Kunle Adelabu
-We are upgrading the museum next – Prince Kosoko, Oloja – elect
The Honourable Minister for Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, has assured that the Federal Government will partner with King Kosoko Museum Museum and other institutions that promotes cultural values and tourism, to change the collective narrative of Nigeria.
The Minister gave the assurance during the commissioning of the King Kosoko Memorial Museum and King Kosoko Palace, Ereko, Lagos on Thursday.
The commissioning event was the first official visit by the minister to King Kosoko Memorial Museum and King Kosoko Palace.
Mrs Ade – John commissioned the museum that housed relics and important artefacts belonging to the late Oba Kosoko who ruled as Oba of Lagos, between 1845 to 1851.
During the visit, the Oloja of Lagos elect and the Chief Curator of the Museum, Prince (Dr) Abiola Olojo – Kosoko and family chieftains conducted the Minister and her entourage round the King Kosoko palace where the late Oba presided as the Oloja of Lagos, on his return to Lagos. The palace was built by the British in 1861. The five storey – King Kosoko Memorial Museum main building was built in 2023, and it houses photograph of Lagos in the pre – colonial period, colonial period and post – colonial; relics and artefacts of Oba Kosoko, and the original museum which houses Oba Kosoko’s correspondents with Spanish, Portuguese and the British, treaties, royal relics and artefacts, as well as family materials.
Within the compound is also a section that documents the King Kosoko/Kosoko family’s interaction with the Fulani.
The Minister, after the exciting tour during which the Chief Curator provided detailed information and analysis of the artefacts and documents, said that the museum reminds her and other attendees of the rich history that defines Nigeria, and Lagos in particular.
“It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I extend a warm welcome to each of you gathered here today at this significant gathering. This day marks an auspicious occasion as we come together to explore the vital nexus between cultural heritage, tourism, and the pivotal role of institutions like the King Kosoko Memorial Museum, in shaping our collective narrative”, she said.
“As we convene within the halls of this esteemed museum, we’re reminded of the rich history that defines Nigeria, particularly Lagos State. The King Kosoko Memorial Museum preserves and showcases our forebears’ legacies, echoing stories of resilience, creativity, and cultural diversity that shape our identity.
“Museums, beyond artifacts, serve as beacons of enlightenment, fostering understanding and appreciation of our past while guiding our future steps. In a world of globalisation and technological advancement, institutions like this museum project authenticity, reminding us of our country’s beauty and complexity.
“As the Federal Ministry of Tourism, it’s crucial to recognise and harness cultural institutions’ immense potential in advancing our national tourism agenda. Collaborating with the museum presents opportunities to promote cultural tourism, drive economic growth, and foster social cohesion”, she added.
Speaking on partnership with the King Kosoko Memorial Museum and other cultural institutions, the minister said that such cooperation would yield promotion of cultural tourism, capacity building and cultural exchange program.
“Promotion of Cultural Tourism: Developing innovative strategies to showcase the museum’s rich heritage to domestic and international tourists through tours, festivals, and promotional campaigns”, she said.
“Capacity Building: Providing training programs and workshops to enhance museum staff’s professionalism and skills as custodians of our heritage.
“Cultural Exchange Programs: Facilitating cultural exchange programs with international partners to promote Nigerian culture globally and attract visitors. Such initiatives would not only attracts visitors but also serves as platforms for dialogue and mutual enrichment”.
She reassured of the FG’s commitment to the preservation and promotion of the country’s rich cultural values.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Through alliance with the Federal Ministry of Tourism, the King Kosoko Memorial Museum can realise its potential as a driver of sustainable tourism development”, she said.
“Once again, I extend my gratitude to the museum officials for their hospitality and vision. Together, let’s embark on a journey that enriches the lives of everyone that steps foot into the museum”.
The Oloja – elect, Dr Olojo – Kosoko, who said that he was able to put together the museum in about 17 months with the support of the family leaders and members, said that the Minister’s visit would open opportunities for the museum to develop further and attain international standard.
“Her visit has brought the keys that will open doors that have been locked for so many years. One thing is for us to ask God to give us wisdom, but another thing is to know how to use it. But now, we have the key and we will surely use it for the promotion and development of the museum and cultural heritage of Lagos. Like she said, the government wants to see us start something and leverage on what we have started. We have done a lot and she has seen a lot. We want to do our little and waiting for what the government will add to it”, Oloja – elect said.
Speaking on the next phase of the museum, the Chief Curator said that the plan is to segment the materials for easy access, while also stating that a major challenge has been funding.
“The next phase Is to begin upgrading, because what we just did was to unveil the museum; those contents we have in there. Now, the next phase is upgrading which is going to be sectional. We will sectionalize the museum into various levels so that it will enable people who want to come for various purposes, to identify which level they want to research on”, he said.
“Right now, we are having issues with finances, but I know with our own wealth, we will do the needful and see how we come out of all this”.
Prince Olojo – Kosoko said that the whole idea behind developing the museum is to preserve the history of the family and that of Lagos.
“Let people see us as a model and to see us as a society that is why I am doing this. This will help us to protect and preserve our history”, he said.
Earlier, Prince Sikiru Adeoye Kosoko, the Secretary General, King Kosoko Royal Family, welcomed the Honourable Minister and her entourage to the palace and the museum, describing the visit as historic and memorable.
He said that the visit was one of the important developments that has happened during the reign of Alhaja (Chief) Mutiat Ashabi Abimbola Alli – Balogun as the matriarch and the general head of the King Kosoko Royal Family, facilitated by the Olojo – elect, Prince Abiola Olojo – Kosoko.
Also present at the commissioning were family heads, chieftains and members of different branches of King Kosoko family.
In the minister’s entourage were Mr Sunday Bisong, Director, Domestic, Mrs Elizabeth Pam, Special Adviser Community Engagement, Elizabeth Ofili, Special Adviser, Media Communication and Partnership, Otoide Eyemere, Special Adviser, Technical and Prince Ademola Adetokunbo, Senior Special Assistant to the President.
Others were Mr Ademola Ade John, Special Adviser Political and Tourism, Jibike Yeniola Special Adviser, Policy and Legal, Ayodele Adebanjo, Assistant Director and Technical Assistant to the Minister, Yahaya Mohammed, Chief Protocol to the Minister,Maryam Sanni, Special Assistant to the Minister, Nkem Nzowulu, Senior Tourism Officer, Alice Oloriade, Chief Tourism Officer, Ministry of Tourism.
