Society
Ogun @ 50: Govt Asks Citizens To Dig Out Old Photos, Memories, Untold Stories
as part of efforts to preserve the collective memory
The Ogun State government has called on residents, families and institutions to bring out old photographs, videos, documents and memorabilia as part of efforts to preserve the collective memory of the state ahead of its 50th anniversary.
The call, issued as preparations gather momentum for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, is aimed at building a people-driven historical archive that captures not just official milestones but the lived experiences that have defined the Gateway State since its creation.
In a statement issued by Kayode Akinmade, special adviser to the governor on media and strategy, the government said history is best preserved when citizens are given the opportunity to tell their own stories, using images, records and artefacts drawn from everyday life.
According to the state, materials being sought include old photographs of towns, markets, schools, industries and public infrastructure, as well as images and records of cultural festivals, traditional institutions and community life.
Citizens are also encouraged to submit newspaper cuttings, personal records, memorabilia linked to notable Ogun indigenes, and family archives that reflect social, political, educational and economic changes over the decades.
The government said current photographs and video clips celebrating Ogun State today are also welcome, as part of efforts to document the journey from the past to the present.
All submissions, the statement noted, will be carefully curated, properly documented and credited to contributors.
Selected materials are expected to feature in exhibitions, publications, documentaries and digital archives to mark Ogun State at 50, while original items submitted physically will be handled with care and returned promptly.
The initiative, the government said, is not just about celebrating the passage of time but about honouring shared heritage, collective sacrifice and progress, while inspiring future generations.
Hard copies of materials are to be submitted through the Ministry of Information, while electronic submissions can be sent to [email protected].
The state government urged citizens to see the Golden Jubilee as a shared moment and an opportunity to ensure that the story of Ogun is preserved and told through the voices and images of its people.
