Lagos, Nigeria – Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has called for urgent measures to preserve the state’s historical records, citing ongoing controversies around street renaming as evidence of the need for proper documentation.
Speaking at the public presentation of “Discover Lagos State: A History Puzzle Book (Volume 1)” on Tuesday, Fashola referenced archives from Scotland’s University of Glasgow that detail the achievements of pioneering Lagosians like Dr. Isaac Ladipo Oluwole, the first African medical officer of health in colonial Lagos.
“Records show Dr. Oluwole graduated from Glasgow in 1918, established Nigeria’s first school of hygiene in Yaba by 1920, and pioneered school health services,” Fashola stated at the Civic Centre event. “When we drive past Ladipo Oluwole Street in Ikeja, these archives help us understand why such honours were bestowed.”
The former works minister kept his position on current street renaming debates “gunpowder dry” but emphasized that “preservation of our history and documentation of our progress should be taken seriously.” He urged increased funding for the Lagos State Records and Archive Bureau (LASRAB), which he established during his administration.
Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, endorsed the puzzle book initiative as an innovative tool for educating young Lagosians about their heritage. He revealed Fashola’s executive order mandating all state projects to deposit five copies of documentation with LASRAB remains operational.
“This isn’t just administrative – it’s about institutionalizing Lagos’ narrative for posterity,” Hamzat stated. “Understanding our history prevents distortion of our identity.”
The event highlighted growing concerns about historical preservation amid rapid urban development, with the state government positioning LASRAB as the official custodian of Lagos’ collective memory. The newly launched puzzle book marks the first in a series aimed at making history accessible to younger generations.
As Lagos prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary as Nigeria’s commercial capital next year, officials say more historical documentation projects will be unveiled to strengthen citizens’ connection to the state’s rich heritage.
