Photo** Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (middle) addressing a Press Conference, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, on the Badagry Door of Return Festival taking place between October 19-21, 2023. L-R: Dr. Babatunde Mesewaku, Chairman, Nigeria Tourism Practitioners Association; Hon. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Art and Culture ; Hon. Solomon Bonu, House Committee Chairman on Tourism, Lagos State Assembly; Hon. Toke Benson, Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture and Mr. Jermaine Sanwoolu, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs.
Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM) says the 2023 4th Edition of Badagry Door of Return festival scheduled to hold from the 19th to 21st October, if properly harnessed, could be one of the biggest tourism events in Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa stated this at a joint Press Conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Lagos.
The NIDCOM Boss explained that, “the Door of Return, which signifies the joy of return to the motherland, is about receiving our brothers and sisters that were taken away as slaves over 400 years ago, historically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
She added that there would be visits to historical sites, theatrical performances, and other activities beginning from October 19-20, 2023 while the Door will be opened on October 21, 2023.
The NIDCOM Boss further said the Lagos State Govenor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to lead the historic door opening ceremony for the Diaspora Returnees , led by Dr Julius Marcus Garvey, Jnr.
Meanwhile, Toke Benson, Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture , gave assurances and commitment of the Lagos State Governmnet to the success of the Badagry Door of Return Festival.
Other dignitaries include: Solomon Bonu (House Committee Chairman on Toursim), Idris Aregbe( Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture), Dr Tunde Meseweku(Chairman, Nigeria Tourism Practioners Association), and Jermaine Sanwo-Olu(SSA Diaspora Affairs, Lagos State).
The first Edition of the Badagry Door of Return supported by the Lagos State Government, was the first in Africa to be organized but subsequently suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
