Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to transform the state into a renowned global tourism destination. He made this statement on Monday while hosting the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and her delegation during a courtesy visit to Lagos House in Ikeja.
During the visit, the delegation expressed their appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State government for the successful celebration of the 2023 edition of the Diaspora Festival, known as the “Door of Return,” held in Badagry.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that making Lagos State a preferred tourism destination aligns with the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of the THEMES+ developmental agenda. He underlined his government’s commitment to intentionally promote Badagry, within Lagos State, as a preferred tourism destination.
The “Door of Return” initiative, aimed at helping members of the Black Diaspora trace their roots back to Nigeria and Africa as a whole, was celebrated on Saturday in the ancient city of Badagry, Lagos.
The governor expressed his commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders, particularly individuals from the Diaspora, to enhance and further develop the Door of Return festival and to promote the cultural heritage of Badagry, Lagos, and Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chair of NiDCOM, for her visionary initiative in organizing the Door of Return and her continuous efforts to advocate for the interests of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his invaluable support toward the successful celebration of the Diaspora Festival in Badagry. She urged the Lagos State Government to further support the project by establishing a permanent Door of Return in Badagry, with the goal of attracting more members of the Diaspora who are eager to reconnect with their Nigerian roots.
