Press Releases

Fashola Reaffirms Vision For Tourism Development In Badagry
…As Apa monarch honours AC South West Chieftain

Jan 9, 2010 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Saturday urged the people and residents of Badagry to take full advantage of the tourism potentials of the area by exploring it.

According to Governor Fashola who spoke at the first year coronation anniversary of the Alapa of Egun Awori, Apa Kingdom, Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ilufemiloye Ajose Possi III, inspiration could be drawn from a place like Dubai in the United Arab Emirates which has successfully achieved a lot with tourism which is the biggest economy in the world.

The ceremony also featured the conferment of chieftaincy titles on National Vice Chairman (South West) of the Action Congress, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi and his wife as the Baba Oba of Apa Kingdom and Yeye Oba of Apa, Egun Awori.

He noted that the city of Dubai has shown with the feats it has achieved with the development of the tourism industry that the tourism economy is more enormous than petroleum economy, adding that his vision for Badagry is one with a fully developed tourism industry.

The Governor who linked a successful tourism economy to the provision of a very effective transportation system added that the delivery of the expanded Lagos- Badagry Expressway currently being done by the administration will unlock the tourism potential of the area.

He assured that the State Government is moving closer and faster to its dreams of developing an ideal society for the benefit of all.

Governor Fashola described the spirit of conviviality prevalent at the ceremony as evidence that the people are very tolerant, hospitable and accommodating.

He added that for those who still insist on branding us as terrorists, bits and pieces can be taken away from the colourful event to show that Nigerians are very peaceful people.

Said he: “The conviviality I see here today cannot be faked. It is real. It is very evident. It is the foundation that will lead the people to prosperity”.

He emphasized that one of the lessons to be learnt is that the time that would have been spent in settling disputes in acrimonious situations would be better channeled to other productive means and purposes.

Noting that he is not a stranger to Apaland because as a direct descendant of the Suenu family, he is also a son of Apa Kingdom, the Lagos State Governor commended the Oba for providing purposeful leadership as well as the State Council of Obas and Chiefs for the kind of leadership it has provided to the people of Lagos.

He promised to ensure that an industrial estate is provided in Apaland as requested by the Oba.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Mr Bamgbose Ajose commended the Governor for considering Apa worthy of having a crowned king a year ago with the installation of Oba Ilufemiloye Ajose.

The Chairman solicited the continued and unflinching support of the people of Apa towards the successful reign of the monarch.

Earlier in his address, the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ilufemiloye Ajose Possi III commended the State Governor for the transformation of the different parts of the State.

He also called for more presence of the State Government in the area through industrialization and provision of jobs for the youths.

Governor Fashola also undertook a drive through inspection of on- going road projects like Agboroko/Igbo- Elerin road in Ojo, Sibiri- Imude Road in Ijanikin and Lagos Badagry Express Way.

The coronation anniversary was attended by Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, members of the State Executive Council, State Chairman of the Action Congress, Chief Henry Ajomale, Aholu Menu Toyi, Oba Babatunde Akran I and dignitaries from all walks of life.