The Hidden Gem in Onikan You Need to Visit | JK Randle Centre

[00:00:02][screaming] [screaming] >> Some places tell stories, others preserve them.

[00:00:15]>> [music] >> And somewhere in between lies a part of Lagos that has been quietly doing both for generations.

[00:00:21]Today, we're exploring one of the city's most historic corners and uncovering the legacy that has kept history alive for nearly a century. But have you ever wondered how Unilag became such a vibrant social and cultural hub?

[00:00:35]Well, for that, we have to travel back to a time when not everyone had access to places for leisure and recreation.

[00:00:42]Back in the colonial era, many recreational facilities were reserved exclusively for Europeans, leaving indigenous Legocians with limited access.

[00:00:52]But one man decided to change that.

[00:00:55]In 1928, renowned physician and philanthropist Dr. John K. Randle built a public swimming pool and civic hall right here in Unilag, creating a space where Legocians could relax and connect.

[00:01:08]>> [music] >> It was more than just a recreational center. It became a symbol of inclusion and local pride, helping to establish Unilag as one of Lagos' most vibrant social and cultural hub.

[00:01:19]Every city has places that quietly holds its biggest stories, where history, culture, and everyday life cross paths for generations. Today, we're exploring one of those places, Unilag, home to some of Lagos' most iconic landmarks and a witness to the city's defining moments. I am Gabriella Okenyi and this is Busola TV. At first glance, Unilag might look like just another busy part of Lagos.

[00:01:51]But spend some time here and you quickly realize that this place is filled with history.

[00:01:57]From King's College to Tafawa Balewa Square, the National Museum, the Court of Appeal, and even Nigeria's oldest stadium.

[00:02:06]It almost feels like every corner has a story to tell.

[00:02:10]And somehow, despite all the changes Lagos has seen over the years, Onikan has managed to preserve its identity.

[00:02:18]When it comes to Onikan, the history doesn't stop here. It spans across other notable landmarks from the Lagos Island Club and Yoruba Tennis Club to Holy Cross Cathedral, Odera Event Centre, City Mall, and Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, and miss others.

[00:02:36]Safe to say, there is never a dull moment here. I had the opportunity to chit-chat with two young men, and honestly, it was quite interesting. They individually shared their experiences living and schooling in Onikan.

[00:02:50]>> can you tell us about Onikan in your 3 years of schooling here?

[00:02:54]>> I uh It's a beautiful place.

[00:02:57]I love the people who live in the vicinity, and they are welcoming. And it's always kind of difficult when you find yourself in a in a strange land, and kind of developing yourself might be quite difficult, but people have been able to like come around and, you know, we're working things together with them.

[00:03:15]So, Onikan is there's nothing bad there.

[00:03:18]>> Okay.

[00:03:19]>> You know, and the stadium that is there, we always go there to just go and chill or something like that.

[00:03:24]But, that's the little that I can talk about Onikan. There's nothing bad about Onikan.

[00:03:28]>> But, in the course of our conversation, something surprising came up. Both of them had no idea a place like J. Randle even exists in Lagos, let alone in Onikan. And it made me realize something simple but important. Yeah, have you heard of Randle?

[00:03:44]John Randle Centre?

[00:03:46]>> John Randle [music] Centre?

[00:03:48]>> In Onikan here?

[00:03:50]>> No, no, no.

[00:03:51]>> You've not heard of the place?

[00:03:52]>> No.

[00:03:52]>> Have you heard of um John Randle Centre?

[00:03:56]>> You know me, I didn't I said maybe I come to TBS but I go to Nikona.

[00:04:00]I always hear John Randle boys like I didn't know where >> But you know say John Randle dey around here?

[00:04:05]>> Yeah, yeah.

[00:04:06]>> There are actually [music] so many people like this around.

[00:04:10]This is exactly why we are doing this.

[00:04:12]To [music] tell these stories and uncover some of the hidden gems and history in Lagos that a lot of people do not know about.

[00:04:18]>> And so we are Bosa TV. Apart from telling stories of places, wetin we dey do be say we dey go around, [music] we dey put smile on people's faces just to make their day. And we hope say today we go make your day. All [music] right.

[00:04:30]So on behalf of Bosa TV, use this one as your transport, this 10K.

[00:04:34]>> Thank you.

[00:04:36]Thank you.

[00:04:37]>> Bosa TV.

[00:04:38]>> Bosa TV, up up way.

[00:04:40]>> All right.

[00:04:41]>> want to tell you, I know my normal I'm a musician but that is not that >> Musician? Okay, freestyle for us.

[00:04:46]Freestyle for us, please.

[00:04:49]>> Don't worry.

[00:04:49]>> Seconds. Use two seconds. Freestyle for us. Freestyle for us.

[00:04:52]>> So many days, I'm chasing a lot. I just got to work hard just to make a lot. But nothing to talk. I just got to change this like a slot. But [music] nobody knows me. I know I know the God. But nothing I want to say but I just want to say a big shoutout to >> Bosa TV.

[00:05:06]>> [singing] [music] >> And this is 10,000 Naira.

[00:05:10]>> Ah.

[00:05:11]>> On behalf of Bosa TV.

[00:05:12]>> You are driving.

[00:05:13]>> Okay.

[00:05:16]>> [music] [singing] >> Oh, I see.

[00:05:23]>> Yeah, really I'm very >> You can have it. You can have it. It's for you. On behalf of Bosa TV. Thank you. You can do transport.

[00:05:30]>> You don't want to collect am after we >> Collect am say wetin I go do now. Use am do your transport.

[00:05:33]>> But even if you collect am but really >> No, I will not collect it. I will not >> [laughter] >> Yeah, I've just been but I'm very grateful, madam. God bless you honestly and you will triple you in 100 folds.

[00:05:45]You will go to greater heights. I love the work you are doing. Keep doing your work. I'm so much grateful, ma.

[00:05:51]>> Thank you.

[00:05:51]>> I love you guys.

[00:05:52]>> Bosa TV. Shout out to Bosa TV.

[00:05:58]>> [laughter] >> Thank you so much.

[00:06:00]>> God bless you more, Bosa TV.

[00:06:02]>> High five.

[00:06:04]Have a lovely day. Bye.

[00:06:09]Love you, too.

[00:06:11]>> As one of them was leaving, he noticed a beggar sitting across the road. And without [music] hesitation, he shared part of what he had just received.

[00:06:19]Honestly, that moment stayed with me.

[00:06:22]Because [music] suddenly, it wasn't about the money anymore. It was about kindness.

[00:06:27]It was about a reminder that even in difficult [music] times, there are still people who choose compassion. And sometimes, the most beautiful moments are the ones you never planned [music] for.

[00:06:38]>> One thing almost everyone agrees on is that Onikan is a place filled with [music] so many history.

[00:06:46]But perhaps, no place captures that history better than this. [music] The John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. A place standing on the exact site [music] where Dr. John Randle built a swimming pool and recreational center for Lagosians >> [music] >> in 1928. Today, we are going to be exploring that center.

[00:07:11]Hello. Come with me. Let's explore John Randle Centre.

[00:07:15]>> Thinking of visiting? The center is open from Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.

[00:07:23]Entry is free for children below 10 years. It will cost 5,000 naira for adults. And trust me, you'll want to set aside a couple of hours because there's plenty to see.

[00:07:34]And before you show up with your entire production crew in your backpack, the gallery has a strict security policy.

[00:07:41]Phones are allowed, but backpacks, food, and bulky recording equipment have to be left outside.

[00:07:48]One thing I really love about this place is that it doesn't feel like your typical museum. You know those places where you quietly walk around pretending to understand everything?

[00:07:59]Yeah, this isn't one of them.

[00:08:02]Beyond the artifact, relics, and sculptures, [music] you'll find interactive displays, traditional fashion, auditory experiences, and stories that bring Yoruba culture to life. Can we all take our time to appreciate these beautiful fashion pieces and work of art here?

[00:08:21]Now, let's look about the gift store because this place almost tempted me to spend the money I didn't budget for.

[00:08:27]From books and artworks to cultural pieces and beautifully crafted souvenirs, there's something here for almost everyone. And to be frank, I love the fact that this experience doesn't end when you leave the exhibition galleries. If you want to take a piece of Yoruba culture home with you, this is definitely the place to do it.

[00:08:48]Now, this right here might just be my favorite part. The screen actually mimics your movements, which means you're not just looking at the exhibits.

[00:08:58]You get to interact with them, too. Wow.

[00:09:01]Tell me that's not cool.

[00:09:04]There was school kids on excursion when we visited, and trust me, they were having the time of their lives. At that point, I knew I couldn't just stand there and watch. I had to join the fun myself. And let's just say my dance moves made an appearance.

[00:09:21]>> [laughter] >> Honestly, that's what I love about this place. It doesn't just teach you about Yoruba history. It lets you experience it, and that's something both young and old can appreciate.

[00:09:35]If you've watched this fun and documentary till now and you haven't subscribed to the channel, tell me, what are you waiting for? Join the family and subscribe. Turn on your post notification so you don't miss out on all our fresh, juicy, fun update yet to come.

[00:09:55]Let's get right back into the video.

[00:09:58]Now, here's another interesting part of the center, this massive swimming pool.

[00:10:03]It isn't here just because it looks nice. Remember, [music] nearly a hundred years ago, Dr. John Randle built a public swimming pool right here in Onikan so indigenous Legocians could have a place to relax and socialize during the colonial era.

[00:10:19]Fast forward to today and that same vision has been transformed into what you're seeing now, which honestly is pretty amazing.

[00:10:28]So, if you're wondering why this car looks so familiar, yes, you guessed right. It is the same car by Liuminubia drove all the way from London to Lagos. And honestly, that's one of the coolest things I found here.

[00:10:45]And the best part, she donated the car to the J. Randle Center, turning it into yet another story waiting to be discovered by visitors.

[00:10:55]After spending a day here, I can honestly see why Onikan remains one of the most fascinating parts of Lagos.

[00:11:01]From [music] the people and the stories to the J. Randle Center itself. It's amazing how history and modern life coexist in one place.

[00:11:10]And perhaps, that's what makes Onikan special. Not just because of where it has been, but because of how beautifully it continues to evolve.

[00:11:20]If you've visited the J. Randle Center, share with us your experience in the comments.

[00:11:25]But if you haven't, I think it's about time you add it to your bucket list.

[00:11:31]>> [music]