Lagos State partners with Wikimedia Nigeria for the Wiki Imagine Lagos initiative to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism.

Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Wikimedia User Group Nigeria, has unveiled the Wiki Imagine Lagos initiative, a transformative project aimed at digitally preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and tourist attractions.

This collaboration seeks to promote sustainable tourism development while enhancing Lagos’ global visibility through Wikipedia, the world’s most-referenced online encyclopedia.

Also read: Lagos State launches Wiki-Imagine Lagos writing contest to spotlight cultural heritage

Dr. Isaac Olatunde, Secretary to the Wikimedia Nigeria Board of Trustees, officially launched the project during a webinar.

In his address, he reiterated Wikimedia Nigeria’s dedication to documenting Lagos’ vibrant history and cultural assets.

The Wiki Imagine Lagos initiative incorporates:

• Content and Photo Submission Contests: Encouraging contributions that highlight Lagos’ overlooked heritage and attractions.
• Thematic Edit-a-Thons: Events to update and expand Wikipedia articles on Lagos.
• Customised Plaques with Wikipedia URLs: Strategically placed at heritage sites to direct visitors to detailed online information.

A groundbreaking element of the initiative is the appointment of a Wikipedia-In-Residence at the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, a first in Nigeria and Africa.

Following a Needs Assessment, it was discovered that over 70% of Lagos’ 163 documented heritage resources are absent from Wikipedia. The project aims to address this gap, leveraging Wikipedia’s vast reach to improve awareness.

To kickstart the project, the organisers hosted a webinar featuring a panel discussion moderated by Airat Abdul Rahmon of Voice of Nigeria. Key panellists included:

• Mrs Adetoke Benson Awosika, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture
• Olusola Olaniyan, Chairperson of Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation Inc.
• Pelu Awofeso, Award-winning Journalist
• Okorie Uguru, Publisher of Africa Travel Herald
• Mevin Iteghete, Information Technologist

The discussion highlighted the initiative’s potential to position Lagos as a hub for cultural tourism and digital innovation.

In tandem, a writing contest for Nigerian journalists was announced, challenging participants to spotlight underrepresented Lagos heritage sites.

Top entries will win prizes of ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200, with selected stories incorporated into Wikipedia during edit-a-thons.

This partnership aligns with SDG 11, which advocates for inclusive and sustainable urban settlements. By showcasing Lagos’ unique history and culture, the Wiki Imagine Lagos initiative underscores the economic and cultural vibrancy of the state to a global audience.

Chairman of Wikimedia Nigeria, Ambassador Olusola Olaniyan, praised the collaboration as a historic step in bridging culture and technology.

“This project is a milestone in preserving Lagos’ heritage and amplifying its international appeal,” he stated.

Through innovative efforts like Wiki Imagine Lagos, Lagos State is setting a precedent in blending cultural preservation with digital technology to secure its legacy for generations to come.