The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, has called on Nigerians to embrace and take pride in Nigeria’s vast, rich cultural heritage, and invite the world to witness the wonder that is Lagos and the magic that is Nigeria.

Ade-John made the call during the 2024 edition of King Kosoko Memorial Lecture with the theme “The Lagos Economy in the Era of King Kosoko: A Tale of Prosperity and the Decline”.

The event, which was held at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, on Sunday, also featured a paper presentation by renowned experts and the launching of a book, titled ‘King Kosoko, His Life, His People and His Settlements’, written by the Oloja of Lagos Elect, Prince Abiola Kosoko.

“Today, we honour the enduring legacy of King Kosoko. I am filled with pride and gratitude.

“Today, we are custodians of history. It is our duty to ensure that the stories of our ancestors, their triumphs and struggles are never lost,” she said, stressing that Nigeria’s vast culture and tourism potential remained largely untapped.

“Research revealed that in 2019, tourism contributed nearly 5% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with just over 1.2 million international visitors. Imagine what these figures would look like if our 200 million-plus 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 over 1,000 assets and over 800 festivals.

“As we leave today, let King Kosoko’s spirit, his courage, vision and love for his people inspire us. I hope this will drive our passion to make Nigeria a global cultural destination,” she added.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Oloja of Lagos Elect, Prince Abiola Kosoko, said that the gathering was organised to pay tribute “to the remarkable legacy of King Kosoko, a visionary leader who shaped the economic landscape of Lagos. This lecture series aims to explore the highs and lows 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.”