Lagos govt refute claims of design theft on Badagry’s Point of No Return monument

The Lagos State Government has refuted claims that the current reconstruction of the historic Point of No Return Monument in Gberefu, Badagry, is based on a design from a museum in Henan Province, China.

They assert that the project is a unique Nigerian initiative aimed at preserving the history and cultural significance of the ancient slave trade site.

In a statement from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the government labeled the allegations, which originated from an opinion piece in The Nation and spread online, as baseless and misleading.

The ministry emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to maintain public trust, ensure transparency, and protect the integrity of one of Africa’s key heritage sites.

According to Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the monument’s conceptual and architectural design was developed by Nigerian architects, historians, and cultural experts in collaboration with the ministry.

She noted that the design resulted from thorough research into the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, local oral history, and international standards for memorial sites, highlighting that it embodies a distinctively Nigerian identity that reflects the nation’s historical journey.

The ministry also affirmed that all procurement and design processes adhered strictly to Lagos State procurement regulations, with necessary approvals obtained and consultations held with community leaders, historians, and heritage specialists from Badagry throughout the planning process.

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In response to accusations of the monument’s design borrowing from the Zhengzhou Liuzhuang Urban Development Museum in China, the ministry clarified that an internal review found no evidence of copyright violation. They explained that any similarities between the two structures are incidental and limited to common architectural features found in modern museums and memorials across the globe.

The ministry reiterated that the symbolism, narrative, and overall concept of the Point of No Return Monument are deeply connected to the unique history of Badagry and Nigeria’s involvement in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

Additionally, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture recently visited the site to review the quality of the reconstruction and reaffirm the commitment to creating a monument of historical and architectural significance.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by Dr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, Chairman of the Badagry Local Government Tourism Committee, and other stakeholders, the ministry appreciated such concerns conveyed in good faith.

However, it encouraged stakeholders to express their feedback through official governmental channels rather than through public speculation, warning that misinformation could undermine public trust, deter investment, and hinder efforts to promote Badagry as a globally recognized heritage tourism destination.

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Reiterating the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration under the THEMES+ Agenda, the ministry affirmed that the state will persist in investing in tourism infrastructure that tells Africa’s story from an African viewpoint, while also creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

Upon completion, the renovated Point of No Return Monument is expected to be a significant symbol of remembrance, education, reconciliation, and heritage tourism, assuring Lagosians, Nigerians, and the international community of the government’s dedication to originality, professionalism, and the safeguarding of the state’s cultural heritage.