Lagos Tourism Commissioner Toke Benson-Awoyinka Leads Delegation on Heritage Tourism Study Tour from Badagry to Cotonou
The Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State, has led a high-powered delegation on a two-day working tour from Badagry to Cotonou in the Republic of Benin, aimed at strengthening heritage preservation and boosting tourism development, particularly around the historic slave trade corridor.
The study tour, which took place from Tuesday, March 17 to Wednesday, March 18, 2026, brought together key stakeholders in the tourism and infrastructure sectors to explore opportunities for enhancing historical tourism sites in Badagry.
Members of the delegation included Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Engr. Adekunle Olayinka; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; as well as management officials of the ministry.
Also part of the delegation was the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sageto Nigeria Limited, Engr. Salim Abou Jaoude, alongside other consultants and tourism development partners.
During the tour, the delegation visited prominent heritage landmarks in Ouidah, including the historic Point of No Return, the Ouidah Slave Market, and the iconic Amazon Statue.
The visits provided the Lagos delegation with insights into global best practices in heritage conservation, cultural storytelling, and immersive tourism experiences tied to the transatlantic slave trade history.
Officials noted that the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s broader commitment to preserving shared historical heritage, strengthening cultural diplomacy with neighbouring countries, and positioning Badagry as a world-class heritage tourism destination.
The tour further underscores Lagos State’s resolve to elevate its tourism offerings to international standards while deepening historical awareness and cultural exchange across West Africa.
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