Lagos Govt Tasks Traditional Rulers, Citizens on Heritage Preservation

Lagos Govt Tasks Traditional Rulers, Citizens on Heritage Preservation
Agoro described archives as a vital tool for accountability and good governance
Omotoso dismissed claims that “Lagos is a no man’s land.”

The Lagos State Government has urged Lagosians, particularly traditional rulers, to play active roles in preserving the history, culture, and heritage of the state for the benefit of future generations.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, made the call on Tuesday at an event organised by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) to mark the 2025 International Archives Day, themed “A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future.”

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Agoro described archives as a vital tool for accountability and good governance, saying they help build public trust. He praised LASRAB for championing initiatives that connect the past with the future, noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration places premium value on preserving Lagos’ cultural identity.

“The theme of this year’s celebration resonates strongly with the vision of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to safeguard our heritage. Archives are not just records, they are a compass to the future we are building,” Agoro said.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, also commended LASRAB for its work, stressing the importance of leveraging technology to preserve records.

Lagos Govt Tasks Traditional Rulers, Citizens on Heritage Preservation

He dismissed claims that “Lagos is a no man’s land,” describing such assertions as “anarchist narratives” that can only be countered by documenting and preserving the state’s true heritage.

In her welcome address, LASRAB Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana, described the celebration as an opportunity to reflect on the identity and journey of Lagos. She lauded the bureau’s archivists for their dedication, while unveiling a newly published book that makes Lagos’ history more accessible.

“Archivists are protectors of our heritage. They ensure our identity is not erased. Preserving records is not only the duty of archivists but of all Lagosians, because future generations deserve to know the truth of our past,” Ogunlana said.

The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, commended Ogunlana for repositioning LASRAB in the last two years, noting that the bureau had become more visible and impactful.

“LASRAB is always in the news, and International Archives Day is a day I reckon with. A lot must still be done to promote it, but the DG has done remarkably well in repositioning the bureau,” the monarch said.