LAGOS MINISTRY OF TOURISM VISITS HERITAGE SITES IN IKORODU FOR INVENTORY, DOCUMENTATION
As part of its mandate to promote tourism, arts, and culture, the Research and Development Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has embarked on a field exercise to identify and document tourism potentials across the State.
The exercise, which focused on the Ikorodu Division, was led by the Director of Research and Development, Mr. Frank Temitope Legunsen, who represented the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka.
Speaking during the exercise, Legunsen explained that the initiative aims to identify and document galleries and museums within the five divisions of Lagos State that hold cultural, historical, and tourism value.
One of the facilities visited, according to Legunshe, was the Ikorodu Hall of Fame/Museum, a heritage institution dedicated to preserving the rich history and legacy of Ikorodu. The museum houses an impressive collection of photographs, artefacts, and historical records celebrating distinguished sons and daughters of Ikorodu who have made notable contributions in diverse fields.
“The Hall of Fame features personalities such as the first-ever pilot produced from Ikorodu, alongside several other accomplished figures. It serves as both an educational and inspirational resource, reinforcing cultural pride while boosting cultural and heritage tourism in Lagos State,” Legunsen noted.
The Tour Operator at the Museum, Mrs. Funmilayo Awoyewun highlighted that the Hall of Fame acts as a historical archive of notable personalities and remains accessible to the public free of charge, in line with its mission to promote Ikorodu’s heritage
The research team also visited the Oshodi Arts Gallery, one of the most prominent art institutions in Ikorodu. The gallery features a wide range of creative works, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, ceramics, textiles, and other visual art forms. Beyond showcasing art, the gallery plays a vital role in education and skill acquisition by offering training to students from secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and community groups.
He emphasised that both the Ikorodu Hall of Fame/Museum and Oshodi Arts Gallery possess immense cultural and educational value capable of enriching students, researchers, tourists, and the general public.
Proprietor of the gallery, Mr. Oshodi Paul expressed his passion for promoting and preserving the arts, stressing that his vision is to make artistic expression accessible to all, particularly the younger generation.