Dabiri-Erewa: Badagry’s ‘Door of Return’ to become biggest tourism event in Nigeria

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa has sis that the 2023 4th Edition of Badagry Door of Return festival, scheduled to hold from the 19th to 21st October, if properly harnessed, could be one of the biggest tourism events in Nigeria .

Dabiri-Erewa according to a statement by Mr Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of Commission, stated this at a joint Press Conference she at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Lagos.

The NIDCOM Boss explained that, “the Door of Return”, which signifies the joy of return to the motherland, is about “receiving our brothers and sisters” who were taken away as slaves over 400 years ago, historically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically,

She added that there would be visits to historical sites, theatrical performances, and other activities beginning from October 19-20, 2023 while the Door will be opened on October 21, 2023.

The NIDCOM Boss disclosed that the Lagos State Govenor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to lead the historic door opening ceremony for the Diaspora Returnees , led by Dr Julius Marcus Garvey, Jnr.

Meanwhile, Toke Benson, Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture , gave assurances and commitment of the Lagos State Governmnet to the success of the Badagry Door of Return Festival.

Other dignitaries include: Solomon Bonu(House Committee Chairman on Toursim), Idris Aregbe( Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture), Dr Tunde Meseweku(Chairman, Nigeria Tourism Practioners Association), and Jermaine Sanwo-Olu(SSA Diaspora Affairs, Lagos State).

The first Edition of the Badagry Door of Return supported by the Lagos State Government, was the first in Africa to be organized but subsequently suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.