The Lagos State Government has said it is currently working on the restoration of 30 monuments located in different parts of the state.

According to the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the effort is being done by the Monuments Management Department of the ministry.

She said that 11 of the monuments have already been completed, while others that were at various stages of completion will boost the state’s cultural preservation and infrastructure revitalisation drive upon completion.

Benson-Awoyinka made this known during the just-concluded Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa, Ikeja.

“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 said.

The commissioner described the 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.

Some of the monuments being restored include the historic Ejirin Post Office in Epe, the first post office in Nigeria and a vital symbol of early communication infrastructure, as well as the redevelopment of the Agia Tree Cenotaph in Badagry, commemorating the arrival of Christianity in Nigeria.

Some others are the construction of the ‘Door of Return’, the installation of a statue of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and the Eyo Masquerade Statue at 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 announced that the ongoing reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre, Oregun, which was among the public assets destroyed during the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, will be completed in due time.

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 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 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.