Lagos state government begins construction of museum in honour of Fela

The Lagos State Government has begun the construction of a museum in honour of the late Afro beat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

The reconstruction of the shrine is part of government’s plan to immortalise Fela who contributed immensely to the development of music in the country.

Governor Babatunde Fashola disclosed this on Monday at the opening of the Nigerian-South African Week tagged “A Tale of Two African Cities” at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

Fashola said as part of efforts to immortalise the late Afro beat musician, the state government had begun the reconstruction of the late icon’s “shrine” at Gbemisola Street, Ikeja, into an international museum.

The governor further said that the provision of infrastructure and basic services by the State government would boost tourism while empowering the people.

Fashola, whose speech was read by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, also said the expansion of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway from four to 10 lanes, the introduction of Lagbus and Metro Cabs and provision of jetties in the riverine areas of the State coupled with healthcare facilities were some of the incentives put in place to boost tourism while creating employment.

“The provision of infrastructure and enabling environment is bound to bring foreign investment,” he said, just as he called on South African businessmen to take advantage of the opportunities that abound in the state to invest in any part of the economy.

Reiterating his government’s determination to make Lagos the preferred destination for tourism in Africa, the governor added that plans had been concluded to reposition the Apapa Amusement Park, the rehabilitation of the Badagry Slave Route and provision of institutional support for the Lagos Heritage Week, the Adamu Orisha Play and the Olokun Festival, among others.

“The state government is set to offer incentives to foreign investors, the state can boast of the largest markets in Africa with a population of over 21 million people, even as government has continued to invest in independent power projects, IPP, to enhance the living standard of the people while providing a conducive environment for investors,” he added.

The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Mr. Park Tau noted that Lagos and Johannesburg had two of the fastest growing economies in Africa, saying that “there is need to collaborate. South Africa will continue to improve on the bilateral relationship between the two cities as they need to partner on social-human development and economic growth.”