Lagos State Records & Archives Bureau

The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) today hosted fellows of Wikimedia, as part of efforts to foster knowledge sharing, archival development, and historical preservation in Lagos State. ‎ ‎The visit formed part of Wikimedia’s knowledge-exchange and documentation programme, aimed at deepening collaboration with archival institutions in Nigeria. The initiative, known as the WikiHeritage Fellowship, aims to unearth rare archival documents and make them accessible to the public through platforms like Wikipedia. ‎ ‎The visit provided the Wikimedia team with first-hand exposure to LASRAB’s vast collections, archival processes, and digitization initiatives aimed at safeguarding Lagos State rich history for present and future generations. ‎ ‎ The Fellows toured critical sections of the Bureau, including the Newspaper Morgue, Document Repository, Mini - Museum and Photo Gallery, where historical records and cultural materials dating back decades are preserved. ‎ ‎Addressing the fellows, the Director-General of LASRAB, Ms Toyin Ogunlana highlighted the Bureau’s commitment to preserving Lagos heritage and enhancing accessibility to public records. She noted that partnerships with knowledge-driven organizations like Wikimedia strengthen the global visibility of Lagos history and ensure a wider reach for archival resources. ‎ ‎The Wikimedia fellows expressed appreciation for the Bureau’s openness and its strides in records management. They commended LASRAB for its structured archival system, pledging to support initiatives that align with open knowledge, documentation, and digital preservation. ‎ ‎The expository visit underscores LASRAB’s role as a hub for historical preservation and a partner in promoting global access to authentic information.