King Kosoko Memorial Lecture 2024: Tourism Minister, Lola Ade-John urges Nigerians to explore Nation’s Cultural heritage for wealth creation.

Newslens NG reports that the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John during the 2024 edition of King Kosoko Memorial Lecture has called on Nigerians to uphold and take pride in Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The King Kosoko Memorial Lecture 2024 was a momentous occasion for the Kosoko family and Lagosians at large, offering a chance to reflect on the life, reign, and legacy of one of Lagos’ most influential monarchs, King Kosoko.

This Nigeria news platform reports that the prestigious event, themed “The Lagos Economy During the Era of King Kosoko: A Tale of Prosperity and Decline” took place at the historic Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island.

The lecture brought together an array of distinguished guests, including the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, who served as the special guest of honor. She was joined by prominent traditional rulers such as HRM Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, and HRM Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, among other royal fathers, government officials, captains of industry, and members of the press.

In her keynote address, Minister Lola Ade-John applauds Prince Abiola Kosoko, the Oloja of Lagos-elect, for his dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Lagos.

“You have brought the voices of our ancestors to the forefront,” she remarked, commending his efforts in honoring King Kosoko’s legacy and keeping the rich history of Lagos alive.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, the Minister noted, “This is more than a commemoration; it is a reminder of our versatile and resilient community and our unshakeable spirit.”

She also emphasized that King Kosoko’s return to Lagos in 1862 was not just a historical event but a powerful symbol of the indomitable Lagos spirit, which continues to shape the city today. Ade-John further encouraged Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage, underscoring the potential for cultural initiatives like the memorial lecture to attract international tourists and showcase the rich legacy of Nigeria.

“Initiative like this serves as beacons that can attract even more to our shore” she said.

While delivering his welcome Address, Prince Abiola Kosoko, the Oloja of Lagos-Elect explained that the event is aimed at celebrating King Kosoko’s enduring impact on Lagos and reflect on the lessons of his era as a guide to the future.

The event featured insightful discussions and historical reflections from esteemed academics, including Prof. David Aworawo from the Department of History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos, Prof. Sanni Habeeb Abiodun from Lagos State University, and Prof. Adewunmi J. Falode, also from LASU’s Department of History and International Studies. They explored the economic impact of King Kosoko’s reign in Lagos, as well as the challenges he faced during his reign.

He described King Kosoko as a visionary leader who shaped the economic landscape of Lagos.

The event also featured a book launch entitled “King Kosoko, His life, His people and His settlements” written by the current Oloja Elect of Lagos, Prince Abiola Kosoko.

However, In a gesture of cultural inclusivity, representatives from the Igbo and Fulani communities, who have historical ties to King Kosoko, joined the event, making notable contributions with a combined donation of N25 million for the launch of a commemorative book celebrating the monarch’s legacy.

The King Kosoko Memorial Lecture 2024 served as a vital platform for revisiting Lagos’ rich history, celebrating its cultural heritage, and fostering a sense of unity among its diverse communities.