By Mohammed Adekola
Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the Chairperson of Epe Local Government has advocated for the defence of the sanctity of museums as an integral part of educational channels which must not be allowed to die.
Princess Animashaun spoke at the occasion at the Lagos State University Centre for Museum and African Heritage (LASUCEMAH) celebration of the 2024 International Museum Day in Agege Pen cinema, Lagos.
She stated this at the occasion with the theme: “Museum For Education And Research”, advocating that the government should see the museum as a viable tourist attraction that can earn a huge amount of money if given the necessary priority attention it deserves.
Animashaun said as an investor and practitioner in the hospitality industry, she was aware of the huge potential of internally generated revenue inherent in museum operation, noting that if adequately funded and well managed would be a money-spinner for the government.
She recalled that most of the museum materials that Europeans showcase today in their clime majorly artefacts stolen from Africa and which people from all over the world, Africans inclusive, are made to pay huge tolls to visit and admire, a development that the Epe Council boss dislikes with passion.
She, pledged that should she enjoy the privilege of a second term in office, she had already made up her mind to dedicate a vast expanse of land to build an enviable museum which would be turned into a high revenue-yielding venture for her local government in the nearest future.
The occasion featured speech and cultural dance competitions among various secondary schools within and around the Agege municipal area.
