In an innovative and trailblazing move, Fu’ad Lawal, the Chief Archivist at Archiving, is leading a pioneering project to digitize Nigeria’s historical newspapers and make them widely accessible to the public via cloud technology. This significant endeavor intends to offer researchers, journalists, and the general populace an extensive digital archive encompassing Nigeria’s political, social, and cultural history since its independence in 1960.
Filling historical knowledge gaps
Fu’ad Lawal’s inspiration for this project stems from his background as a journalist, where he frequently faced challenges in accessing essential historical information needed for in-depth reporting. Recognizing the importance of historical context in journalism, Lawal embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between past events and contemporary reporting. His vision for Archiv.ng is to function as an extensive repository of knowledge, enabling profound reporting and fostering a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s history – past and present.
The road to digital preservation
Archiving initially encountered challenges in establishing itself as a legal entity. However, Lawal’s unwavering determination propelled the project forward. Securing publishing rights and acquiring essential equipment, such as scanners, were crucial steps in the digitization process. Archiving has successfully scanned over 4,000 newspapers, totaling 50,000 pages spanning two decades from 1994 to 2010. Through strategic partnerships, they have gained access to archives from prominent publications like P.M. News, with plans to include others such as Punch and The Guardian.
Transforming access through cloud technology
By employing cloud technology, Archiving enables seamless access to digitized newspapers for users globally. Uploading scanned newspapers to the cloud allows users to search for specific keywords and instantly retrieve relevant articles. Manual tagging and keyword Website image optimization enhance searchability, empowering users to explore a vast repository of historical content effortlessly. Archiving’s ultimate objective is to digitize newspapers dating from January 1st, 1960, to December 31st, 2010, comprising 360,000 pages and over 700,000 stories.
Prospects and funding
Like any startup, financial resources are essential for Archiving’s continued growth and expansion. Since 2020, the company has raised over $37,000. Archiving remains dedicated to securing additional funding to support its mission. With plans to digitize more newspapers and enhance the platform’s features, Archiving aims to establish itself as a premier resource for Nigerian history and serve as a catalyst for ai advancements in Africa.
Archiving signifies a path-breaking initiative in digital preservation, revolutionizing access to Nigeria’s extensive historical archives. Fu’ad Lawal’s vision and tenacity have fueled the project’s progress, allowing users to explore the nation’s past with unparalleled ease. As Archiving continues to expand its archive and improve its platform, it holds immense potential in shaping the future of historical research and journalistic endeavors in Nigeria and beyond.
