In a bid to preserve Lagos State’s rich cultural heritage, the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) has convened librarians, archivists, and information professionals to explore how information institutions can safeguard Nigeria’s diverse intangible heritage. The discussion took place during the annual seminar of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Lagos Chapter, themed “Libraries and Archives as Gateways to Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
The programme, part of the Association’s week-long activities, featured a panel session that deepened conversations on documentation techniques, community engagement, and sustainable strategies for heritage preservation.
Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Cabinet Office, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana, underscored the crucial role of repositories in documenting oral traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, community practices, and historical narratives. She emphasized the importance of digital preservation, capacity building, and collaboration among cultural heritage institutions.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of NLA Lagos Chapter, Mrs. Aisha Askira, commended LASRAB for hosting the seminar and offering participants an on-site tour of its photo gallery, library, and newspaper morgue. She urged parents and guardians to promote cultural values through local foods, traditional attire, and indigenous languages.
The Head Librarian of the University of Lagos, Dr. Racheal Odunlade, in her goodwill message, stressed the need to guarantee access to cultural heritage for future generations.
Similarly, the immediate past Chairman of the chapter, Dr. Taiwo Ajayi, lamented the gradual erosion of traditional practices and encouraged librarians to increase the visibility of their services while leveraging LASRAB’s expertise.
Participants at the seminar called for stronger institutional support, improved funding, and continuous professional development to bolster the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage.
