The Director General of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau, LASRAB Mr Biodun Onayele has said that protection of certain archival materials is the only way to preserve the old memories of Lagos as the urban renewal drive of the state Government gains more momentum.
Onayele , who spoke in an exclusive interview with The Complete News in Lagos stressed that for the younger generation to relate with the past there was need for preservation of archives.
He said, “It (archive) links you up with your past. You move around today, you see edifices you don’t know how those places looked like in the past. For instance, the popular MUSON centre used to be called the Love Garden. It was a garden.
“It was just like a park where people had nice time with friends in the evenings. So, the current urban renewal drive and resuscitation of recreational sites by the State Government had always been in existence.
“Someone who goes to MUSON centre today will not know how that place looked like without an archive. So there is need for the preservation of the records so that younger generation can relate with the past”.
While explaining what qualifies as an archival material, the LASRAB boss said record could be classified into two – Current and semi-current. “Today’s newspaper gives current information. However, by tomorrow it is semi-current.
“A record moves to archive when that document has been selected for preservation because it contains information of enduring value”, he explained.
Onayele also hinted that the agency served as a warehouse where all the government agencies, ministries and departments in Lagos deposit their data and information adding that researchers seeking information on any government’s agency will find robust materials at LASRAB invaluable.
“LASRAB also gives you opportunity to have access to data and information you need for research. If there is no where the facts about Lagos are kept, writing about Lagos will be difficult for researchers.
“ We also help government to preserve vital information and data. So, accurate data for policy decision is aided by us. We serve as warehouse for all government agencies”, he said.
