Culture

Badagry slave route earns UNESCO world heritage status

Published

2 years ago

December 14, 2024

Badagry’s Slave Route, including the Point of No Return, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its vital role in global history.

The Lagos State Government celebrates the historic recognition of Badagry’s Slave Route, including the iconic Point of No Return, as one of UNESCO’s 22 newly listed World Heritage Sites.

This prestigious honour underscores Badagry’s profound historical importance and its legacy as a key hub in the transatlantic slave trade.

Also read: Gbenu Charges Badagry West To Preserve Cultural Heritage

For centuries, Badagry stood as a major centre of the slave trade. From the 8th to the 20th centuries, it served as a trading route connecting Africa to North African territories.

During the 17th to 19th centuries, its shores became the departure point for countless individuals forcibly transported across the Atlantic to the Americas.

The Point of No Return remains a haunting symbol of the sorrow and resilience of those who were uprooted and enslaved.

UNESCO’s designation highlights Badagry’s cultural and historical significance on a global scale, positioning Lagos State as a leader in heritage preservation and cultural tourism.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of making Lagos a top African tourism destination aligns seamlessly with this achievement.

Speaking on the milestone, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, remarked:

“Badagry’s inclusion on the UNESCO list is not only a validation of its historical significance but also a call to preserve its legacy. This site will serve as a platform for healing, education, and cultural tourism.”

The Lagos State Government is actively working with stakeholders to enhance infrastructure around the site.

Plans are underway to transform it into a place of remembrance, reflection, and transformative learning for visitors from around the world.

The recognition of Badagry as a UNESCO World Heritage Site not only validates its historical importance but also reinforces Lagos State’s commitment to preserving its cultural landmarks.

The site will be developed as a centre for sustainable tourism, offering impactful experiences while educating future generations on the realities of the transatlantic slave trade.

This global milestone opens new opportunities for Lagos to expand its tourism offerings while reaffirming the importance of acknowledging and learning from history.

The Badagry Slave Route now stands as a beacon for cultural preservation and a call for reflection on humanity’s shared past.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”