Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu opened the museum at the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Heritage and Culture, which showcases vital Yoruba artifacts. He appointed Qudus Onikeku as the director and emphasized the importance of cultural preservation for future generations. The centre aims to enhance tourism and pride in Yoruba heritage while hosting the ongoing Afropolis Lagos Festival, celebrating arts and creativity.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially opened the museum at the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Heritage and Culture in Onikan, a vibrant hub celebrating Yoruba history and culture. This museum showcases significant historical, artistic, and cultural artifacts, forming a vital part of the centre inaugurated in the previous year. Sanwo-Olu appointed Qudus Onikeku as the centre’s director, emphasizing its importance in promoting tourism and cultural activities in Africa. During an engaging session with creative stakeholders, the governor highlighted Lagos as a cultural epicenter rich in potential for music, film, art, and heritage. He expressed his administration’s commitment to fostering a thriving environment for private sector creativity, positioning Lagos as a prime destination for arts and culture across the continent. He stated the importance of reclaiming cultural heritage for future generations, insisting that this museum serves as a historic site to celebrate Yoruba identity. Sanwo-Olu stressed the urgency of repatriating Yoruba artifacts to unite the past, present, and future of the local heritage. He criticized the current trend of neglecting local dialects in schools, linking it to broader cultural disconnection. He reaffirmed the strategic role of the JRandle Centre in reconnecting Nigeria to its historical roots, underlining the need for inclusive efforts to preserve and promote Yoruba culture. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, praised the museum’s opening as a testament to Lagos’ dedication to safeguarding the rich traditions of the Yoruba people. She described the centre as a vital educational resource that would inspire pride and appreciation for Yoruba heritage among visitors. The centre currently hosts the inaugural Afropolis Lagos Festival, celebrating arts, creativity, and innovation until November 3, 2024.
The J Randle Centre for Yoruba Heritage and Culture serves as a crucial venue for preserving Yoruba history, art, and culture. Its newly opened museum not only displays invaluable artifacts but also engages the community in celebrating and reclaiming their cultural identity. By focusing on local arts, music, and education, the centre aims to foster a sense of pride and awareness about the Yoruba heritage, countering the decline in cultural practices and language use, especially among youth. Hosting the Afropolis Lagos Festival signifies its role in promoting creativity and cultural tourism in the region.
The opening of the museum at the JRandle Centre underscores the Lagos State government’s dedication to reinforcing Yoruba cultural identity and history. By nurturing a creative ecosystem and reclaiming lost heritage, the administration aims to cultivate pride among locals and present Lagos as a vibrant cultural destination. The importance of local dialects and artifacts in education and heritage preservation cannot be overstated, as they are essential to connecting generations and enriching the Nigerian identity.
Original Source: punchng.com