The Lagos State Government through her Records and Archives Bureau, LASRAB and the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal has called on Lagosians especially traditional rulers to ensure the preservation of history, culture and heritage of the State for the benefits of incoming generations.
Speaking at an event to mark the year 2025 International Archives Day with the theme ‘A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving our Past, Inspiring our Future,’ organised by LASRAB on Tuesday, the Bureau’s Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana said the Archives Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the history and culture of Lagos State and preserve it for generations to come.
The International Archives Day is celebrated every September 30th to promote the preservation of culture and heritage.
While admitting that Lagos is a cosmopolitan state, she however said the State has its cultural history which should not be eroded by false narratives, adding that the Bureau has done a lot in preserving the records and history of the state.
“This occasion is not only a global call to recognize 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 they are living testament of identity. At LASRAB, we safeguard not only the cultural heritage but also the records of the government, which forms the backbone of accountability, continuity, and transparency,” she said.
The DG commended the state archivists at the Bureau for working tirelessly to preserve the records of the state and urged other Lagosians to follow suit. She further said that the Bureau has published a book as a way of letting Lagosians know about some of the histories of the state.
“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 the archivists; it is for every one of us. When we are able to preserve our records, the future generations will meet them. We don’t want a different record to be told to our children.
“We recently published a book to make Lagos understandable to everyone. Lagos is a cosmopolitan state, but we have our culture and history, and we want everyone to be aware of it,” 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 the international archive day is a day I reckon with and a lot must be done to promote it,” Oniru said.
The Lagos State Head of Service, HOS, Olabode Agoro 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 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.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said LASRAB was set up to preserve the history of Lagos State. He commended the DG for ‘doing a good job’ and advocated for the use of technology to preserve the State’s history.
He 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.
