J. RANDLE CENTRE FOR YORUBA CULTURE AND HISTORY EMERGES WINNER AT 32ND THEA AWARDS IN ORLANDO, USA
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Lagos State Government’s flagship cultural project, the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, has won an Outstanding Historic Centre Achievement at the prestigious 32nd Annual Thea Awards, held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the JW Marriott Hotel, Orlando, Florida, United States.
The Thea Awards, presented by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), are globally recognised as the highest honour in the themed entertainment and visitor attractions industry. The awards celebrate excellence in creating compelling places and experiences worldwide.
The win places Lagos State on the global stage for cultural innovation, heritage preservation, and experiential storytelling. Located in Onikan, Lagos, the Centre is a state-of-the-art facility designed to showcase Yoruba history, arts, language, and traditions through immersive exhibits, live performances, and digital archives.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, led the State delegation to the Thea Awards Gala and TEA INSPIRE 2026 conference. She was joined by Project Contractor and Design Architect for the Centre, Mr. Seun Oduwole.
Speaking on the award, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka stated, “This win validates Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision to position Lagos as a global destination for culture and tourism. The J. Randle Centre is not just a museum, it is a living, breathing celebration of Yoruba identity, built to international standards. To be recognised among the world’s best themed experiences is a proud moment for Lagos and for Nigeria”, she said.
The Thea Awards Gala brought together creators from Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Creative, Wētā Workshop, and other global leaders in themed entertainment. The award underscores the Centre’s world-class design, curatorial depth, and its potential to drive cultural tourism in Lagos.
With the recognition, Lagos joins industry-leading destinations like Walt Disney, Universal Epic Universe, Orlando, Wētā, New Zealand, Mandalay Bay / Bob Marley Group, Las Vegas, Kochikane Museum, Japan, The Story of Emily, UK, and the Yoruba heritage on the world stage.
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