By Oyebola Owolabi

The Lagos State government has called for innovative ways to teach the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage using technology, to preserve them for future generations.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke at a symposium organised by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB), themed ‘Lagos: Bridging Knowledge and Unraveling History’.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, also urged stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, civil societies, as well as the community, to work together in addressing the challenges of urbanisation, infrastructure and social inequality, while preserving the cultural and historical heritage for every voice to be heard.

He said: “We recognise that our history and culture are not just treasures to be preserved, but drivers of economic growth. Let us remember that history is not just about the past, it shapes our present and future. The story of Lagos is still unfolding, and each of us has a role to play in shaping its next chapter.

“It is therefore essential that we approach the history of Lagos with passion, truth, objectivity, and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard.

“We must also make history accessible to younger generations. It should not be confined to textbooks or academic circles, but should be a part of our daily lives.

“As a government, we are committed to preserving the cultural and historical heritage of Lagos. We are building a Lagos that is inclusive, sustainable and prosperous.”

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso said the symposium aimed at sharing knowledge and ideas, unraveling the history that enriched the perspective on the culture of Lagos as a vehicle of peace and harmony.

Omotoso also supported the reintroduction of history as a subject in schools.

Scholars at the symposium called on the Lagos State government to dig deep into the culture and history, revamp and archive them to get things right while embracing local-driven economic growth.

They denounced claims that Lagos is a no man’s land, while also expressing concern about people asking people of other tribes to leave.

A former Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN), stressed the need for the government to remain sensitive to the values of indigenous people, while recognising the importance of close collaboration with non-indigenous people to foster a harmonious environment.

The state’s former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olasupo Shasore (SAN) urged Nigerians to be involved in international conversations in getting back their history which is in the custody of the British Government.

Historian, Prof. Rasheed Olaniyi, who gave a brief of the symposium, said the discussions were geared towards creating historical narratives, taking cognizance of oral tradition while strengthening collaboration between academic and cultural communities by engaging them in conversations.

The Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, stressed the need to refresh people’s memories on the history of Lagos to teach valuable lessons, foster social, political dynamics and cultural heritage.

Director-General of LASRAB Toyin Ogunlana thanked academics and stakeholders for being part of the knowledge-sharing engagement which dissected some of the historical background, colonial influences, and socio-political evolution of Lagos.