The Lagos state government has collaborated with the French Government to develop a Cultural Hub in the Ikorodu Division of the State.
The Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, along with Mr Regis Charpentier, President WinWinAfrique, Private investment Partner for the French National Treasury, and some Directors of the Ministry, recently visited the Ikorodu Division to identify a suitable location for the cultural
Benson-Awoyinka who met with the six major town Obas of the Ikorodu kingdom in the Palace of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, greeted all present and disclosed the mission of the sensitization visit.
She appealed to the Obas and their Chiefs to trust the process of what the State Government wants, stating that it will be for the benefit and upliftment of the Ikorodu Division of the State.
She said the government seeks their support because the Ikorodu Division has a lot of heritage sites and traditions that can be documented and calendarized to boost tourism in Ikorodu town.
Benson-Awoyinka stated that she wants people all around the world to know the symbolic nature of Eyo, Agere, Igunnuko, and Agemo masquerades thereby stressing the fact that the Eyo masquerade isn’t the only masquerade in Lagos State.
She further informed all that the Yoruba Heritage Week will come up in November this year and it will be a one-week-long celebration of our Yoruba culture tradition and heritage.
The traditional ruler who stood in for the Oba of Ikorodu, Oba Shotobi, said he appreciated the coming of the Honorable Commissioner and her team for remembering the Ikorodu Division at this time stating that the Ikorodu people have long awaited them and are ready for them as well as there would be a committee to work with the Ministry’s team to execute the project.
The Local Government Chairman of Ikorodu West, Honorable Wasiu Adeshina was not left out as his office was also visited to inform him of the reason for their coming.
The Chairman appreciated the Honorable Commissioner and her team for coming, he said that Ikorodu Local Government is rich in culture and also plays host to tourist attractions.
Also present at the Obas palace are the Oba of Igbogbo, Oba of Imota, Oba of Egbin, and other Chiefs and traditional title holders.
Tourism sites visited include the Old Obas Palace and the Different traditional worship houses.
