Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has dismissed claims that Lagos is a “no man’s land,” describing such assertions as baseless and anarchic.
Speaking at an event organised by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) in Magodo to commemorate World Archives Day, Omotoso said there is no historical or empirical record to validate the claim. According to him, the responsibility of preserving Lagos’ history rests with archivists, who must counter misinformation with facts.
“The battle for the protection of our heritage is fought on two fronts — technology and ideology. The notion that Lagos is a no man’s land is bogus and vacuous. It cannot be supported by any records. It is a battle between archivists, who safeguard the truth, and anarchists, who peddle falsehood,” Omotoso said.
He stressed the importance of leveraging technology to preserve and showcase Lagos’ heritage, urging LASRAB to digitise archival materials to make them more accessible to the public. “All the beautiful buildings, the traditions our royal fathers are preserving, and the legacies of our forefathers must be documented and projected using modern tools. This is how we will deepen the story of Lagos for future generations,” he added.
The Commissioner commended LASRAB officials for their efforts, assuring that the State Government will continue to provide resources to strengthen archival work and deploy technology to protect Lagos’ history.
Also present at the event were the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro; the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal; the Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, representing the Oba of Lagos; and Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Erelu Kuti of Lagos, among other dignitaries.
