The Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu, has led members of the committee on an oversight inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Point-of-No-Return and Door-of-Return tourism projects in Badagry.
The inspection, conducted with the approval of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, was aimed at assessing the progress of work and ensuring the timely completion of the projects to boost tourism in the state.
The committee was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Bolanle Oludare, among other government officials.
During the visit, Bonu expressed satisfaction with the level of work already executed, noting that assurances had been given that the tourism sites would be completed within the shortest possible time.
He said that the completion of the Point-of-No-Return and Door-of-Return would significantly enhance tourism development in the state and further position Badagry on the global tourism map.
The inspection tour commenced at the Gberefu Ancient Tourism Site, where tourism historian, Mr. Tunde Ajose, gave a detailed account of the establishment of Badagry and the historical significance of the transatlantic slave trade, including the role of the Point-of-No-Return.
Bonu explained that the oversight visit became necessary following unverified reports and speculation on social media suggesting that the projects had been abandoned.
Also, a member of the committee, Hon..Jubril AbdulKareem, who represents Agege Constituency II, said that the lawmakers considered it important to inspect the sites first-hand to ascertain the true state of the projects and provide the public with accurate information.
Project Supervisor, Mr. Adelaja Oshaba, assured the committee that work was progressing as scheduled, pledging that the projects would be completed within the next six months.
Bonu noted that the reconstruction project was initiated before his appointment as the committee Chairman, and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring its successful completion.
The Baale of Gberefu, Chief Semande Hungbo, also commended the pace of work on the project, expressing gratitude to the state government and the committee for their continued interest in the development of the historic site.
He stated that the people of Gberefu were pleased with the recent progress and looked forward to the completion of the projects.
As part of their visit to Badagry, Bonu and members of the committee also paid a visit to respected community leader, Chief Patrick Yedenu Mobee.
