Badagry, located in Lagos State, is a town with a super rich history that’s worth exploring.
Historical Background:-
Badagry is an ancient town, established around 1425 AD, making it approximately 593 years old. Its strategic coastal location made it a prominent slave port during the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Tribe, People, and Language
The indigenous people of Badagry are primarily from the Awori subgroup of the Yoruba tribe. The language spoken is mainly Yoruba, with the Awori dialect being predominant.
Cultural Heritage:-
Badagry’s cultural heritage is incredibly rich, reflecting its history as a major slave port and a cradle of Western education in Nigeria.
The town boasts several historical sites, including the Badagry Heritage Museum, Seriki Faremi Slave Museum, and the Mobee Royal Family Slave Relics Museum.
Significance to Slave Trade and Religion Evangelism:-
Badagry played a pivotal role in the slave trade, serving as the “Point of No Return” for enslaved Africans being shipped to the Americas.
The town was also a key location for early missionary work, making it a hub for religious evangelism. In fact, Badagry is considered the cradle of Western education in Nigeria, with the first Nigerian primary school established there.
The school was established in 1843 and was named the Nursery of Infant Church. Later, it was renamed St. Thomas Anglican Nursery and Primary School by Rev. Golmer of the Church Missionary Society (CMS).
The First Upstairs in Nigeria:-
Yep, you heard that right! Badagry is home to the first storey building in Nigeria, constructed by missionaries. This historic building is a testament to the town’s significance in Nigeria’s architectural history.
Traditional Institution and Social Inclinations:-
The traditional institution in Badagry is led by the Mobee Royal Family, who have played a significant role in the town’s history.
Socially, the people of Badagry are known for their warm hospitality and strong community ties.
Historically, the wealthy and powerful chiefs in Badagry engaged in domestic slavery, which was a recognized institution at the time.
Badagry in a nutshell is a town with a profound history, rich cultural heritage, and significant landmarks that showcase its importance in Nigeria’s past.
