The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, has appealed to Lagosians and Nigerians in general to protect the legacy of King Kosoko, as an inspiration and a reminder of the greatness within the country’s borders and the boundless potential of the people.
Ade-John, who made the call during the 2024 edition of Oba Kosoko Memorial Lecture in Lagos, pleaded with Nigerians to embrace the country’s heritage with pride and to invite the world to witness the wonder “that is Lagos and the magic that is Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s tourism potential is vast, yet still largely untapped. Research shows that in 2019, tourism contributed nearly five per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, with just over 1.2 million international visitors. Imagine what these figures would look like if our 200 plus million population bought into the idea of domestic travel.
“Lagos, rich in culture and history, leads this growth. Initiatives like this serve as beacons that can attract even more to our shores. The possibilities are endless if we fully tap into the potential of our assets (over 1,000) and festivals (over 800). As we leave today, let King Kosoko’s spirit— his courage, vision, love for his people — inspire us. I hope it will drive our passion to make Nigeria a global cultural destination,” she said.
In his lecture titled: “The Lagos Economy in the Era of King Kosoko: A talent of Prosperity and Decline,” Alhaji Usman Umar (Sabo), said the Fulani commercial supportive activities were crucial to King Kosoko’s economic development of Lagos.
He noted that their contributions, spanning cleric services, manpower during war, construction of the Lagos fence wall, development of the Lagos cattle market/slaughterhouse, workforce and currency exchange laid the foundation for Lagos to emerge as a major economic centre in Nigeria.
Umar said: “The Fulani and their allies in Lagos enjoyed their stay with the Yoruba, the relationship was cordial, intimate and understanding. This was a collective effort of all in Lagos of those days. The development you see today at Yalleman (our hometown) and its surroundings were the genesis of the Fulani settlement in Lagos in general and Kosoko Court in specific.”
Earlier in his opening presentation, the Oloja of Lagos-elect, Prince Abiola Kosoko, who said the lecture was aimed at paying tribute to the remarkable legacy of King Kosoko, a visionary leader who shaped the economic landscape of Lagos, added that the lecture series aims to explore the highs and low of his era, offering valuable insights into the city’s rich history.
“Your participation and support means the world to us. Let us come together to celebrate King Kosoko’s enduring impact on Lagos and explore the lessons of his era as a guide to the future. It is under directives of the Council of the heads of the King Kosoko Royal family that I make his opening presentation with a strong reference as a special representative of the descendants of King Kosoko, the 10th King of Lagos and the first Oloja of Lagos.”
