AN EXCURSION TO THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION
It was a bright and sunny day when we were set for an excursion to a town which we had heard much about in history. As our History teacher had arranged with us: we all gathered in our school. Our mission? We were going on excursion to Badagry, a town we had been told hosted the first white missionaries in Nigeria. Besides, Badagry is prominent in the history of slave trade in West Africa. It is located on a borderline between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
I remembered vividly our entry point into the town through the toll gate. It was as if we were ushered into a serene atmosphere especially when we consider the hustle and bustle of Lagos. Indeed. everyone of us in the school bus could not but get a feel of the overwhelming serenity of Badagry. It was indeed an unforgettable experience. We were welcomed by a prominent chief in the town who served as our guide
The first place we drove to was the first storey building in Nigeria. The building. which was still standing despite the fact that it was built several decades ago, was a sight to behold. It was marvelous and right beside it was the first well which was about three feet deep. According to our guide. Lord Lugard and d Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther drank from this well and the Bible was translated from English to Yoruba Language in the first storey building.
Another place we visited was the Badagry slave camp where we saw chains, whips, batons, bags of cowries, big padlocks. These relics depicted slave trade era and on the wall we re frescoes of slave chained together while being brutalized by the slave masters. At intervals, we were told dehumanizing tales of the untold hardships our fore-fathers went through during the period of slavery.
Badagry beach was another exciting place to be. It was a place we could not have left out of our excursion because of the enormous thrills and fun it had to offer. At the beach we had fun, rode on donkeys, savoured the comfort of the thatch huts and enjoyed the rising and falling tides of the sea. The experience here is unforgettable.
The last place we visited was the whispering palms. According to our guide, the name was obtained from the belief that originated from the original dwellers of the area. It was believed that in the night, audible chants were heard emanating from the rustling palm trees which they believed whisper. Here we saw several caged animals, including tortoise and birds. We ate coconuts and played games. We didn't leave the town without paying a visit to the King's palace where we were entertained by cultural dancers.
At the end of the day, it was obvious that we had enjoyed ourselves. It was an experience I cannot forget in a hurry.
Olatunde Kunle
S.S 3c