The Lagos State Government has commenced construction of the “Door of Return Tower” in Badagry.
Mr Bonu Solomon, who represents Badagry Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tower is being built at High Chief Mobee Waterside near the historic First Storey Building in Boekoh Quarters.
The Door of Return Tower is intended to serve as a symbolic gateway for returnees and descendants of enslaved Africans who were taken through the “Point of No Return” at Gberefu, Badagry, to the Americas and Europe.
Solomon said the project would become a global landmark, attracting people of African descent who wish to reconnect with their ancestral heritage.
The lawmaker, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, said this is marking a significant stride in the government’s efforts to promote cultural heritage and diaspora tourism in the historic coastal town.
“This iconic landmark will become a premier tourism destination in Africa, especially for diaspora visitors.”
Solomon commended Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and Dr Olaide Mesewaku, President of African Renaissance Foundation (AREFO) for their consistent support and advocacy for tourism development in Badagry.
“The Door of Return Tower carries deep symbolic weight. This is exciting news for Badagry!”
“I’m thrilled to announce that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved and inaugurated the construction of the Door of Return Tower.
“Unlike the “Doors of No Return” found in other parts of West Africa, such as those in Ouidah, Benin Republic and Gorée Island in Senegal, which mark points of departure and historical loss.
“The Door of Return in Badagry represents welcome, reconciliation, and homecoming.
“It echoes similar efforts like Ghana’s “Year of Return,” which inspired thousands from the diaspora to reconnect with their heritage,” he said.
