3,634 tourists visit Point-of-No-Return Island in 6 months — Official

The Secretary of the Tour Guides Association, Badagry, Mr Anago James, said on Monday that 3,634 tourists visited the Point-of-No-Return Island, also known as Gberefu Island, between January and June, this year.

James disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry, Lagos State.

He said that the figure would have been higher if the tourist site had all the modern day facilities required.

“The amount of tourists that visited here within the period under review is still relatively okay because of the efforts of the tour guides in making tourists see things from a different perspective.

“If the tourist site had modern day facilities like chalets, where the tourists could stay, tents, restaurants, amongst others, the tourist that visit here would have been more because the place would be more attractive.

“Most times, tourists bring their food because there is no restaurant or bar on the island, which should not be the case.

“There are no modern facilities here, so many tourists that visit here do not spent time here as they just come, see what they want to see and just leave.

“The state government started building chalets and a walk path but it has been abandoned for several months as the chalet structures are still at foundation level.

“The state government needs to rebrand the place so as to make it more attractive for tourists to always want to visit regularly or come back here for more visits,’’ he said.

James noted that the tourist site does not have toilets for tourists.

“Most times, tourists who visit here have to resort to the bushes whenever they want to use the bathroom because there are no toilets here.

“Also, there are no waste bins so sometimes, the place is dirty, especially the beach side. We always try to clean up the place but our efforts are not enough because the basic facilities like waste bins and toilets are not available,’’ he said.

James, who is also a blogger, added that despite the challenges, the tourist site still has all its historic relics.

He also noted that a certain percentage was paid to the community for each tourist that comes.

“Tourists who visited here are always fascinated because of the history of the place. The slave spirit attenuation well is still intact as it had withstood the test of time.

“The ark, which a monument depicting that slaves passed through it to enter into the slave boat, is still there and also the slave routes are still intact.
“So with all these, we are able to make things interesting for people who come here,’’ he said.

On his own part, the Baale of Gberefu Island, Najimdeen Sanni, urged the state government to empower the fishermen with modern day equipment.

He added that lack of power supply was a major challenge for residents of the lsland.

“The major occupation of the indigenes here is fishing but they do not have the modern day tools which would help in facilitating their jobs.

“The government should provide them with these equipment like newer boats and modern-day fishing equipment.

“We have not had power supply for several years on the island, so the government should come to our rescue on this matter because it is bringing hardship to the community.

“Also, a primary and secondary school should be built on the island, as we do not have any,’’ he added.