Lagos Assembly committee inspects “Point of No Return” reconstruction, seeks speedy completion

52

The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu, 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 of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, was aimed at assessing the progress of work and ensuring the timely completion of the projects to boost tourism in Lagos State.

The committee was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Bolanle Olukare, along with other government officials.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Bonu expressed satisfaction with the level of work already executed on the projects, 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 Lagos 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.

Hon. Bonu explained that the oversight visit became necessary following unverified reports and speculation on social media suggesting that the projects had been abandoned.

Also speaking, Hon. Jubril AbdulKareem, representing Agege Constituency 02, and a member of the committee, said that the lawmakers considered it important to inspect the sites firsthand 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 and pledged that the projects would be completed within the next six months.

Hon. Bonu noted that the reconstruction project was initiated before his appointment as Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring its successful completion.

The Baale of Gberefu, Chief Semande Hubngbo, also commended the pace of work on the project, expressing gratitude to the Lagos 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.

The committee members promised to undertake another inspection visit in the near future to monitor further progress and encouraged the Lagos State Government to sustain its commitment to the reconstruction efforts.

As part of their visit to Badagry, Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu and members of the committee also paid a courtesy visit to respected community leader, Chief Patrick Yedenu Mobee.