Mr Louis Eriomala, the Director of National Institute of Cultural Orientation (NICO) in Lagos, has called on the Lagos State Government to re-brand historical monuments within the city to attract local and international tourists.
Eriomala told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that it was observed that most of the historical monuments in Lagos were in shambles and unattractive.
He said that these monuments were still supposed to be wearing their initial look and nothing should be changed but preserved.
The director gave examples of the falling monuments inTafawa Balewa square and several others in Badagry.
“I want the Lagos State Government to re-brand these monuments so that the local and foreign tourists can be attracted.
“Our historical monuments are to be in their true state, not painted but preserved so that our children and the next generation will get the original look,’’ he said.
Eriomala also urged the state government to create a mini village where Lagos state culture could be showcased to tourists.
He said that this would boost the state Gross Domestic Product and sustain the culture of the state.
“I cannot just forget in a hurry what I saw at the Gegu village in South Korea where the people have everything that represent their culture in a small village.
“Something like that should be replicated in Lagos state too so that as soon as a tourist gets there, he or she will be able to understand the culture of the people he wants to mingle with.
“There, in Gegu village, South Korea, the cuisine, craft, dressing, belief of the people are showcased,’’ he said.(NAN)