Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has said that the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History is now open to creatives.
She said this during a tour on Wednesday of the center, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Onikan House, all within the vicinity of Onikan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre offers Yorubas from south-west Nigeria and other countries in the Americas and the Caribbean, including Cuba, Brazil and Haiti, a space for reflection and reconnection. It demonstrates how Yoruba culture continues to influence musicians, artists and creative thinkers today.
The centre's architecture draws inspiration from traditional Yoruba crafts and architecture, using visual metaphors to express the deep artistic and philosophical roots of the language and culture.
The fractal-like shape of the building, which rises from the ground and leans forward (or tesiwaju) to represent the progressive nature of the Yoruba people, responds to its surroundings.
“The John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History is now open; creatives come to showcase their products. We have organised fashion shows and art exhibitions there. I am using this opportunity to let the youth know that the centre is open to all,” the commissioner said.
Essence
Speaking on the essence of the tour, the commissioner said it would expose the state’s tourism and historical offerings to the world to enhance patronage and stimulate interest of Nigerians to learn more about the state’s history and tourism assets.
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“Lagos is a huge space with a lot of history and heritage; the untold story of Lagos must be told. I am here with these dignitaries to show the world the potential of tourism in Lagos. This allows us to tell our story as it should be. It is also to show our children that there is so much in Lagos; there is so much to see rather than leaving our shores for leisure.
“Lagos is life, work and fun. That is what we are showing
Thus, Lagos is open for business, promotes tourism and showcases our cultural and artistic heritage.
“We are committed to creating an environment that allows tourism businesses to thrive. We want young people to enter the sector; we have a demographic of very young individuals who are waiting for opportunities,” he said.
Promises
Sterling Bank Managing Director Abubakar Suleiman expressed his readiness to work with the NCMM management to preserve the nation’s history and arts.
Mr. Suleiman also revealed that the bank was ready to support investors in the tourism sector.
“We must remember that tourism is also a business. We have seen the incredible walls of history that are hidden and waiting for us to discover them. Arts and culture provide many job creation opportunities and put Lagos and Nigeria in the right position, and that is what we are about to do.
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“As we move forward, we hope to be able to allocate funds to those who can encourage tourism and invest in hospitality, hotels and transport. We are also willing to work with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to ensure that we can preserve it in a way that is not only for our enjoyment, but for future generations as well,” he said.
Also speaking was Olugbile Holloway, Director General of NCMM, who stressed the need for everyone to tell the Lagos story.
He said this was necessary to grow tourism activities within the state and discourage Nigerians from travelling outside the country for leisure.
(YAYA)