Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has underscored the crucial role of technology in safeguarding the city's rich cultural and historical legacy, ensuring its longevity for future generations.
The Governor made this statement during a symposium organized by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB), themed "Lagos: Bridging Knowledge and Unraveling History."
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, urged stakeholders and history enthusiasts to explore innovative methods for engaging younger generations with the city's history to prevent the dissemination of inaccurate and distorted facts about the State.
"Our cultural and historical legacy is not only a treasure to protect but a foundation for economic growth," Governor Sanwo-Olu stated. He also emphasized that the ongoing story of Lagos involves everyone, making it crucial to approach its history with objectivity, inclusivity, and passion.
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 acknowledging 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, emphasizing 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, emphasized 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 emphasized 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.
This rewrite aims for a more concise and impactful presentation while maintaining the original meaning and all quoted statements.
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