The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has disclosed that restoration works are currently ongoing on 30 heritage monuments across the state as part of efforts to preserve the cultural legacy of Lagos. She made the announcement during the just-concluded Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja.

Benson-Awoyinka revealed that 11 of the monuments have already been fully restored, while the remaining sites are 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 said.

Describing the project as a bold initiative of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, the Commissioner said the restoration drive is aimed at celebrating the state’s rich cultural history and preserving its collective memory for future generations.

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

Other projects include the construction of the ‘Door of Return’, the installation of a statue of late Lagos State Governor 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.”

She also provided an update on the ongoing reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre, Oregun, one of the public assets damaged during the #EndSARS protests of October 2020. The project, she said, will be completed in due time.

Describing it as a “symbol of cultural rebirth,” Benson-Awoyinka noted that the rebuilt facility is being developed into 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 a magnet for global artistic collaborations,” she added.

The Commissioner reiterated that the restoration of heritage monuments and creative infrastructure projects is central to the State Government’s broader vision to position Lagos as a cultural and creative capital in Africa.

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