‘Lagos is not ‘no man’s land’ – LASG, Oniru issue strong warning

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, has called on Lagosians, particularly traditional rulers, to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and historical records for the benefit of future generations.

The charge was made on Tuesday at an event to mark the 2025 International Archives Day with the theme “A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future”, organized by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) at Magodo, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, LASRAB Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana, stressed that archives are not just documents but “living testaments of identity” that safeguard history, culture, and government accountability.

“This occasion is not only a global call to recognize the world of archives and to shape our society but also a moment for us in Lagos State to reflect on our history, our journey, and heritage. Our records are not only a job for archivists; it is for every one of us. When we are able to preserve our records, the future generations will meet them,” she said.

Ogunlana revealed that the Bureau recently published a book to make Lagos history more accessible to the public, while praising archivists as “protectors of our heritage” who ensure voices from the past are not lost.

In his goodwill message, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland, lauded the DG for repositioning LASRAB over the past two years. “LASRAB is always in the news, and the International Archives Day is a day I reckon with. A lot must be done to promote it,” he said.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, described the Bureau as “a compass to the future we are building,” noting that archives play a vital role in accountability and governance.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, emphasized that LASRAB was established to counter false narratives about Lagos’ history. He argued that the notion of Lagos being “no man’s land” can only be corrected by preserving and showcasing its cultural and historical heritage.

Dignitaries at the event included members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Governor’s Advisory Council, traditional rulers, and cultural leaders such as the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, HRM Abiola Dosunmu, alongside White Cap Chiefs.

The International Archives Day, celebrated annually on September 30, is a global initiative to promote the preservation of archives, culture, and heritage.