By Taiye Olayemi

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday inaugurated the remodelled J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

The centre is currently playing host to the maiden edition of Afropolis Lagos Festival, an international festival of arts, creativity and innovation, which kicked off on Oct. 26 and expected to end on Nov. 3.

Sanwo-Olu also announced the appointment of Nigerian multimodal international artiste, Qudus Onikeku, as the Centre Director for the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

The governor said the centre, meant to project the history and culture of the Yoruba race from the beginning through to the present and the future, would also serve as a suitable research centre.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Qudus Onikeku will now be the Centre Director for the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. Taking this decision took us almost a year to conclude.

“Qudus is fit to manage this place. We are going to be relying on your expertise and skill for the proper management of this centre.

“He (Qudus) brought the idea of this Afropolis festival, for players in the creative sector to express themselves because we are aware that Lagos is home to lots of creative minds.

“This is a destination for the entire creative sector and people of innovation. It is appropriate for research, meetings, relaxation and more.”

He said that the centre was a place to envision ideas.

According to him, it is a centre for the younger creatives to develop their talents.

“This is not a localised space, what we have here are things that bring the entire south west states together; you will see Obatala, Oranmiyan and other dieties in the Yoruba kingdom.

“I am using this opportunity to say that we are deliberate in christianing this place, it is open for the entire Yoruba race, everyone who wants to showcase anything creativity,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu added that the installation of equipment was ongoing at the centre.

The governor assured the creatives of accessibility to funds when they are able to birth new and innovative ideas as many have benefited.

He noted that as part of plans to develop Lagos as the hub for entertainment and tourism, the state had invested in training creatives cutting across various fields.

He said professional institutes like Ebonylife Academy, Ogidi Studio and Delyork Academy were some of the institutes that were engaged in the capacity development programmes.

“Our objective will never be to stiffen innovation but to create enriching environment for creativity to thrive.

“So, I call on the Ministry of Tourism to develop a proper calendarisation of tourism, culture and entertainment activities so that we can have specific month or months to host such activities.

“This is to enable tourists plan their activities to visit Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Also, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, described the centre as a living tribute to the richness of Yoruba culture and an invitation for all to partake in its beauty.

Benson-Awoyinka said the centre embodied a collective dream, a dream of unity, understanding, and appreciation for the nation’s shared cultural identity.

She appreciated everyone, who contributed to the establishment of the centre, dedicated artisans, historians, educators, and community leaders.

“The John Randle Centre will serve as a beacon of knowledge, highlighting the profound contributions of our ancestors and the enduring spirit of our culture.

“It envisions a space where the stories of our forebears come alive, a place resonating with traditional music, showcasing intricate artistry, and sharing the vibrant narratives of our history.

“This centre is designed to foster a deep sense of connection and pride among all who visit.

“Importantly, this initiative is not only about preservation, it is about innovation.

“We invite our youth to engage with and reinterpret our heritage in contemporary ways, bridging the gap between generations and ensuring our culture remains dynamic and relevant,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sanwo-Olu and other government officials were taken on tour of the centre after the inauguration.

The centre accommodates a museum, children corner, storytelling arena, exhibition space, a library, multipurpose rooms, a theatre, a seminar room and more. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Folasade Adeniran