A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Bonu Solomon Sannu, a member has reassured residents of Badagry of plans to develop the area’s religious tourism sites.
Bonu who represents Badagry Constituency 1 at the Assembly and also chairs the House Committee on Tourism, Art, and Culture gave the hint during the last Christmas event held at the historic Agia Tree site in Badagry, where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria.
Speaking at the yuletide gathering of Christians Bonu expressed his vision to transform Badagry into “the Jerusalem of Nigeria.”
He said that, “If the leaders of your church have not visited Badagry, they have not completed their religious assignments.”
He emphasised the historical significance of Badagry as the birthplace of Christianity in Nigeria, dating back to 1842, and his commitment to turning the town into a renowned religious pilgrimage centre.
“It has always been my dream to make Badagry a religious pilgrimage destination. This is where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria, and we must change the narrative by sharing this history with the world. By doing so, Badagry will become a place where people come for religious pilgrimages,” he added.
Hon. Bonu also highlighted ongoing infrastructural developments in the area under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He assured residents that the first quarter of 2025 would see the revitalization and reconstruction of tourism sites in Badagry. “Once these sites are upgraded, you will see people flocking to Badagry,” he said.
The lawmaker thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for supporting religious celebrations and promoting tourism in Badagry.
He also promised to bring more artists and entertainers to future events, following the success of the performance by gospel singer, Apeke Ola, who thrilled attendees at the event.
Hon. Bonu’s commitment reflects a renewed focus on leveraging Badagry’s historical and cultural heritage to boost religious tourism and economic development in the region.
