The chairman of Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, Babatunde Hunpe, has called on tourism practitioners to leverage the sector for the development of their people and communities.

Mr Hunpe made the call during the International Day for the Abolition of Slave Trade, organised by the council in partnership with the Confederation of Badagry Tourism Practitioners.

According to him, Badagry is blessed with immense tourism potential, and we should harness it for the growth of our people, our communities, and our councils.

“I am appealing to the practitioners to cooperate with one another and put all tourism activities in one place, celebrate them together.

“This will bring development to Badagry and also lead to increase in GDP of the federation, Lagos and the council.

“People from different countries will visit us here, local people will make money from their wares, and everyone will smile home.

“In Olorunda Local Community Development Area( LCDA), we have hotels and other infrastructure; there are tourist sites in Badagry LGA and Badagry-West LCDA also has the land and beaches to welcome them here,” he said.

On the symbolic Fitila Procession, Mr Hunpe said: “We are not only illuminating the dark memories of our past, but also reaffirming the resilience, strength, and dignity of the Black race.

“This event is significant for us in Badagry, not just as a remembrance, but as a call to action.

“Badagry is blessed with a heritage that is second to none; centuries-old monuments, sacred sites, cultural traditions, and a history that speaks to the world,” he said.

The chairman, however, said Badagry tourism treasures remained under-promoted and underutilised.

“Since assuming office, I have taken deliberate steps to chart a new course for tourism in Badagry by bringing together all stakeholders under one umbrella, the Confederation of Badagry Tourism Practitioners.

“This platform is designed to harmonise our calendar, strengthen collaboration, and give coherence to our collective efforts,” he said.

Also speaking, Bonu Solomon, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1 in Lagos State House of Assembly, commended the council chairman for organising a meeting with all shareholders in Badagry.

According to him, this will bring unity in the sector and lead to the development of the sector in Badagry division.

In his lecture, Yemi Adejumo, a lecturer in the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos, Akoka, advocated for community-based tourism (CBT).

According to him, this is about the people, their natural resources and the ability to package the resources through a participatory approach into leisure products for the consumption of willing visitors.

“This will result towards fixed goals of socio-economic gains and a better liveability platform,” he said.

Tunde Ajose, the spokesman for CBT, assured the chairman that the partnership between the council and the practitioners would achieve its aim of developing the sector and Badagry.

Mr Ajose commended the chairman for setting the pace for the tourism department in the council.

The ceremony featured lectures, poetry, local dances, and a Zangheto display.

The chairman led the 2025 Fitila Procession to mark the International Day, symbolising the shedding of light on the dark history of slavery, honouring the enslaved, celebrating freedom, and fostering hope for a united future.

(NAN)