…as Governor calls for return f Yoruba artefacts to museum
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has announced that the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, completed and equipped by his administration, is now fully operational and open for public use, particularly members of the creative sector and tourists.
Speaking during a conversation session on Monday, held at the Centre, the Governor unveiled Mr. Qudus Onikeku as the CEO/Director, who will be responsible for managing and coordinating creative activities at the Centre with his team.
Sanwo-Olu explained that Onikeku was selected due to his international exposure, rich cultural and artistic background, and commitment to creative development.
“For over a year, finding the right person to manage this Centre has been a challenge. We chose Qudus Onikeku because of his distinguished career in the creative field and to fulfil our promise of giving young talents opportunities to showcase their skills,” the Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the Centre represents not only Lagos but the entire Yoruba race, including the southwestern states in Nigeria and Yoruba-speaking communities worldwide. He urged the British government and other countries to return artefacts that belonged to Lagos and the Yoruba people.
The Governor also called on his colleagues in the southwestern region to see the Centre as a shared cultural facility and to contribute artefacts to further establish it as a prominent museum documenting the history and culture of the Yoruba people.
During the session, moderated by Qudus Onikeku, Sanwo-Olu encouraged youths to explore the Centre to develop and promote their creative skills. He also appealed to parents and the Yoruba community to actively promote the culture and language to prevent it from fading away, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the State Government does not seek to dominate the tourism and entertainment sectors but is committed to creating an enabling environment for creative practitioners to thrive, making Lagos a vibrant hub for tourism and entertainment.
He highlighted various interventions by his administration for creative practitioners in the film, arts, and fashion sectors, as well as collaborations and sponsorships that have supported the industry.
Expressing his administration’s willingness to support creative minds, Sanwo-Olu insisted that recipients of support from his administration must prove themselves deserving, as the government expects value-added contributions in return.
“We want our people to come up with innovative ideas that will positively project Lagos to the international community. Once a creative idea is conceived, securing funding for outstanding initiatives won’t be difficult,” he stated.
Speaking on one of the ways to further improve and develop the State’s tourism and entertainment sector, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the development of an annual tourism calendar is important to guide both local and international tourists and drive traffic to Lagos State.
He identified this as a strategic move to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, festivals, events, and entertainment activities in a structured and predictable manner.
Mr. Governor noted that the tourism calendar would help boost the tourism and entertainment sectors by ensuring that potential visitors and industry stakeholders can plan their trips and investments around scheduled events, thereby driving economic growth and enhancing the state’s reputation as a premier destination for tourism and entertainment in Nigeria.
In her welcome address, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, assured that the Centre would serve as a dynamic space where traditional music, artistry, and historical narratives come alive, fostering a deep sense of connection and pride among visitors.
She added that the John Randle Centre is not just about preserving culture but also about inspiring innovation and encouraging youth to engage with and reinterpret Yoruba heritage in contemporary ways.
“This Centre’s establishment was made possible through the collaborative efforts of artisans, historians, educators, and community leaders, embodying a collective vision of unity and appreciation for our shared cultural identity,” she said.
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