Last week Thursday was truly a memorable moment as top dignitaries, invited guests, royals, students, youths, and women of Badagry West gathered to celebrate this year’s World Tourism Day organised by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Gbenu Henugbe Joseph.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s event was a vibrant blend of cultural showcases, performances, and a symposium, where tourism stakeholders, community leaders and scholars came together to chat a path on way forward and how best to harnessing tourism potential in the area.
The guest speaker, *Mr. Babatunde Ajose, a renowned tourism expert and lecturer in Lagos State University – LASU,* delivered a practical lecture on “Tourism & Community Development: Best Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities,” which was well-received by the audience.
In attendance were notable figures such as Hon. Bamgbose Joseph, former lawmaker and apex leader of Badagry West; HRM Oba Sejiro Olalekan James, Aholu of Kweme Kingdom; and representatives of the Alapa of Apa, Egun Awori Kingdom.
Also present were Hon. Abu Oriyemi, APC State Exco representing Badagry Federation; tourism professionals like Viyon Awhanse, founder of Badagry International Film Cultural and Sports Festival; and Hon. Apata Samson, MD of Eko Tourism Radio and founder of Destination Lagos Awards and Oju Ibile Eko Beauty Pageant.
Other notable attendees included Mr. Gafar Awesu, MD of Awesu Arts and 02 Resort; Chief Ijinla, manager of Lagos Recreation Park, Badagry.
This event aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to developing Badagry’s tourism potential, as highlighted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.