Hello and greetings from Badagry, the most famous slave market in Africa!
I am a kind of dude that loves exploring the world. I enjoy going to places where unforgettable events have taken place. When things get right, I will like to travel the world. The world is too beautiful to just stay isolated in one region, I believe.
My hunger for exploring the world has taken me to places, and today, I'll be sharing with you about my walk of lifetime through Badagry, the very famous slave trade located between Lagos and Seme border, Benin Republic. The town seems to have a blustery relationship with modernity; however, anything unattractive was counterbalanced by far more irrepressible beauty surrounding it. Isn't nature so beautiful anyway!
The amazing journey full of unforgettable hilarity and anecdotes
So during Christmas, I joined some couple of guys from my hood on a journey to this historic town, and it was a memorable one for all that partook in it. We were lucky to have Paul Mike, a very close friend of mine who's been there before and the local guide as guides, it was like having my favourite history teachers on board. They both distilled history into such an entertaining storyline – full of unforgettable hilarity and anecdotes
I'd love to give you guys every detail of this delightful tour, but why not cut the crap when pictures could do the work in a fashionable way!
Check below, how my tour to Badagry went in pictures...
Badagry Heritage Museum Building
The Badagry tour began with a visit to Badagry Heritage Museum, which is located at Boekoh Quarters along Lander Road. At this museum, I learnt about the slave trade history which took place in Badagry around 19th century. It was amazing to see comprehensive collection of slave trade history and relics. I marvelled at the untamed energy of the slaves and some of them were able to survive all they went through. There are jaw-dropping images that describe what really happened during the slave trade era in the museum.
Slave Chains
Slave Ship Replica
A statue of a slave couple
Our next stop was the Chief Seriki Abass Slave Museum, Brazilian Slave Barracoon and Mobee Family Museum where we learnt more about the history of Badagry Slave Trade
Check below, some pictures from there.
An image displaying how a slave’s mouth was curbed with an Iron Muzzle
Items used in exchange of slaves.
Art Work displaying the sorrowful tears of a slave in the Barracoon
Now to the most fascinating part of the tour, and that was our walk through the Slave Route; we had to board a boat at the Slave Port and cross the lagoon to walk through the slave route to the Sea where the large ships were docked.
The Slave Port, Badagry
Crossing the Lagoon to begin the walk of a lifetime through the Slave Route in Badagry
As we embarked on the rout, we saw a sign post where "This is the route of the journey to an unknown destination" was boldly written.
Even a wicked soul could feel the sorrow of the slaves that have passed through here. I pondered what would have happened or run through the minds of those slaves whenever they got to that place.
Where the journey along the Slave Route begins
Walking along the Slave Route – Paul Mike and our local guide leading us through.
Walking towards the sea
Unrivaled beauty of Badagry beach
Relaxing at the Permaculture Garden
It was indeed an unforgettable journey that shows the monuments of slavery in Africa.
Steem on my friends!
Yours,
Tee King