New consul-general of the United States (US) Mission in Nigeria, Mr Rick Swart, has commended the Kosoko family for preserving their history and heritage.
He also applauded them for having a rich family history.
Swart made the remark when he visited the King Kosoko Palace and Museum at Ereko, Lagos, with his wife.
He also rejoiced with the head of the Kosoko family, Alhaja Mutiat Alli-Balogun, on her 96th birthday, which coincided with his visit.
Swart took over as the consul-general from JoEllen Gorg in July, representing the US government’s interests in 17 states in southern Nigeria.
Swart, a career diplomat previously serving as the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Chad, oversees America’s efforts to deepen trade, strengthen ties with Nigerians, and advance key US-Nigeria priorities in the region.
The Kosoko Museum is one of the places of interest the new diplomats have decided to visit.
They were welcomed to the museum by Prince Sikiru Kosoko, the General Secretary of the King Kosoko Royal Family of Lagos, who represented the Head of the family, Alhaja Mutiat Abimbola Ashabi Alli-Balogun, the Oloja of Lagos—elect/museum curator, Prince Abiola Kosoko, and other family members.
Sikiru told the visitors that the palace comprises the 163-year-old Kosoko palace, a mini museum where the late King Kosoko’s letters and business correspondences with Europeans, royal paraphernalia, and other items are kept, and the main museum, which has hundreds of the late Lagos monarch’s relics and other essential items about Lagos and Nigeria.
He also showcased the items, including a letter written by a former American President to the late Prince Kosoko, the grandson of the late Oba Kosoko, who was a foremost photographer.
He sought a family partnership with the US Consulate to develop and preserve the museum further.
