Jonathan pledges to build biggest seaport in Badagry
President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday in Badagry pledged that the Federal Government was planning to build the biggest seaport in Badagry, Lagos State.
Jonathan made the pledge at the 37th coronation anniversary of the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-Toyi I, held at his palace in Badagry, Lagos State.
The president, who was represented by the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, said the decision to establish the seaport was part of the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda.
“Badagry is a historic town and it is the cradle of tourism, so we hold it in high esteem.
“For over 100 years, Badagry was the exporting point in Nigeria but back then, it was slave that was being exported out of the country.
“We are making plans to build a seaport in Badagry which will be bigger than the one in Ibeju-Lekki.
“The reason for this is to ensure that Badagry exports everything from Nigeria to the whole of Europe.
“With this, Badagry would be redeemed of it lost glory, and also we are not going to marginalise Badagry because it is important to the country,” Jonathan said.
The President commended the Akran for instilling peace in Badagry.
“Badagry is a very peaceful place and the Akran must be commended for that because Badagry is a town of many ethnic groups and religions, but he has been able to unite everyone together.
“We appreciate your efforts and we pray God keeps on giving you strength to live for many more years,” he said.
Responding, the Akran appreciated the gesture of the Federal Government to develop Badagry after several years of neglect.
Menu-Toyi urged the government not to relent in the ongoing projects in the area, especially the development of Air Force School and vehicles assembly plant.
“I would keep on doing my best in ensuring that peace continues to reign in the town.” the Akran said.
The Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro was part of the Federal Government’s delegation to the event.
The Akran of Badagry, at the end, presented a Badagry Pilgrimage Award to the president. (NAN)