By Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo 
Lagos, Nigeria – April 18, 2025. – The National Museum in Lagos was the vibrant hub for the commemoration of World Heritage Day 2025, themed “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 years of ICOMOS Action.” The event brought together heritage professionals, academics, government representatives, and community members to address the growing challenges facing cultural and natural heritage sites globally and within Nigeria.
The theme, chosen by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to mark its 60th anniversary, underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard irreplaceable heritage in the face of increasing natural disasters, climate change impacts, and armed conflicts. The discussions focused on learning from past experiences and strengthening preparedness strategies for prevention, mitigation, emergency response, and recovery.
A key presentation was delivered by Taiye Olaniyi, President of LEGACY 1995, a prominent heritage-focused organization in Nigeria. Drawing upon LEGACY 1995’s extensive experience, Olaniyi emphasized the unique vulnerabilities of Nigerian heritage to various threats. He highlighted instances of how natural disasters, such as flooding and coastal erosion, have impacted significant historical sites and cultural landscapes across the country.
Furthermore, Olaniyi addressed the less visible but equally damaging impact of social unrest and conflicts on heritage. He cited examples of how cultural artifacts have been looted, historical buildings damaged, and intangible cultural practices disrupted due to instability in certain regions.
“Our heritage is not just about stones and mortar; it is the embodiment of our identity, our history, and our collective memory,” stated Mr. Olaniyi. “The increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, coupled with the devastating effects of conflicts, demand a more robust and coordinated approach to heritage protection in Nigeria. We must move beyond reactive measures and invest in proactive preparedness.”
Olaniyi lauded the 60 years of ICOMOS action in raising awareness and developing frameworks for heritage protection globally. He stressed the importance of learning from international best practices and adapting them to the specific context of Nigeria. His presentation called for:
* Enhanced Risk Assessments: Comprehensive assessments to identify heritage sites most vulnerable to specific disasters and conflicts.
* Community Engagement: Involving local communities in the development and implementation of preparedness plans, recognizing their traditional knowledge and connection to heritage.
* Strengthened Institutional Frameworks: Improved coordination and collaboration between government agencies, heritage organizations, and security forces.
* Investment in Digital Documentation: Utilizing technology for detailed recording and virtual preservation of heritage at risk.
* Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the importance of heritage protection and their role in safeguarding it.
The event also featured discussions from other heritage experts who shared case studies and strategies for building resilience. The need for integrating heritage protection into national disaster risk reduction strategies and peacebuilding initiatives was a recurring theme.
World Heritage Day 2025 in Lagos served as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the escalating threats to Nigeria’s rich and diverse heritage. The insights shared by Taiye Olaniyi and other stakeholders underscored the urgent need for a concerted effort, learning from ICOMOS’s extensive history, to ensure the preparedness and long-term preservation of these invaluable cultural and natural treasures for future generations. The call to action resonated throughout the National Museum, emphasizing that protecting our past is vital for securing our future.
'Shèun Ominira 