Kunle Adelabu
The Honorable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade – John, has commended the Oloja of Lagos elect, Prince Abiola Kosoko and the entire King Kosoko Royal Family of Lagos, on the preservation of the cultural heritage and values of the late King of Lagos.
Lola Ade – John, who was the a special guest of honour at the King Kosoko Memorial Lecture which was part of the activities marking the 163rd anniversary of the return of the late Oba to Lagos, also stated that the preservation of such legacies will attract more tourists to the Nigeria, and further improve the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and bring endless opportunities.
The event, which was attended by traditional rulers, eminent personalities, scholars and others, was held at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, on Saturday.
The lecture was themed, “The Lagos Economy in the Era of King Kosoko: A Talent of Prosperity and the Decline”.
“Today, we honour the enduring legacy of King Kosoko. As we celebrate “The Return 1862 Annual Event. I am filled with pride and gratitude.
“To His Royal Highness Abiola Kosoko, Oloja of Lagos Elect, I offer my deepest thanks. Your commitment to preserving our heritage is remarkable.
“This event is more than a commemoration. It is a reminder of our resilience, unity, and unbreakable spirit.
“King Kosoko’s return in 1862 was not merely a historical moment; it was a declaration that Lagos, and indeed Nigeria, would always rise.
“Today, we are custodians of history.
“It is our duty to ensure that the stories of our ancestors, their triumphs and struggles are never lost. Your Royal Highness, your consistent effort in organising this event year after year has kept our cultural wealth alive. Let this event be a call to Nigerians everywhere—to embrace our heritage with pride and to invite the world to witness the wonder that is Lagos and the magic that is Nigeria”, the Honourable Minister urged.
While stating that the enormous tourism potentials of the country is largely untapped, Ade – John added that the country stands to gain a lot if the sector is fully tapped into.
“Nigeria’s tourism potential is vast, yet still largely untapped.
“Research shows that in 2019, tourism contributed nearly 5% to the nation’s GDP, with just over 1.2 million international visitors. Imagine what these figures would look like if our 200 plus million population bought into the idea of domestic travel.
“Lagos, rich in culture and history, leads this growth. Initiatives like this serves as beacons that can attract even more to our shores.
“The possibilities are endless if we fully tap into the potential of our assets (over 1,000) and festivals (over 800).
“As we leave today, let King Kosoko’s spirit—his courage, vision, love for his people—inspire us.
“I hope it will drive our passion to make Nigeria a global cultural destination.
“To everyone involved in making this event possible—the organisers, performers, and the many hands behind the scenes— I salute you. Your work shapes the story of our nation.
“May the legacy of King Kosoko continue to inspire us and remind us of the greatness within our borders and the boundless potential of our people”, she said.
