Beginning my promised trip to yet undiscovered places in Nigeria, I took a long overdue trip to the slave town of Badagry on Sunday in company of a friend. It was an educative and enlightening experience that took us to the first storey building in Nigeria where the bible was first translated, the house in which the Amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria was signed, and a house now used as the Badagry Heritage Museum that was built in 1863.
We also saw the slave relics, and I got to try on some of the chains and manacles – a very moving experience. Then we saw the Brazilian baracoons where the slaves were kept before being shipped, and we saw the grave sites of the many influential figures in the slave trade. Then we went to the lagoon front and enjoyed the breeze while pondering history.
Enjoy these few pictures from the experience while I write a more detailed report. I’ll put up more pictures when I have the time.
Photos by Liz Ughoro
1
Nneoma at http://pyoowata.blogspot.com
Powerful photos, particularly the one with the chains. Thinking about making a long overdue trip to Badagry as well.
Posted at June 8, 2010 on 4:12pm.
2
Kola Tubosun at http://www.ktravula.com
You should definitely check it out. In spite of so many landmarks of the town that reminds so much of the brutality that must have taken place there hundreds of years ago, it is still a very good place to live it; a quiet, peaceful town on the banks of the lagoon.
Posted at June 9, 2010 on 1:59pm.
3
Yasmin
I agree, the image of the chains is chilling. I’ve only seen drawings of that era, so even the photograph gives me a sick feeling. I can’t imagine seeing it in person, or wearing it around my neck like that!
Posted at May 16, 2011 on 9:59am.
4
Rayo at http://brilliantlyme.com
I visited the museum during my last visit to Nigeria. Crossing the ‘point of no return’ was definitely a moving experience.
Posted at June 9, 2010 on 8:35pm.
5
Kola Tubosun at http://www.ktravula.com
I hope to go back there someday when I have more time on my hands. It will be nice to cross the lagoon again on a canoe.
Posted at June 11, 2010 on 3:04am.
6
Avery K.
I’m new to your site, and I’ve enjoyed reading your posts. I like how you appear in the photos above, taking in the sites.
Posted at May 18, 2011 on 10:12am.
7
Claytone
Very powerful photos. Yet I’m sure they only give a small taste of the emotions one must feel when visiting this place for the first time. Someday, hopefully soon, I’ll have my own photos of Badagry to share.
– C
Posted at June 16, 2011 on 4:49pm.
8
Personal Trainer Tucson at http://personaltrainersTucson.com
This post is rare. Badagary is a remembrance of one of man’s biggest mistake in history…slavery. This town should have the support of its government to make it a tourist attraction for the world to see .
Posted at June 29, 2011 on 8:52pm.