The Lagos State Government is to collaborate with the Federal Government to redesign and modernise the National Museum at Onikan in Lagos to make it an international tourist attraction and historical hub.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode announced the decision following a request to that effect by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday.
He said the upgrading of the museum is in line with the overall objective of the State Government to collaborate with the Federal Government in the development of infrastructure and improvement of security to boost tourism in the state.
“I want to also say that just the same way that we have collaborated with the police, we will collaborate with you and ensure that whatever it is that we can do to give a facelift to the infrastructure that the Federal Government has in Lagos, we will do it because it is eventually to the benefit of Lagosians and eventually to the growth of the economy of Lagos.
”So we will be looking into the area of the museum at Onikan to see how we can put up a modern day museum of international standard in that place,” he said.
The Governor said the modernisation of the museum would be fast-tracked to showcase the history of the nation and artefacts, as part of the activities lined up to mark the 50th anniversary celebration of the creation of Lagos State next year.
He noted the enviable role that culture plays in creating a unique and distinct identity for Nigerians, saying his administration has mainstreamed culture into the economy of the state to enhance tourism and promote Lagos as a centre of excellence.
The Governor expressed the confidence that the infrastructure put in place, particularly the “Light Up Lagos” project and the security arrangement, would definitely improve investment in tourism, especially the establishment of world-class hotels, entertainment centres and recreation spots.
He disclosed that the Lagos State Government has floated the Employment Trust Fund, into which N6.25 billion would be paid yearly for four years, to create internationally acclaimed arts and recording studios in order to discourage artistes from recording their works abroad.
