Events

Lagos State government prioritises Ikorodu tourism development through public-private partnerships

Published

2 years ago

September 28, 2024

Lagos State Government reinforces its commitment to developing Ikorodu’s tourism, partnering with private and international bodies to boost cultural heritage.

The Lagos State Government has reinforced its commitment to tourism development in Ikorodu by transforming it into a major tourist attraction.

This initiative involves public-private partnerships and collaborations with the Federal Government and international bodies.

Also read: Lagos partners with federal government to boost tourism and business

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing tourism in the Ikorodu area, aiming to establish it as a premier tourist destination.

This commitment involves developing key tourist sites through strategic public-private partnerships. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, highlighted this during her tour of various significant sites, including Ayangburen Palace, the nine days market, Igboshi Shrine, and the ancient Ikorodu palace.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka emphasised the importance of showcasing Ikorodu’s rich heritage, transforming it into a monument, and documenting historical events for future generations.

To achieve this, the Lagos State Government is collaborating with the Federal Government, the French government, and various private sectors.

The Commissioner announced plans to compile a comprehensive record of all heritage sites, monuments, and festivals in Ikorodu.

This initiative will be aligned with international standards and publicised globally to attract attention to Lagos State’s cultural wealth.

Additionally, the state is planning to introduce the Lagos Heritage Week, a celebration dedicated to Yoruba culture. This event will highlight everything that defines Yoruba identity, including food, music, clothing, and fashion.

The initiative, supported by a law passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly, aims to strengthen cultural preservation and awareness.

Oba Adewale Shotobi, the Oba Ayangburen of Ikorodu, represented by High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, commended the government for its timely initiative and the focus on Ikorodu.

The event was attended by representatives from the French government, local traditional leaders, and officials from the Ministry of Tourism, demonstrating broad support for the state’s tourism development agenda.

Up Next

Lagos aims to become a top 10 global tourism destination

Don't Miss

Ekiti State prepares for world tourism day celebration at Ori Oke Ewo

Click to comment

Events

Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

Published

6 days ago

September 2, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Rechael Okonkwo’s carnival provided free healthcare to over 5,000 Nsukka residents, alongside support for widows and children (more…)

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”