Lagos unveils J.Randle Museum as cultural landmark for yoruba heritage

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially opened the museum at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Heritage and Culture in Onikan on Monday, a landmark development aimed at preserving and celebrating Yoruba history and cultural legacy.

The museum, central to the J.Randle Centre which launched last year, houses an array of historical, artistic, and cultural artifacts from the Yoruba people.

At the opening ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu appointed Qudus Onikeku as the new Director of the J.Randle Centre. Addressing stakeholders from the creative industries, the Governor highlighted Lagos as a leading tourism and cultural hub in Africa, with vast potential in music, film, art, and heritage.

He emphasized the state’s commitment to creating an environment where creative industries can flourish, citing this as crucial for Lagos’s economy and its identity as a destination for arts and culture across the continent and beyond.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to safeguard the Yoruba cultural heritage for future generations, emphasizing the role of the J.Randle Museum as a historical site dedicated to telling the story of Yoruba heritage.

“We must work together to revive our cultural inheritance and ensure that we leave a rich legacy for the next generation,” he stated. “This museum is a symbol of that commitment, serving as a bridge between our past, present, and future.”

The Governor called on museums holding Yoruba artifacts overseas to repatriate these pieces to their rightful place in Lagos, adding that such efforts would help to rebuild Yoruba heritage and strengthen cultural pride.

He pointed to the diminished role of indigenous languages in schools as a contributing factor to cultural erosion, stressing the J.Randle Centre’s strategic role in fostering pride and identity among Nigerians.

Sanwo-Olu also noted the significance of the Onikan area in Nigeria’s colonial history, referencing iconic landmarks such as the Yoruba Tennis Club and John Randle’s swimming pool. “This area embodies a vital chapter of Nigeria’s historical narrative,” he said. “J.Randle is more than a center; it is a piece of history for our people.”

The Governor underscored Lagos’s role as a center for tourism, fashion, and entertainment, integrating these sectors as part of the state’s development agenda.

“Lagos is uniquely positioned; it existed long before Nigeria. This center allows us to piece together a jigsaw of our heritage as we address broader issues like traffic and education,” he said. “Creative industries are a big enabler for our economy, bringing in jobs and innovation. By fostering an environment for the private sector, we are enabling creativity and industry growth.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the government has supported the creative sector over the past five years by funding projects and collaborating with entities like Ogidi Studios, Ebony Life Academy, and Del-York Academy, which have trained thousands of young creative talents. He assured attendees of Lagos’s ongoing commitment to building an enabling ecosystem for the entertainment industry.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture Toke Benson-Awoyinka praised the opening of the museum as a demonstration of Lagos State’s dedication to preserving Yoruba heritage.

“The John Randle Centre will be a beacon of knowledge, showcasing the profound legacy of Yoruba ancestors and the resilience of our cultural identity,” she said. The Centre aims to instill a strong sense of pride and connection among its visitors, creating a cultural touchstone for all who engage with it.

The J.Randle Museum now stands as a vital addition to Lagos’s vibrant cultural landscape, promoting Yoruba heritage while positioning the city as a leading cultural destination in Africa.

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