The Lagos State Government has commenced the restoration of 30 historical monuments across the state, as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage and revitalise tourism infrastructure.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja.
She revealed that the initiative, being implemented by the Monuments Management Department of the Ministry, has already seen the successful restoration of 11 monuments, with the remainder at various stages of 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.
Benson-Awoyinka described the project as a landmark move by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to protect and celebrate Lagos’ cultural legacy.
According to her, the monuments serve as “anchors of identity, legacy, and community pride.”
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Among the sites undergoing restoration are the historic Ejirin Post Office in Epe, Nigeria’s first post office and the Agia Tree Cenotaph in Badagry, which commemorates the introduction of Christianity to Nigeria.
Other key projects include the construction of the ‘Door of Return,’ the installation of a statue of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and the Eyo Masquerade statue at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
In addition, the Commissioner announced that work is underway on the reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre in Oregun, which was among several public assets destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.
She described the project as a “symbol of cultural rebirth,” noting that the new facility will be designed to international standards and will serve as a hub for creative expression.
“The new Lagos Theatre will not only serve as a platform for nurturing local talent but also a magnet for global artistic collaborations,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
She emphasised that both the restoration of heritage monuments and the development of creative infrastructure reflect the state’s commitment to cultural preservation, education, and tourism development.
“With these initiatives, we are reaffirming Lagos as a land of deep heritage, dynamic creativity, and resilient spirit,” she said.
