Top 10 places to visit in Badagry division

Badagry Division is one of the best administrative divisions in Lagos State. The division is a treasure trove of Nigerian history and culture.

Known for its important role during the transatlantic slave trade and as the birthplace of Christianity in Nigeria, this town offers a profound and unforgettable experience for any traveller.

From solemn historical sites to serene beaches, here are the 10 best places to visit in Badagry.

1. The Point of No Return

This is arguably the most famous and touching site in Badagry. Located on Gberefu Island, the “Point of No Return” is the final, symbolic gateway for enslaved Africans before they were transported across the Atlantic.

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The journey to the island, which involves a short boat ride across the lagoon, is an essential part of the experience.

The path, lined with historical monuments, leads to the Atlantic Ocean, where a memorial now stands as a powerful reminder of a painful past.

2. Gberefu Island

The journey to the Point of No Return is an experience in itself. Gberefu Island, a serene and tranquil stretch of land, provides a stark contrast to its history.

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Visitors can walk the same path as the enslaved people, passing by the “Slave Spirit Attenuation Well,” which was believed to make them forget their homes and families.

The island’s quiet beauty and the weight of its history make it a place for reflection and learning.

3. The First Storey Building in Nigeria located in Badagry

Located on the Badagry Marina, this landmark building was constructed in 1845 by missionaries of the Church Missionary Society (CMS).

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It served as a mission house and is a historically important place for housing Bishop Ajayi Crowther, the first African CMS Bishop, who completed the translation of the Holy Bible from English to Yoruba in one of its rooms.

The building now stands as a museum, showcasing artifacts from the missionary era.

4. Badagry Heritage Museum

This museum, housed in a former colonial-era District Officer’s office, is a must-visit for anyone wanting a comprehensive understanding of Badagry’s past.

The collection includes a wide array of artefacts, documents, and relics from the slave trade era, providing a detailed and harrowing account of the town’s history. It’s an essential stop for a full historical immersion.

5. Vlekete Slave Market

Established in 1502, the Vlekete Slave Market was one of the largest slave markets in West Africa.

This is where slaves were traded for commodities like cowries, mirrors, and gunpowder.

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The market site, which has since been renovated and commissioned as a historical monument, gives visitors a physical sense of the scale and nature of the trade that once thrived here.

6. Seriki Faremi Williams Abass Slave Museum

This museum is a former slave prison, or “Barracoon,” that was built in the 1840s by Seriki Williams Abass, an ex-slave who became a prominent slave merchant.

The museum consists of small, cramped rooms where up to 40 captives were held at a time.

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It offers a chilling and intimate look at the conditions faced by enslaved people before they were shipped off.

7. Mobee Royal Family Slave Relics Museum

This is another private museum that offers a unique perspective on the slave trade.

Owned by the descendants of Chief Mobee, a key figure in the trade, the museum preserves an extensive collection of chains, locks, and mouth guards used on the slaves.

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The artifacts serve as a tangible and powerful testament to the cruelty of the era.

8. Agia Tree Monument

The Agia Tree holds immense religious importance as the spot where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria by missionaries Thomas Birch Freeman and Henry Townsend in 1842.

The original tree, which stood for over 300 years, was uprooted by a storm in 1959. A monument now stands in its place, commemorating this pivotal moment in Nigerian history.

9. Whispering Palms Resort

After a day of exploring Badagry’s deep and sobering history, a visit to Whispering Palms offers a chance to relax and unwind.

This popular resort, located on the Iworo axis of the town, offers a serene environment with lush gardens, a mini-zoo, a swimming pool, and a beautiful beach.

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It’s the perfect place to decompress and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

10. Suntan Beach

For a more local and laid-back beach experience, Suntan Beach is a great choice. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the Atlantic, it’s a wonderful place to walk, enjoy the sea breeze, and even try some of the local seafood.

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It’s a reminder that amidst its profound history, Badagry is also a vibrant coastal community.

Badagry is more than just a historical site; it’s a journey into the soul of a nation. Each of these places tells a part of a larger story, offering a powerful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.