… Says History is Key to Shaping Lagos’ Future
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has emphasised the critical role of technology in preserving the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage and in ensuring its longevity for future generations.
The Governor stated this during a symposium organised by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB), themed ‘Lagos: Bridging Knowledge and Unraveling History’.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged stakeholders and history enthusiasts at the symposium to explore innovative methods for engaging younger generations with the city’s history to avoid the dissemination of untrue and distorted facts about the State
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of inclusivity in shaping the narrative of Lagos, urging collaboration between public and private sectors, civil society, and communities.
He stated, “Our cultural and historical legacy is not only a treasure to protect but a foundation for economic growth.”
The Governor also highlighted that the ongoing story of Lagos involves everyone, making it essential to approach its history with objectivity, inclusivity, and passion.
While underscoring the need to make Lagos’ history accessible beyond traditional learning environments, the Governor said: “We are dedicated to ensuring that the history of Lagos is integrated into everyday life, especially for the younger generations.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable Lagos while recognizing the role of history in shaping its future.
In his remarks, the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro reinforced the need to refresh collective memory on Lagos’ past, emphasising that history serves not only to teach lessons but also to guide its socio-political and cultural evolution.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso emphasised the symposium’s objective of sharing knowledge and fostering deeper insights into Lagos’ cultural and historical context, which promotes peace and unity.
In a similar vein, a former Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN), called on Nigerians to actively participate in efforts to retrieve historical artefacts and documentation currently held by foreign governments, notably the British.
Scholars and historians present at the event including the former Lagos State University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN), and Prof. Rasheed Olaniyi, urged the government to invest in documenting and archiving the city’s history.
Fagbohun emphasised the importance of being sensitive to the values of Lagos’ indigenous population while also encouraging collaboration with non-indigenous communities to maintain a peaceful co-existence.
Prof. Rasheed Olaniyi, a professor of history, stressed the importance of collaboration between academic and cultural communities to create balanced historical narratives that acknowledge oral traditions.
The Director-General of LASRAB, Mrs. Toyin Ogunlana noted that the symposium was instrumental in dissecting the historical, colonial, and socio-political influences that have shaped Lagos into what it is today.
