Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

By Taiye Olayemi

Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, on Wednesday said the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History is now open for creatives’ use.

Benson-Awoyinka said this during a tour of the centre as well as the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Freedom Park and Onikan House, all within the Onikan environ in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre offers Yoruba people from Southwest 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 is still having an impact on musicians, artists, and creative thinkers today.

The centre’s architecture draws inspiration from traditional Yoruba craftsmanship and architecture, using visual metaphors to express the language and culture’s deep artistic and philosophical roots.

The fractal-like building form, which rises from the ground and leans forward (O tesiwaju) to depict the Yoruba people’s progressive nature, responds to its environment.

“The John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History is open already, creatives are coming to display their wares. We have had fashion shows, art exhibitions there.

“I am using this opportunity to let the young ones out there know that the centre is open for all,” she said.

Speaking on the essence of the tour, Benson-Awoyinka said it was to expose the tourism and historical offerings in the state to the world for improved patronage.

She said the move was also to spur the interest of Nigerians to tell more of the state’s history and its tourism assests.

“Lagos is a huge space with so much history and heritage, the untold story of Lagos must be relayed. That is the reason I am with these dignitaries here, to show the world the tourism potential in Lagos.

“This is to enable us tell our story the way it should be told. It is also to show our children that there is so much embedded in Lagos, there is so much to look out for rather than going out of our shores for leisure.

“Lagos is all about live, work and play. That is what we are showcasing.
“So, Lagos is open for business, open to promoting tourism, and to showcase our heritage in culture and arts.

“We promise to create that enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive. We want the young ones to key into the sector, we have a demography of very young individuals who are waiting for opportunities,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director, Sterling Bank, expressed readiness to work with the management of the NCMM to preserve the nation’s treasured history and arts.

Suleiman also disclosed that the bank was ready to support investors in the tourism sector.

“We must remind ourselves that tourism is also a business, we have seen the incredible walls of history hidden and waiting for us put out there.

“Arts and culture provide lots of opportunity for job creation, to position Lagos and Nigeria in the right light and that is what we are about to do.

“As we get along, we are looking forward to being able to put funds across to those who can groom tourism, invest in hospitality, hotels and transport.

“We are also ready to work with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to see that we can preserve it in a way that it won’t just be for our enjoyment but for the future generations,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of NCMM, emphasised on the need for everyone to tell Lagos story.

He said this was necessary to grow tourism activities within the state and discourage Nigerians from traveling out of the country for leisure. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

Descendants of late King Kosoko, the 10th king and first Oloja of Lagos, on Monday celebrated the traditional ruler’s historical and enduring legacy in a colourful celebration.

The celebration which held at the palace of Oloja of Lagos elect, Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, was the grand finale of a week-long celebration of the 162nd anniversary of the return of late King Kosoko back to Lagos from exile in 1862.
The event tagged “The Return 1862” refers to the historic return of King Kosoko and his followers to Lagos in 1862, which resulted in the establishment of the Epetedo settlement and the Ereko palace.
The triumphant return of the warrior king as well as his chiefs and followers to Lagos followed a-10 year sojourn in Epe following the bombardment of Lagos by the British Royal Navy in 1851 leading to the king’s exit.
Kosoko’s descendants in merriment listened to the family’s panegyric reeled out by professional chanters.

The programme also afforded up-and-coming artistes the opportunity to showcase their talents while they performed in different musical genre.

Among the artistes and musical bands that performed were: Ijo real, Ajeh, Akewi Agbaye and K-Man.

Speaking with NAN, Olojo-Kosoko appreciated everyone who had contributed to the success of the programme.

He said promoting the historical relevance and legacy of late King Kosoko was a cause he would always be committed to.

He noted that this was important as it was capable of inspiring the younger ones to live a life worthy of emulation, just like late Kosoko.

Alhaja Tawakalitu Abiola-Sulaimon, one of late Kosoko’s decendants, commended the Oloja elect for his transformational initiative in upholding the late king’s legacy and history.

Abiola-Sulaimon said this had spurred peace, unity and progress among all decendants King Kosoko.

According to her, before the appointment of the current Oloja elect, all late Kosoko descendants were not united.

She appreciated Abiola-Kosoko for coming up with laudable programmes capable of enlivening the late king’s legacies, like the establishment of a museum where Kosoko’s war relics are currently preserved.

“We are really happy with all he has done and I want to appeal to everyone to work with him to achieve more for our collective good,” she said.

Also, Mr Abiodun Olojo-Kosoko said: “I am happy this is happening when I am still alive. King Kosoko’s achievements should not be swept under the carpet, we must continue to uphold it.

“I want to commend the Oloja elect for all he has done. I pray that God will continue to enhance his wisdom to do more.”

Among dignitaries that graced the occasion was Oba Oladele Kosoko, the Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom in Badagry.

By Taiye Olayemi

Organiser of the World Iyan Carnival, Mr Ade Ajayi, on Sunday said the maiden edition of the carnival would hold Dec. 27, to showcase Nigeria’s rich culinary experience and promote food security.

“Iyan” is a traditional food prepared by pounding boiled yam with a mortar and pestle.

Ajayi, while speaking during a news conference in Lagos, said that the carnival slated to hold in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti capital, would attract tourists from across the globe.

He said the carnival was designed as a multi-faceted project, structured around four core pillars.

He said each of the pillars were designed to contribute to the overall goals of promoting food security, celebrating African culture, and fostering economic growth through tourism and agriculture.

“The World Iyan Carnival is set to take place on December 27, this will mark the official launch of a transformative initiative.

“The carnival will feature two key events: Omoge Iyan Pageant, which is a celebration of African women and their cultural heritage.

“The pageantry will showcase contestants who exemplify the rich traditions of their regions.

“The event will also witness Iyan challenge, a competition for African men to demonstrate their expertise in the complete process of Iyan production, from cultivating yams to creating the dish.

“Various groups, individuals, youths and communities across Africa and Africans in diaspora all over the world are eligible to participate by registration, which will commence from September.

“This will prepare them to win fantastic life changing prizes at the grand finale in Dec. 27,” he said.

According to Ajayi, a total of ten finalists, six from the pageant and four from the challenge, will be selected, with the winners named ambassadors of the carnival.

He explained that these finalists would also be featured in the epic documentary series that would form the second pillar of the initiative.

He described the carnival as a movement that would generate an epic documentary that delves into the origin and cultural significance of Iyan within the African society.

He said the documentary, which would premiere at the National Arts Theater in 2025, would showcase the history, tradition, and culinary art behind this ancestral dish.

According to him, the movement will also witness the cultivation of 50 million tubers of yam.

He said this was to promote food production and ensure food security.

“The World Iyan Carnival is the result of seven years of research and development, driven by a profound passion for African food and social impact,” he said.

He said the carnival was an innovative project that would involve farmers, youths, chefs, women, and food processing industries.

He said that the carnival would hold in partnership with states and corporate organisations.

Also speaking, Nollywood filmmaker, Yomi Fash-Lanso, who commended the initiative, said that it was time to go back to the roots while Nigerians remain proud of their culture.

Larry K Ojomo, founder of LK Mon-Ami, said the initiative was a good one that would help in differenciating local fufu (made from cassava) from pounded yam.

Ojomo also noted that the carnival would be a veritable avenue to display local fabrics and attire.

Earlier, Chief Adebola Emmanuelking, Chief Executive Officer, Adron Homes, who was represented by Chi-Tola Roberts, said the carnival was key to national development.