Culture

Lagos State Archives Day urges Preservation of Heritage

Published

12 months ago

October 1, 2025

Lagos State Archives Day urges residents to preserve culture, history and heritage for future generations, says LASRAB and Oniru of Iruland

Lagos State Archives Day highlighted the importance of preserving the culture, history, and heritage of the state for future generations.

Also read: Lagos State Tourism Shines with 2Baba at US Festival

The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) and the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, made the call on Tuesday during the annual celebration of archives, themed ‘A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving our Past, Inspiring our Future.’

Director-General of LASRAB, Toyin Ogunlana, said the event offered a vital opportunity to reflect on the state’s history and ensure its preservation. She emphasised that Lagos’ cultural history must not be eroded by false narratives.

“This occasion is not only a global call to recognise the world of archives, but also a moment for us in Lagos State to reflect on our history, our journey, and heritage,” Ogunlana said.

“Archives are not merely papers, but a living testament of identity. At LASRAB, we safeguard both cultural heritage and government records, forming the backbone of accountability, continuity, and transparency.”

The Oniru of Iruland commended Ogunlana for her work in repositioning LASRAB over the past two years. “The DG has done remarkably well.

LASRAB is always in the news, and International Archive Day is a day to reflect on the importance of preserving our history,” Oba Lawal said.

Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, described the bureau as “a compass to the future we are building,” while Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, noted that preserving heritage counters misconceptions that Lagos has no history.

Also read: Lagos State New Laws Set to Reshape Public Administration

The event reinforced the role of archives in shaping identity and inspiring future generations, highlighting the shared responsibility of leaders and residents alike.

Up Next

Abu Dhabi Art 2025 Spotlights Contemporary Talent from Nigeria to Turkey

Don't Miss

Órüpézá Festival Returns to Lagos with Bold Cultural Energy

Click to comment

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”