By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Fresh concerns have been raised over the prolonged abandonment of the historic Point of No Return monument in Gberefu, Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, as Badagry youths have written an open letter urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene and revive the iconic tourism asset.
The open letter, authored by Abiodun Semasa Emmanuel, President of Hungon Igborosun Youth, described the current condition of the monument as a distressing symbol of neglect, lost economic opportunities, and fading cultural preservation. He warned that continued abandonment threatens both the historical integrity of Badagry and its potential as a tourism-driven economic hub.
Emmanuel noted that tourism remains one of the world’s most reliable drivers of revenue generation, job creation, and cultural promotion, stressing that the Point of No Return—if properly revitalised—could attract local and international tourists while stimulating investment and employment for youths and residents of the area.
According to the letter, the monument, which once stood as a beacon of Badagry’s historical relevance in the transatlantic slave trade narrative, has been left in a deplorable state for years despite its immense historical and economic value.
“If properly developed and managed, the Point of No Return could become a sustainable source of income for Lagos State and a catalyst for grassroots economic growth in Badagry,” the youth leader stated.
The letter further emphasised that tourism development extends beyond leisure, explaining that a functional heritage site would boost surrounding businesses such as hotels, transport services, artisans, food vendors, and other small-scale enterprises. It would also enhance internally generated revenue, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen the preservation of Badagry’s rich cultural heritage.
Linking the appeal to the Lagos State government’s broader agenda on economic diversification, urban renewal, community development, and security enhancement, Emmanuel urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to explore viable options including public-private partnerships, concessioning, or direct government intervention to restore the monument to full functionality.
Raising concerns about transparency and accountability, the letter alleged that visual records suggest the project may have previously been inspected by the governor and that funds could have been allocated for its revitalisation. The writer therefore called on the state government to clarify the status of any funds approved for the project and to disclose the identities of contractors or officials previously responsible for its execution, if such funds were indeed released.
“If funds were approved and the project still remains abandoned, the people deserve to know what went wrong,” the letter stated, adding that accountability and transparency are essential to restoring public trust in governance.
However, if no funds had been allocated in the past, the youth leader appealed to the governor to prioritise the revitalisation of the monument in the next budget cycle, lamenting what he described as recurring cases of abandoned public projects that continue to undermine development efforts.
The letter concluded by expressing confidence in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and capacity to transform the neglected Point of No Return into a symbol of renewal, pride, and prosperity for Lagos State and the Badagry community.
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The Point of No Return in Gberefu remains one of Badagry’s most iconic historical landmarks, deeply connected to Nigeria’s transatlantic slave trade history and collective cultural memory. Its continued neglect has become a growing source of concern among residents, historians, and stakeholders in the tourism sector.
