Archives Day: Lagos Govt, Oniru Urge Preservation Of Lagos Heritage

Director-general of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) and the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, have called on Lagosians, mainly traditional rulers, to ensure the preservation of the state’s history, culture, and heritage for the benefit of incoming generations.

International Archives Day is celebrated every September 30th to promote the preservation of culture and heritage.

Speaking at an event organised by the Bureau to mark the year 2025 celebration with the theme ‘A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving our Past, Inspiring our Future,’  the Director-General, LASRAB, Ms Toyin Ogunlana, said the International Archives Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the history and culture of Lagos State and preserve it for generations to come.

While admitting that Lagos is a cosmopolitan state, she said the state has its cultural history, which should not be eroded by false narratives. She added that the Bureau has done a lot in preserving the state’s records and history.

“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, journey, and heritage. This year’s theme is to remind us that archives are not merely papers, but they are a 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, form and transparency,” she said.

The DG commended the state archivists at the Bureau for working tirelessly to preserve the state’s records and urged other Lagosians to follow suit. She further said that the Bureau has published a book to inform Lagosians about some of the state’s history.

“Archivists are protectors of our heritage. They keep our identity. They rescue voices from fading. What archivists do is in line with the state government’s agenda in accountability and transparency.

“Our records are not only a job for the archivists but everyone. When we can preserve our records, 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.