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Tag: Toke Benson-Awoyinka

  • Toke Benson-Awoyinka didn’t assault anybody – Lagos Govt

    Toke Benson-Awoyinka didn’t assault anybody – Lagos Govt

    The Lagos State Government has responded to a viral video allegedly showing the Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, assaulting a civilian. 

    According to the government’s statement, the incident occurred during an inspection visit to the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, where an unauthorised canteen was being operated.

    The government claims that Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka questioned the presence of the canteen and initiated an eviction, which was violently resisted by the Centre’s Director, Qudus Onikeku, and his team. 

    The situation allegedly escalated when non-state actors, who were not authorised to attend the meeting, began recording the proceedings despite the commissioner’s objections.

    Contrary to the viral video’s narrative, the government stated that Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone, adding that a senior female member of her team was physically assaulted by the non-state actors. 

    The government has ordered an investigation into the incident and promises to take appropriate actions.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media regarding an incident at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. It is imperative to set the records straight and clarify the events that led to the said video.

    “The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has the statutory responsibility of oversight over all facilities under the Ministry’s purview. In line with this mandate, she embarked on an inspection visit to the J.K. Randle Centre.

    “During the inspection, it was discovered that the Director of the Centre, Qudus Onikeku, was illegally operating a canteen within the premises without the knowledge and approval of the Ministry. This prompted Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka questioned the presence of the establishment and initiated an eviction which the Centre’s Director violently resisted and had his team attack officials of the Ministry. 

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    “The non-state actors who are neither recognised by the Lagos State Government nor authorised to attend the meeting, who accompanied the Centre’s Director, barged in, while he ordered them to record the proceedings which the Honourable Commissioner objected to. It must be emphasised that recording any meeting without the consent of the presiding authority is unacceptable and a breach of protocol.

    “For clarity, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone. Instead, a senior female member of her team was physically assaulted by the non-state actors, which then escalated, as seen in the viral video depicting a totally false narrative. The video posted ostensibly to blackmail her speaks for itself.

    “The Honourable Commissioner maintained her stance that unauthorized persons should not participate in the meeting or record its discussions, which is in line with standard administrative procedures.

    “An investigation has been ordered into the occurrence, and appropriate actions will be taken. 

    “The Ministry remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the efficient management of all its facilities. The Honourable Commissioner will continue to discharge her duties in the best interest of Lagos State and its citizens.

    “The Commissioner, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard any misrepresentation of the incident and focus on the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery”.

  • Lagos, private sector partner with Fed Govt on tourism

    Lagos, private sector partner with Fed Govt on tourism

    Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Art, and Culture has announced a strategic partnership with the Federal Government and private sector to enhance tourism in the state and create a more conducive environment for business growth.

    The collaboration was disclosed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Art, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during a tour of key tourist sites, including JK Randle, Freedom Park, National Museum and Onikan House.

    Benson-Awoyinka said Lagos was committed to business development and promoting its rich cultural heritage, adding: “Lagos is open to showcasing our art and culture to investors.”

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    She highlighted the state’s deep-rooted culture and stressed the need to create an environment where businesses could thrive, especially in the tourism sector.

    “We are focused on fostering an environment where all businesses in Lagos can succeed,” Benson-Awoyinka said. 

    The commissioner also underscored the importance of youth development, noting that the state government was eager to collaborate with stakeholders to create opportunities for the younger generation.

    “We have a large youth population that is eager for guidance and support. We are ready to collaborate and ensure they have the tools to succeed,” she added.

    Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, praised the partnership, noting that it would position the National Museum as a key player in Lagos’ tourism ecosystem.

    “This collaboration with the Lagos State Government will make the National Museum a major tourist destination. The days of seeing divisions between state and federal institutions are over—visitors are simply interested in immersing themselves in our culture,” Holloway stated.

    He highlighted the value of the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts, some dating back to the 15th century, saying: “These artifacts not only tell the story of Lagos, but also of Nigeria as a whole. Retelling our stories is crucial to enriching the tourism experience.”

    Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, reaffirmed the importance of private sector involvement in boosting Lagos’ tourism industry.

    He said collaboration across sectors was key to ensuring the sustainable growth of art, culture and tourism in the state.

    “Tourism is also a business, and for it to grow, we need to ensure there are sufficient resources. By investing in hospitality, transport, and cultural preservation, we can create lasting opportunities for job creation and economic development,” Suleiman said.

    He concluded that Lagos has a wealth of untapped historical treasures that, if properly harnessed, can transform the city into a global tourist destination.

    The partnership aims to elevate Lagos’ profile in the global tourism market, combining efforts from government, cultural institutions, and private businesses to unlock the state’s full potential.

  • Ministry partners Iruland stakeholders on coastal road

    Ministry partners Iruland stakeholders on coastal road

    Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka and her officials have sought the patience and understanding of residents of Iru land, particularly those that will be affected by the Coastal Road Construction Project by the Federal Government.

    She spoke during a stakeholders’ engagement session at the palace of the paramount traditional ruler of Iru land, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal Abisogun II, the Oniru of Iru land.

    The commissioner, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja and other top officials of the ministry, said the gathering aimed to discuss the imminent building of the coastal road from Lagos to Calabar by the Federal Government and its potential impact on the community and local businesses.

    The meeting, which brought together the monarch, his white cap chiefs, ‘baales’ from Iru land and stakeholders, provided an avenue for those who would be affected by the construction work to deliberate on strategies for cooperation with the government throughout the road construction.

    The commissioner as well as members of the community expressed concern about the preservation of the tourism assets of the state along the coastal area, saying the waterways constitute a larger part of Lagos tourism.

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    She stressed the significance of collaborative efforts in ensuring minimal disruption to the community’s daily activities, while maximising the project’s benefits.

    During the engagement session, concerns were raised regarding potential disruptions to local businesses, transportation routes and job losses by thousands of youths, whose source of livelihood is dependent on the beaches.

     Addressing these concerns, Benson-Awoyinka gave assurance on proactive measures that would be taken by the federal and state governments “to mitigate these challenges and wants the people to be patient with the government as the coastal road will also bring development to the area, but comes at a price.”

    She said Lagos State Government would not leave them to bear the burden alone and promised all members of the Iru community that their concerns about the road project would be presented to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who would also communicate the same to the Federal Government through appropriate quarters.

    Oba Lawal expressed gratitude for the engagement and reiterated the importance of maintaining open communication channels between the government and the community.

    He praised the commissioner for always being proactive in matters affecting the community and observed that the corridor is the most vibrant tourism site in Lagos, “as such, Lagos State Government should come up with a bailout or grant programme to mitigate the effects on the people.”