Nigerian-American playwright Cash Onadele, known as Aiye-ko-Ooto, has urged the Lagos State government to leverage its rich cultural history as a vital resource for enhancing tourism revenue.
The author with over 115 works listed several benefits of cultural history to include attraction of visitors, revenue, preservation of heritage, reorientation and cultural exchange.
In a chat, Onadele highlighted the importance of promoting cultural icons and narratives that resonate with indigenous identity and values, not just locally but to diplomats, foreigners and global lovers of African identity, noting that such move could further transform Lagos into a premier cultural destination.
Aiye-ko-Ooto hailed the Lagos State government’s recent achievements in tourism, citing a report that revealed over $71.6 million in revenue generated from the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors during the 2024 festive season. The success reinforces Lagos’s position as Africa’s tourism and entertainment capital, emphasising the need for continued investment in the sector.
He urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his administration to maintain momentum by exploring various pillars of tourism, particularly cultural history. Onadele proposed a strategic focus on the lives of notable cultural figures such as Wole Soyinka, Herbert Macaulay, Lateef Jakande, Funmilayo Kuti and others whose legacies embody virtues that are increasingly relevant today, noting that engaging diaspora communities in this narrative can help reshape historical perceptions, foster a strong sense of identity and grow revenue.
The playwright hinted at his recent work, The Noble Warrior, as an excellent example of how Lagos can enhance its tourism appeal. The play, a tribute to Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, encapsulates key aspects of Yoruba culture and history, offering a compelling narrative that could attract both local audiences and international visitors.
Onadele urged the Lagos government to seize this opportunity by sponsoring special performances for diplomats and the international community, which could facilitate cultural exchange and generate economic benefits.
He stated, ‘For instance, by orchestrating command performances for diplomats and international communities in Lagos, the government can promote the rich cultural tapestry of the Yoruba people, creating a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. It can trigger cultural reawakening, generating revenue and creating employment opportunities. Expanding the play’s reach through national and international tours would further position Lagos as a cultural hub, drawing attention to Nigeria’s rich heritage,’ He noted.
While acknowledging the current support for the arts under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, Onadele stressed the need for a concerted effort to communicate the significance of Yoruba culture globally. He believes that aligning the promotion of The Noble Warrior with the state’s broader tourism strategy could attract tourists eager to experience Nigeria’s cultural richness.
He proposed integrating the play into educational curricula and making copies available in high school libraries to inspire a new generation of Nigerian youths, saying ‘it could foster a deeper appreciation for cultural history and stimulate interest in the arts’.
Speaking at a performance of the play, The Noble Warrior, in Abeokuta, revered thespian, Pa Tunde Kelani, said: “The play is dense and layered; a courageous blend of sheer theatre, dance and music. The quality and technical is top-notch with no distraction. I congratulate the writer, director and the team for their courage in putting together such a complex play – long and running smoothly to the audience delight.”
Aisha Adamu Augie, Director General, Centre For Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), a frontline agency that promotes, projects and preserves Nigeria’s cultural heritage had earlier congratulated the producers and Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange on the stage production of The Noble Warrior.
