The Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation on Friday inaugurated an upgraded Mobee Slave Trade Relics Museum and workshop for coconut craft in Badagry.
Inaugurating the structures, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Pioneer, RAK foundation, said he upgraded the historical monument to project the good image of Badagry to the world.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogunlende is aspiring to represent Badagry Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections.
“I had conversation with High Chief Yedenu Mobee, the High Chief Menutoyon 11, Mobee of Badagry, on the dilapidated structure of Mobee Slave Trade Relics Museum.
“Mobee called on me to help them to upgrade the museum and I accepted because I think the place deserves a befitting look.
“This is the kind of thing I like to do, that is keep projecting Badagry to the bigger world.
“When we talk about moving Badagry forward and have not done anything to the first point of contact, then we are joking,” he said.
He said he mobilised resources to help renovate Mobee Relics, the first Museum in Nigeria, because no one can talk about Badagry without talking about the point of no return.
“When tourists visit the point of no return, this place is the first point of contact, it must be of certain standard,” he said.
Commenting on the upgrading of the museum, Mobee said they had approached many people in Badagry to renovate the structure but they didn’t turn up.
“We appreciate RAK Foundation for coming to our assistance; one person has deemed it feet to help us with his money to renovate the museum.
“I commend your efforts, you will never lack,” he said.
While inaugurating the workshop built for a craftsman, Mr Gbanga Oluwasegun, on Gberefu Island, popularly known as point of no return, Ogunlende said residents of Badagry were sitting on a goldmine.
“Badagry is a tourism haven where the story of the community is incomplete without Gberefu Island.
“So, there is need to build the craftsman’s workshop to a standard to impress first timers; to make a good impression to tourists visiting the community,” he said.
Ogunlende said he believed in impacting people instead of going around looking for delegates at this electioneering period, adding that RAK Foundation was all about quenching thirst, inspiring change and empowering generations.
Speaking, Oluwasegun said he had been living on the island for the past 15 years as a craftsman.
“Many people have visited the place with different promises to help me, but the case of RAK Foundation is different,” he said.
He, therefore, appreciated Ogunlende for the kind gesture and urged other people to emulate him.
Mrs Hope Oluwaseun, the wife of the craftsman, said they had been praying to build the workshop for the past 15 years until God sent the RAK Foundation to them.
She said the workshop would impact positively on their lives.
NAN
