By Alhazan Abiodun Rilwan
In an era where digital transformation is reshaping governance across Nigeria, Oyo State stands out as a beacon of progress with its ambitious revival of information archives.
The construction of the Oyo State Archives and Record Management Centre represents a pivotal step in preserving the state’s rich historical records, enhancing administrative efficiency, and ensuring transparent access to public information. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Orientation, has not only modernized record-keeping but also earned widespread acclaim for the Oyo State House of Assembly, whose legislative oversight and budgetary support have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
The Need for Revival: Preserving Oyo’s Legacy
Oyo State, with its deep historical roots in the Yoruba kingdom and colonial-era administration, has long grappled with the challenges of managing vast archives of government records, cultural artifacts, and public documents. Traditional paper-based systems were prone to degradation, loss and inefficiency, particularly in a tropical climate where preservation is a constant battle. The revival effort addresses these issues by establishing a dedicated Archives and Record Management Centre, designed to serve as a centralized hub for storing, digitizing, and retrieving information. This project aligns with broader national goals for digital preservation, as seen in similar efforts across Nigeria to safeguard archival records for future generations.
The Center’s construction is listed among ongoing projects under the Ministry of Information, highlighting its role in modernizing state operations. Located within the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan, the facility now houses key offices, including the Ministry of Special Duties on its first floor, indicating that the structure is operational and contributing to daily governance. By integrating physical storage with digital tools, the initiative ensures that records—from land titles to historical documents—are protected against environmental damage while becoming more accessible to researchers, policymakers and the public.
A visit to the Ministry of Information Archives will avail the visitor to see iconic still pictures and videos of historic events and individuals that have held important offices, roles and responsibilities for the State, Western Region or Nigeria as a whole.
This reminds us of the importance of having official pictures and event pictures of office-holders in the State Information Archives. We have heard of political office-holders that left office and years after, their children could not find any evidence that they ever served the State.
The reason is not far-fetched.
This set of office-holders come to office with their personal photographers who also record videos of important events for them and after their tenure of office, the personal photographer goes his way and the materials get lost or destroyed.
Instances abound about children of former Governors, Deputy Governors, Speakers of the State House of Assembly, Secretaries to the State Government among others whose families visited the Ministry of Information’s Archives to get iconic pictures of their fathers or mothers for memorabilia, but were told that these people did not keep any of the said materials in the custody of the Ministry, because they used personal photographers and video recorders.
The Role of the Oyo State House of Assembly
Deserving of garlands—symbolic wreaths of praise—is the Oyo State House of Assembly, whose proactive stance has been crucial to this revival. As the legislative arm responsible for approving state budgets and enacting laws that promote good governance, the Assembly has consistently demonstrated commitment to initiatives that enhance transparency and efficiency.
For instance, the body’s approval of budgetary allocations for infrastructure projects, including those under the Ministry of Information, has directly funded the archives center’s development.
Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin and his colleagues have emphasized laws that improve service delivery, as evidenced by recent statements reaffirming the 10th Assembly’s dedication to impactful legislation.
Their oversight extends to related areas, such as digital land title management, where over 17,046 digital documents have been issued since 2019, boosting revenue and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. This holistic approach underscores how the Assembly’s actions have catalyzed a broader revival of information systems, positioning Oyo as a model for other States.
Moreover, the Assembly’s history of addressing archival and library concerns—such as motions to equip public libraries to UNESCO standards—shows a pattern of support for knowledge preservation. By backing the archives revival, lawmakers have not only safeguarded Oyo’s informational heritage but also fostered economic growth through improved record management, which aids in decision-making and attracts investment.
Impacts and Future Prospects:
The revival’s benefits are already tangible. Enhanced records management streamlines government services, reduces corruption risks by improving traceability, and supports research into Oyo’s cultural and political history. For citizens, it means faster access to vital documents, while for the state, it translates to increased revenue from digitized processes, as seen in land allocation and property searches.
Looking ahead, the center could expand to include more advanced features like AI-driven search tools or collaborations with national archives. With the Assembly’s continued support, Oyo is poised to lead in archival innovation, ensuring that its information treasures endure for posterity.
In conclusion, the Oyo Information Archives Revival is a testament to visionary governance, with the Oyo State House of Assembly earning well-deserved garlands for their pivotal role. This project not only revives the past but also builds a foundation for a more informed and prosperous future. As Oyo continues to blend tradition with modernity, such initiatives remind us of the power of collective effort in preserving our shared heritage.
In an era where digital transformation and preservation of historical records are paramount, Oyo State has taken a bold step forward with the revival of its information archives.
The construction and operationalization of the Oyo State Archives and Record Management Centre stand as a testament to the state’s commitment to efficient governance, cultural preservation, and administrative efficiency.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Orientation has not only modernized record-keeping but also ensured that vital historical and administrative documents are safeguarded for future generations. Amid this achievement, the Oyo State House of Assembly deserves resounding accolades—garlands, if you will—for their pivotal role in making this vision a reality through legislative oversight, budgetary support and periodic push for a revamp of the center.
●Alhazan Abiodun Rilwan is the Deputy Director, Information Archives, Oyo State Ministry of Information, Ibadan.
