The historical and environmental advocacy group, Legacy 1995, has announced a landmark project to digitise Nigeria's archives in its possession. This significant move was unveiled during the organisation's 30th-anniversary celebration held in Lagos, marking three decades of promoting the nation's culture and heritage.
A Digital Future for Nigeria's Past
President of Legacy 1995, Taiye Olaniyi, emphasised the urgent need to preserve the nation's archives for posterity through digitisation. He stated that the initiative is a direct response to the evolving technological landscape.
"We are in the world of digitisation and technology," Olaniyi declared. "Through the relationship that Legacy had with the British Library and Oxford University, we have been able to conduct research and digitise parts of their collections." He confirmed that these digitised materials have already been presented to the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), which houses the Legacy 1995 group.
Olaniyi highlighted that the project is crucial in an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics. "We cannot sit down with our hands folded because technology is evolving and advancing daily. We will continue to collaborate with international organisations to support our projects," he added. The group also actively encourages students in higher institutions to engage with and help promote Nigeria's heritage from multiple perspectives.
Tripartite Mission and Institutional Support
Explaining the group's core focus, Olaniyi noted, "We are into history, we are into heritage, and we are into environmental development. At this tripartite level, there are ripple effects on history, on heritage, and all environments." He extended gratitude to all members and the Board of Trustees for their relentless support over the past 30 years.
The anniversary event garnered strong institutional backing. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, represented by the Director of Human Resources and Admin, Dr. Monsurat Omotayo, expressed his continued commitment to Nigeria's heritage. He commended Legacy 1995 for its sustained efforts and pledged to build on the existing partnership.
"I've shown interest in ensuring that we continue to build on the partnership... which is very dear to our hearts in the Nigerian Railway Corporation as it tells the history, story of Nigerian Railway," Opeifa said.
Broad Calls for Heritage Preservation
The celebration served as a platform for broader discussions on cultural preservation. Former President of Legacy 1995, Princess Kofo Adeleke, reinforced the critical need to promote and digitise Nigeria's rich heritage and history.
Adding a scholarly perspective, Professor Francis Falako, a Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the University of Lagos, stated that religious history is an inseparable part of Nigeria's rich culture and global heritage. He, however, expressed displeasure that the Nigerian government does not accord the country's religious history the same importance as seen in other nations.
Other guests at the event voiced their support for a green environment, encouraging Legacy 1995 to continue championing both Nigeria's ecological and cultural heritage. The evening's highlights included the unveiling of the new Legacy 1995 logo and a certificate presentation ceremony.
This 30th-anniversary milestone underscores a pivotal shift for Legacy 1995, transitioning from traditional archival methods to a technology-driven approach aimed at safeguarding Nigeria's story for generations unborn in the digital age.
