The ancient city of Badagry, Lagos, is set to leverage its rich historical and cultural heritage to drive tourism, creative enterprise, and community development with the launch of the maiden 2026 Badagry Experience. This initiative, organised by Afrostage and Heritage Entertainment Limited, was founded by Dr. Busola Onilogbo Odedina. The event brought together traditional rulers, chiefs, cultural leaders, tourists, creative practitioners, and other stakeholders under the theme, “Where History Comes Alive.”
According to Dr. Busola Onilogbo Odedina, the initiative seeks to create a meeting point between heritage, tourism, creative enterprise, youth development, local businesses, and community participation. The event was designed to celebrate Badagry from within by giving prominence to its traditional institutions, indigenous communities, cultural practitioners, creative talents, and local enterprises. Odedina stated that Badagry has a wealth of history that needed to be preserved while also being presented in ways that could benefit present and future generations.
The Aholu of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom, His Majesty Aholu Agano Toniyon I, described the initiative as laudable, saying it would strengthen efforts to preserve Badagry’s identity and history. He commended the organisers for bringing traditional institutions, culture, and people together to celebrate Badagry and preserve its history for generations yet unborn. The event featured a heritage walk, cultural performances, indigenous drumming and dance, storytelling, fashion, food, creative displays, live theatre, and heritage honours.
Cultural presentations were made by Covenant Art & Ensemble Hub, Angere Cultural Performance, Zangbeto cultural group, Badagry Theatre Troupe, Akoun cultural group, and Egungun performers, showcasing the diversity of Badagry’s cultural traditions. Individuals who have contributed to the development, preservation, and visibility of Badagry were also recognised during the event. A guest, Mrs Selina, described the event as a “beautiful and inspiring celebration”, noting that it demonstrated how history could be packaged in an engaging and memorable way for both residents and visitors from around the world.
The organisers said the event was conceived not merely as a cultural celebration but as a platform for turning Badagry’s heritage into an economic asset capable of attracting visitors, creating opportunities for young people, and supporting local businesses. Odedina said, “This is not simply about looking backwards. We are celebrating our heritage because we want to inspire tomorrow. Our heritage is not a museum piece. It is an asset, an identity and a possible engine for tourism, creativity, enterprise and community development.”
The Badagry Experience festival aims to preserve Badagry’s history while making it relevant to the next generation. The event provided a platform for creative practitioners and local businesses to showcase their talents and products. The festival also highlighted the importance of community participation in preserving and promoting Badagry’s cultural heritage. By celebrating Badagry’s heritage, the organisers hope to inspire future generations to appreciate and protect their cultural legacy.
The success of the maiden 2026 Badagry Experience festival has set the stage for future events, which are expected to build on the momentum generated by this initiative. As Badagry continues to leverage its heritage to drive tourism and creative enterprise, it is likely that the city will become a major cultural destination in Nigeria. The festival has demonstrated the potential for cultural heritage to be a catalyst for economic growth and community development in Badagry and beyond.
Key points
- The maiden 2026 Badagry Experience festival was launched to drive tourism and creative enterprise in the ancient city of Badagry, Lagos.
- The event featured a heritage walk, cultural performances, and heritage honours, showcasing the diversity of Badagry’s cultural traditions.
- The festival aims to preserve Badagry’s history while making it relevant to the next generation and promoting community participation in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
