The Lagos State Government has called on Lagosians, especially traditional rulers, to ensure the preservation of the history, culture, and heritage of Lagos State for the benefit of future generations.
The Lagos State Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Olabode Agoro made a call on Tuesday at an event organised by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) to mark the 2025 celebration with the theme: “A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving our Past, Inspiring our Future.”
While noting that the International Archives Day, celebrated annually, is aimed at promoting the preservation of culture and heritage, he described the Bureau as “a compass to the future we are building.”
“The theme of this year’s celebration resonates strongly with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to preserve our rich history. We owe it to ourselves and the future generations. Archives are a vital tool for good governance and accountability that strengthen trust in government. I commend LASRAB for championing initiatives that serve as a bridge between the past and future generations. The DG has truly transformed LASRAB. I urge all stakeholders to support LASRAB,” Agoro said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said LASRAB was set up to preserve the history of Lagos State. He commended the Director-General for “doing a good job” and advocated the use of technology to enhance the preservation of the state’s history.
He further noted that the notion that “Lagos is a no man’s land” by those he described as “anarchists” can only be countered by preserving the heritage of the state.
The Director-General of LASRAB, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana, in her welcome speech, described the International Archives Day as an opportunity to reflect on the history and culture of Lagos State and preserve it for generations to come.
“This occasion is not only a global call to recognise the world of archives and to shape our society, but it is also a moment for us in Lagos State to reflect on our history, our journey and heritage. This year’s theme is to remind us that archives are not merely papers but living testaments of identity”, she said.
Ogunlana also commended the Bureau’s archivists for working tirelessly to preserve the state’s records and urged Lagosians to take responsibility for preserving their history. She added that the Bureau had published a book to make the history of Lagos accessible to everyone.
“Archivists are protectors of our heritage. They keep our identity. They rescue voices from fading. What archivists do is in line with the agenda of the state government in accountability and transparency. Our records are not only a job for archivists, but for everyone of us. When we can preserve our records, future generations will meet them. We don’t want a different record to be told to our children,” she said.
The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, commended Ogunlana for repositioning the Bureau in the last two years.
“I commend the effort of the Lagos State government and LASRAB. The DG has done remarkably well in what she has turned the institute into in the last two years. LASRAB is always in the news, and International Archives Day is a day I reckon with. A lot must be done to promote it,” the Monarch said.
