Lagos, Nigeria – IGA Nigeria Ltd is delighted to celebrate the inclusion of Badagry in UNESCO’s Routes of Enslaved Peoples: Network of Places of History and Memory. This milestone underscores Badagry’s historical significance as a pivotal location in the transatlantic slave trade and affirms the region’s critical role in preserving and promoting global heritage.
The recognition highlights Badagry’s numerous heritage sites, such as the Slave Port, Mobee Family Slave Relics Museum, and the renowned Point of No Return, as integral testimonies to the experiences of millions of enslaved Africans. It serves as an acknowledgment of the sacrifices of those whose lives were irrevocably impacted by the transatlantic slave trade.
This milestone also reflects the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to cultural heritage preservation and management. As consultants to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, IGA Nigeria Ltd led a comprehensive review of the Lagos State Heritage Law, with Badagry serving as the pilot project. Through in-depth research, stakeholder engagement, and site evaluations, the initiative identified the critical skills, methodologies, and resources necessary to effectively implement and monitor the Listed Sites (Preservation) Law of 2011. These efforts have strengthened heritage conservation frameworks and laid the foundation for sustainable tourism development in Lagos State.
Speaking on the recognition, Mogbolahan Ajala, MD, a representative from IGA Nigeria Ltd, remarked:
This honor is not just a recognition of Badagry’s past but a call to action for its future. Through collaboration with local and international stakeholders, we aim to ensure that Badagry’s story continues to educate and inspire generations worldwide. It is a privilege to have contributed to this journey alongside the Lagos State Government and our dedicated partners.
Badagry’s addition to UNESCO’s network alongside global sites from Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Ghana, Haiti, Mexico and the United States affirms its status as a site of universal memory. UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, emphasized the importance of such recognitions in fostering education and advancing knowledge about the transatlantic slave trade.
IGA Nigeria Ltd remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s rich cultural history. We look forward to continued partnerships that ensure the protection and promotion of our nation’s heritage, contributing to the socio-economic and cultural enrichment of our communities.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Mogbolahan Ajala
+234 808 252 8118
