Hospital Badagry.
6.
The Agbalata (Ogbata) International Market – reputed to be the largest
in the country some years ago and the Viekete day / Night markets at Posukoh
which replaced the former slave market.
7.
Ogu Toplisen Shrine: Situated at Hunto, this is a shrine of historical
and traditional significance where Badagry monarchs are crowned.
Other
notable Shrines are HEVIOSO at Vedo-Genvic (near the Agbalata International
Market); LOKO MEGBEYON at Agbalata; NABLUKU aat Jegba Quarters; ADIYE &
TOPODUN at Adikomeh Whlakoh; AJALOKO aat Ganho Quarters; MADE at Adalikoh,
Ahovikoh; VLEKETE aat Posukoh all in Badagry (AT VLEKETE Shsrine, Richard Lander
was tried as a spy of the British Government and was forced to take a potion to
prove his innocence; Lander survived the ordeal).
8.
Topo Island: a beautiful Island with great potentials for tourism where
the Romans Catholic Mission established a convent, school and dispensary in
1875. And extensive Coconut plantation was later established in 1876.
9.
The grave of the first slave merchant – George Freemingo popularly
called Huntokonu – located in an area within the Palace of De Wheno Aholu
Menu-Toyi l. (OFR), The Akran of Badagry.
10.
Pa (Chief) Aivoji coconut farm at Ganiyingbo sea-beach, Badagry –
Premier recreational centre and tourist attraction in Badagry Island sea
beaches.
11.
The Arch-like Bridge across the Badagry Lagoon stretching from the
mainland Badagry to Gbaji (the staring point of Badagry Island) – along the
Expressway which links the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the Republic of
Benin (formerly Dahomey). The Expressway is an extension of the Lagos /Badagry
Expressway – the expressway in Nigeria and part of the Trans-African Highway
to Mombassa in Kenya.
12.
A.S.C.O.N: Administrative Staff College of Nigeria is located at the Topo
end of the historic city of Badagry A.S.C.O.N. – Administrative Staff College
of Nigeria is an internationally recognized Federal Government
owned Training Institution reputed for administration excellence, ASCON is also a
renowned cited for managerial competence.
13.
BADAGRY (Maintown) LEGBA SHRINE located at the round – about –Badagry
- Semepoji Express –gateway to the ancient city of Badagry (Ogbaleme).
14.
LASU GUEST House Complex – well situated along the of the Hospital
Road,
Badagry, Comprising of V.I.P. Chalets, modern Conference center, Olymoic
standard tennis law and swimming pool, terraces and gardens overlooking the
lagoon.
15. BOGLO’
TOMB - located at Badagry Island.
16.
The mass grave of casualties of the Badagry eighteenth century is
situated at the Toga, Gbodegle (Ajanagbe) effectively mobilized his men using
traditional arms and won the war for Badagry (Ogbegleme).
17.
Nigerian –French Language at University Institution for the study
beginners in French Language at University degree and higher degree levels and
for beginner in French Language by the staff, Student and possibly the use of
the Institution –indeed the pride of the ECOWAS.
18.
Other place of interest abounds in several parts of Badagry area.
19.
Pillar II” international boundary pillar demarcating Nigeria/Benin
(formerly Dahomey) territories situated between Kweme Ashipa sea – beach,
Badagry Island and Krake village in the Republic of Benin. Customs/lmmigration
complex could be seen within the area with flags of the two countries flying
side-by –side.
Badagry
Lagoon, Yewa River and popular Badagry sea beaches –the coastal area are
naturally endowed with sand soil. The golden sand –easily one the best along
Nigeria’s Sunny add beautiful beaches- prominently spread through the beaches
of Badagry Island which terminates at the border town of kweme.
20.
CULTURAL TOURISM: Sociologists have claimed that Culture is a way of life
of a people. Advanced development of human powers, development of both the body,
mind and spirit by training intellectual development (of arts, science e.t.c.)
21.
TOURISM: Is described as a journey for pleasure to several places.
22.
ZANGBETO: Had remained the ancestral deity of the OGU people, a symbol
for security and accountability and a testimony of the rich cultural heritage of
the Ogu people Zangbelo Festival is an annual Festival indeed the pride of the
Aholu the High Chiefs, Totagans (Baales) and the people.
23.
IGUNNUKO: The people of Badagry are very hospitable; (Their) hospitality
encouraged a number of settlers from the Yoruba Hinterland and parts of the
north who introduced their cultural performances and also observe such Festivals
like Igunnuko – the very tall TAPA masquerade with origin from Bida in Niger
State During the Festival and special outings, the Igunnuku offers prayers for
the well-being of the community.
24.
EGUNGUN: Known as Kubito in Ogu language, the two groups of Egungun
Masquerade are Paje and Oya, the festival is celebrated annually by agile and
aggressive troupe invoking the spirit of the departed people with the prayer for
peace.
25.
GELEDE: Gelede is descendant of Yemoja (the goddess of the sea) holds its
festival annually and during a Festival occasion like the Badagry Day Festival
displaying alternative costumes to sustain its claim of being associated with
Feminine affairs. Gelede Festival and special outings like Badagry Day Festival
are period of special prayers from the barrens, for safe deliveries of babies
and for progress of members of various families.
26.
SATO: The very special, Tall and Robust Traditional drums for special
occasion are rarely seen in the public. Special rites are performed before any
public display and intercessions for peace and prosperity for the King, his
subjects and various comities are observed.
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