By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Badagry Local Government, in collaboration with the Confederation of Badagry Tourism Practitioners (CBTP), on Saturday, August 23, 2025, marked the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition with a blend of cultural heritage displays and solemn reflection.
The event, held in the historic coastal town renowned for its pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade, featured colourful cultural performances, traditional music, and storytelling sessions.
The symbolic highlight was the Fitila Procession, a torchlight walk that pays tribute to the millions of Africans whose lives were upended during the slave trade era.
The procession was led by the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe.
In his address, Hon. Hunpe underscored Badagry’s unique place in global history and the need to preserve its cultural heritage.
“Badagry is blessed with natural and cultural endowments that the world must see. It is our collective responsibility to preserve them for future generations while turning the painful memories of the past into platforms of healing, learning, and pride,” he said.
The commemoration also provided an opportunity for local and international tourism stakeholders to discuss ways of transforming Badagry’s historical significance into a thriving hub for cultural tourism and education.
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is observed globally every August 23, in line with a UNESCO initiative to honour the resilience of enslaved peoples and promote the preservation of historical sites linked to the transatlantic slave trade.
