Lagos State Government is actively undertaking Lagos Monuments Restoration, with 11 of 30 key heritage sites already completed to boost cultural preservation and tourism

The Lagos State Government has announced a significant drive in Lagos Monuments Restoration, with plans to revitalise 30 key heritage sites across the state.

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The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, confirmed that this extensive effort is being spearheaded by the Monuments Management Department of her ministry.

During a recent Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, Benson-Awoyinka revealed that 11 of the targeted monuments have already been fully restored.

The remaining sites are at various stages of implementation, from contract award to active construction, all poised to significantly boost the state’s cultural preservation and infrastructure revitalisation efforts upon completion.

“To date, 11 of the 30 targeted monuments have been fully restored, while the remaining are at various stages of implementation, ranging from contract award to active construction,” she stated.

The Commissioner described this heritage initiative as a bold step by the Sanwo-Olu administration to protect and celebrate the rich cultural history of Lagos and preserve its collective memory.

Among the notable monuments undergoing restoration are the historic Ejirin Post Office in Epe, recognised as Nigeria’s first post office and a vital symbol of early communication, as well as the redevelopment of the Agia Tree Cenotaph in Badagry, which commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Nigeria.

Other significant projects include the construction of the ‘Door of Return’, the installation of a statue of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and the Eyo Masquerade Statue at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

“These monuments are more than just cultural artefacts; they are anchors of identity, legacy, and community pride,” the commissioner affirmed. “By investing in their restoration, we are ensuring that the past remains a guiding light for the future.”

Speaking further, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka also announced that the ongoing reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre, Oregun, which was among the public assets destroyed during the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, is on track for timely completion.

Describing the project as a “symbol of cultural rebirth,” the commissioner said the rebuilt theatre will emerge as a state-of-the-art performance and creative hub, capable of hosting concerts, stage plays, film screenings, training sessions, and various community-based events.

“The new Lagos Theatre is being designed to international standards. It will not only serve as a platform for nurturing local talent but also as a magnet for global artistic collaborations,” she said. “This is part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s broader vision to make Lagos the cultural and creative heartbeat of Africa.”

The commissioner reiterated that both the heritage monuments and the creative infrastructure projects are deeply rooted in the state government’s commitment to cultural preservation, education, and tourism promotion.

“With these initiatives, we are reaffirming Lagos as a land of deep heritage, dynamic creativity, and resilient spirit,” she concluded.