Lagos Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Tours Augustine University’s Historic Sungbo-Eredo Archaeological Site

In a significant effort to bolster the preservation of cultural heritage, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture led by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Toyin Atekoja, embarked on a tour of the Sungbo-Eredo archaeological site located within the campus of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe. The visit, which took place as part of the Ministry's follow-up to the LiDAR Data Presentation Workshop held in August 2024, highlighted the importance of Sungbo-Eredo as one of West Africa’s most monumental historical sites.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Odetunde, along with senior officials, warmly received Mrs. Atekoja and her team. During the reception, discussions centered on Augustine University's ongoing efforts to preserve the ancient earthworks, which have both historical and cultural significance. Sungbo-Eredo, stretching over 160 kilometers, represents one of the largest known ancient structures in the world and is a symbol of Yoruba cultural heritage.

The Ministry team was given an extensive tour of the best-preserved portion of the Sungbo-Eredo monument within the University’s grounds, which spans over 2 kilometers. The LiDAR data collected earlier in the year was instrumental in documenting these sections, revealing critical details about the ancient structure. Augustine University has played a pivotal role in safeguarding this portion of the monument, demonstrating its commitment to cultural preservation and academic research.

Mrs. Atekoja commended the University's efforts, noting that the preservation of Sungbo-Eredo is crucial to the ongoing promotion of Lagos State’s rich cultural and historical assets. The tour continued to the broader Eredo community, where the team explored additional parts of the ancient earthworks, gaining a deeper understanding of the monument’s vast scale and historical significance.

This collaborative engagement between Augustine University and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture underscores the importance of preserving Sungbo-Eredo for future generations, while also promoting it as a key cultural and tourist attraction in Lagos State.

The visit marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to protect and promote this ancient marvel, with future initiatives expected to focus on further research and community involvement to ensure its enduring legacy.