By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB), has called on Lagosians, particularly traditional rulers, to safeguard the state’s history, culture, and heritage for the benefit of future generations.
Speaking at an event to mark the 2025 International Archives Day, themed “A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving our Past, Inspiring our Future,” LASRAB Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana, emphasized the importance of archives in shaping identity and ensuring accountability.
“This occasion is not only a global call to recognize the world of archives but also a moment for us in Lagos State to reflect on our history, our journey, and heritage,” Ogunlana said. “At LASRAB, we safeguard not only cultural heritage but also government records, which form the backbone of accountability, continuity, and transparency.”
She noted that Lagos, though cosmopolitan, has a distinct cultural history that must not be eroded by false narratives. Ogunlana commended the efforts of state archivists and disclosed that the Bureau had published a book to make the state’s history more accessible to the public.
The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, praised Ogunlana’s leadership, describing her work in repositioning LASRAB over the past two years as remarkable. “The International Archives Day is one I reckon with, and a lot must be done to promote it,” the monarch said.
Also speaking, Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, described LASRAB as “a compass to the future we are building,” stressing that archives remain vital tools for governance, accountability, and public trust.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, reiterated that LASRAB was established to preserve Lagos’s heritage. He urged the adoption of technology in record preservation, adding that such efforts are crucial to counter false narratives portraying Lagos as “no man’s land.”
International Archives Day, observed annually on September 30, is dedicated to promoting the preservation of culture and heritage across the world.
