society

Accelerating Tourism in Lagos: Cash Onadele’s The Noble Warrior as A Catalyst

Published

1 year ago

April 8, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Accelerating Tourism in Lagos: Cash Onadele’s The Noble Warrior as A Catalyst

By Bolaji Israel

In January, the Lagos State Government revealed that it generated over $71.6 million in revenue from tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors during the 2024 yuletide season.

The milestone reinforces Lagos’s status as the tourism and entertainment capital of Africa, underlining the crucial role that tourism plays in driving economic growth and preserving cultural heritage in the aquatic-rich state.

The end of the year season has evolved into a robust platform for showcasing Nigerian arts, culture, and music on a global stage. It nurtures community spirit, strengthens ties with the diaspora, and solidifies Lagos as a premier destination for cultural tourism.

Indeed, Lagos is firmly establishing itself as a hub for tourism in Africa, a trend significantly bolstered by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

However, there is a need for more. Governor Sanwo-Olu must sustain the current momentum by further harnessing various areas of tourism through strategic initiatives that can significantly enhance the state’s appeal to both local and international visitors.

One area to explore more deeply is cultural history, which resonates with identity, values and reorientation, as music, fashion, food and entertainment have received robust attention. A great starting point is a more deliberate and strategic canonisation and projection – beyond mere celebration – of our exemplary cultural and social crusaders such as Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, Wole Soyinka, Funmilayo Kuti, Obafemi Awolowo and others whose lives exemplify values such as selflessness, social equity, justice, fairness and incorruptibility, which are currently in short supply in the nation. Leveraging these icons to engage local and relevant diaspora community helps to rewrite erroneous histories, reorient delinquent youths and affirm our truly positive African identity and character in a manner that offers economic benefits.

A Nigerian-American prolific playwright, Cash Onadele, also known by his pseudonym Aiye-ko-Ooto’, wrote The Noble Warrior (Eni Ogun), as a tribute to the world-acclaimed Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, in 2024. The play presents a golden opportunity for Lagos to reinforce its tourism potential, particularly among the diaspora. I am unaware of any comparable literary endeavour like the 239-page play that so splendidly encapsulates and projects Kongi in his true elements as a bastion of African identity.

The performance of the play in Abeokuta and MUSON centre, Lagos, was so gripping and profound yet entertaining, featuring ample music and dance, as well as a sufficient infusion of the Yoruba language into the production. It was directed by the cerebral Segun Adefila who once again demonstrated his exceptional talent, and produced by Aiye-ko-Ooto himself. The production was such a vivid spectacle to behold laced with a fine dosage of all elements needed for an enjoyable yet instructive theatre moment. It was a delightful show to behold!

One of Nigeria’s most revered thespians, Pa Tunde Kelani, who witnessed the production captured it succinctly: “The play is dense and layered; a courageous blend of sheer theatre, dance and music with a life band music playing alongside which I found very interesting and courageous because it blended so well. The quality and technical is top-notch with no distraction. I congratulate the writer, director and the team for their courage in putting together such a complex play – long and running smoothly to the audience delight. I doff my hat.”

Aisha Adamu Augie, Director General, Centre For Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), a frontline agency that promotes, projects and preserves Nigeria’s cultural heritage also congratulated the producers and Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange as they celebrate Nigeria’s Global Literary Giant with the stage production of The Noble Warrior.

Packed with intrigues, hatred, humour, love, forgiveness, social struggle, and emancipation, The Noble Warrior is not merely a celebration of Soyinka’s legacy; it serves as a pivotal vehicle for promoting Yoruba culture, history and heritage. The play’s narrative revolves around Prince Oluwole, a character inspired by Soyinka, who embodies the values of leadership, bravery, justice and cultural pride as he leads his pre-colonial ijebu-Igbo community against European incursion. Although it is not a factual account of Soyinka’s life, the play creatively mirrors his persona and the ideals he represents, making it a compelling representation of Yoruba history and culture.

With the profundity, aesthetics and volume of literary corpus that Nigeria has been producing including plays, one wonders what is delaying a long overdue review of our curriculum for the crop of new vibrant writers to come in while we do away with the good old Shakespeare that has held sway for far too long!

It’s not every generation that a nation or community is blessed with the enduring presence of such a colossus like Soyinka after nine fascinating decades. As such, the brilliant minds driving the tourism train in Lagos State under the leadership of the Governor, Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinfa, and other officials like Mr Olatunde Lawal, Director of Tourism Promotion, must seize the moment to leverage the play as a launchpad for enhancing Lagos’s rising tourism profile.

For instance, by sponsoring command performances for diplomats and international communities in Lagos, the government can promote the rich cultural tapestry of the Yoruba people, creating a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. It can also act as a catalyst for cultural reawakening, generating revenue and creating employment opportunities. By engaging local talent – from actors to stagehands – the production contributes to the creative economy, bolstering youth involvement.

Additionally, the government could extend its support by sponsoring performances across Nigeria and in countries with significant Yoruba-speaking populations, such as Benin and Togo. Furthermore, international tours to places like Brazil and Cuba, where historical ties to Yoruba culture exist, could enhance Lagos’s standing as a cultural hub. Such initiatives would not only showcase the play but also draw attention to the broader cultural heritage of Nigeria, enticing tourists from around the globe.

Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated considerable support for the arts and culture in Lagos, but there remains an urgent need to communicate the value of Yoruba culture to the international community. The Noble Warrior represents a significant opportunity for the government to market Lagos as a premier destination for cultural tourism. By aligning this initiative with the broader objectives of the state’s tourism strategy, the government can attract diplomats and international visitors eager to experience the richness of Nigerian culture. For the government, facilitating partnerships with cultural organisations and securing funding for the play will be a game changer, and showcasing the production on a grand scale would be a masterstroke.

The play is not just an artistic endeavour; it is also an essential narrative that fosters cultural identity and pride. In an era where young Nigerians often grapple with issues of identity and cultural erosion, it could serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of heritage. By integrating the play into educational curricula, particularly for secondary school students, the Lagos government can foster a deeper understanding of cultural history among the youths. This initiative could rekindle interest in literature and the arts, which have seen a decline in recent years.

Moreover, the government should consider purchasing copies of the play for high school libraries, ensuring that students have access to literature that reflects their culture. Commissioning a special version of the play tailored for school performances would further enhance its educational value and encourage engagement among young audiences.

In conclusion, the intersection of The Noble Warrior and Lagos’s tourism strategy presents a unique opportunity for the state to enhance its cultural footprint. By embracing the play, Lagos can not only honour the legacy of Wole Soyinka but also reinforce its position as a beacon of culture and creativity in Africa and beyond. This is an opportunity for Lagos to shine on the global stage, showcasing the richness of Yoruba culture and the spirit of its people.

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

Published

3 days ago

June 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

6 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

6 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.