Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency and some residents on Monday lauded the state government for remodeling the Agia Tree Monument.
The remodeling would attract more religious leaders and tourists to the town.
Christianity was first preached in Nigeria on Sept. 24, 1842 under the Agia tree by Rev. Thomas Freeman.
Also the first Christmas service in Nigeria was jointly anchored by Rev. Freeman and Rev Henry Townsend under the tree.
The tree fell on June 20, 1959 and was replaced with a monument, hence the place was named Agia Tree Monument.
Mr Setonji David, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), said it was a good development.
“Badagry is the cradle of Christianity in Nigeria including so many monumental tourism sites.
“It is high time the state government did the needful to promote the image of Badagry as the hub of Tourism not only in Nigeria but the West Africa sub-region.
“I really appreciate this gesture and we continue to look forward to more,” he said.
Also, Mr Bonu Solomon, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1, said it would bring more tourists to Badagry especially religious tourism.
According to the lawmaker, going to Jerusalem is not needed as Badagry should be the Jerusalem of Nigeria.
He thanked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to uplifting tourists sites in Badagry.
Similarly, Mr Kamarudeen Ajape, former Secretary, Badagry Local Government Council, said that the remodeling was a good development.
According to him, Badagry deserves more government presence than what is being witnessed.
“We have great potential for development and growth that can turn things around but most have yet to be tapped,” he said
Mr Adeyinka Amosu, former Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), said the remodeling would surely enhance historical tourism sites which abound in the ancient historical city.
Mr Viyon Awhanse, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Badagry International Film Festival, described the remodeling as preservation of historical monuments.
“This will serve as opportunity to share our history to the world inside the Agia Tree,” he said.
Mr Setonji Balogun, the Chief of Staff to former House of Representatives member, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, said the remodeling would further bring more development to the town.
“Even, the government of the federation of Nigeria must also contribute its quota to the development, considering the fact that the two activities that took place there are national in nature,” he said.
