PRESS RELEASE
September 29, 2025
SEWHUDE AKANDE APPOINTED DIRECTOR GENERAL OF BADAGRY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
The Badagry Tourism Development Centre (BTDC) has appointed Dr. Abolaji Sewhude Akande as its pioneer Director General. His three-year tenure begins Monday, September 29, 2025.
Dr. Akande, an Honorary
Doctorate degree holder in Arts and Culture and graduate of Computer Science from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, brings extensive experience in media, tourism, and community development. He previously served at the Ebonyi State Ministry of Tourism, where he received commendations for his contributions.
He is the Publisher of CityMood Magazine, and former Director of Communications at the Badagry Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Akande is also a Federal Government grant recipient and promoter of the ACM Project, a pioneering initiative on African children’s cultural heritage, supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria, NYSC, and NDE. He is a volunteer with Lagos Beach Cleaners, reflecting his commitment to environmental protection.
Dr. Akande is the author of Badagry – A Port of History (unpublished).
The BTDC is responsible for promoting, preserving, and developing Badagry’s tourism, culture, and heritage locally, nationally, and internationally. Its mandate includes research, advocacy, heritage site sustainability, and the development of innovative tourism products, while prioritizing environmental protection and strategic partnerships.
Upon his appointment, Dr. Akande pledged to “work with all stakeholders to position Badagry as a global tourism and heritage destination while ensuring local communities benefit from the sector’s growth.”
Stakeholders believe his media expertise, cultural advocacy, and grassroots engagement will usher in a new era of visibility and sustainability for Badagry’s tourism sector.
Signed:
Prince Olu Kosoko
Aremo of Iworo Kingdom
Board Chairman, BTDC