The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has a held a Stakeholders’ meeting with the owners/managers of historical and cultural heritage sites, monuments, beaches and other tourist attractions in Lagos.
Speaking at the forum held at the gallery of the Council for Arts &
Culture, Alausa, the State Acting Commissioner for the Ministry, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola said the meeting was called to intimate the
stakeholders about the binding Law on operational status of tourist
sites and examine challenges facing the sector.
According to her, Section 11 of the 2011Law provides for the
preservation, protection and restoration of historical properties and
cultural heritage sites/monuments in Lagos State and connected
purposes.
Quoting that, “Where a person proposes to demolish or by means of
alteration to the structure, decorate, finish or otherwise alter
significantly the character of listed sites, such person(s) shall
apply for consent in writing to the Governor of Lagos State through
the Commissioner of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for
approval”.
The Acting Commissioner said investigations have revealed that many owners of the numerous heritage sites and monuments, which abound in the State, are unaware of the existence of the said Law and its provisions, especially as it affects their properties and sites.
While describing the demolition of “Ilojobar/Olaiya House” on Sunday 11th September, 2016 as illegal, she said in order to prevent future occurrence the stakeholders/public need to be sensitized and enlightened on the importance and need for documentation of all cultural heritage sites for future generations.
She noted that since the Ministry is saddled with the responsibility
of maintaining, preserving protecting and restoring all identified
heritage sites and monuments to their original state, it must promote coordinated efforts and synergy among stakeholders for effective management of these sites in line with the policy of the present administration.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Adewale Ashimi reiterated the determination of the Ministry to ensure that the tourist sites and monuments were restored to their original state so that they can remain as attractions to tourists for generations to come, adding that, in this regard, the government needs the collaboration of tourist site managers and stakeholders.
Ashimi therefore urged owners, managers and stakeholders of historical and cultural heritage sites, monuments, beaches and other attractions in Lagos to come forward for registration and assessment.
