Lagos, Nigeria – Former governor of Lagos State and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, don yarn serious gist about preserving Lagos history. Na Tuesday wey pass, he talk am for the public presentation of “Discover Lagos State: A History Puzzle Book (Volume 1)” wey happen for Civic Centre, Victoria Island. E dey hot because street naming matter just dey generate serious wahala for town.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represent by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, join body to talk about how important e be to document the state history. Hamzat hail the Lagos State Records and Archive Bureau (LASRAB) for dem timely presentation of the book. No be small thing o!
As Fashola dey speak, e mention the works wey dey for the digital archives of the University of Glasgow. E remind us say dem archives show how university influence historical development for different countries, including Nigeria. E even talk about Dr. Issac Ladipo Oluwole, wey be the first Nigerian student wey graduate from there in 1918; the man wey come back to Nigeria become the first African medical officer of health for Lagos colony. Na correct guy!
Fashola go on talk say, “Dr. Ladipo Oluwole na big figure; him start school health services, the first Nigerian school of hygiene for Yaba in 1920. E get reason why dem name street for Ikeja after him – e deserve am!” But e still sabi say the gist wey dey fly about street naming no too sweet. “We dey discuss street naming and unnaming, and I go keep my gunpowder dry” (that one fit mean say e no wan cause any scene for now).
Fashola emphasize say preservation of history dey important well well. He talk say LASRAB work no stop for just educational books, dem need well funding make dem fit create proper repository for Lagos memory. “Mr. Governor, LASRAB must dey well-funded!” Na everybody go benefit if dem get money wey fit push dem work to the next level.
Hamzat, wey proud of the initiative, talk say the puzzle book dey blend education, creativity and preservation of culture nicely. “This project go stimulate young minds, increase our pride as Lagosians, and then deepen our understanding of our history and heritage.” Na so far, so good!
He dey also respect Fashola for the executive order wey him issue during him tenure. That order dey ensure all documentation wey concern school, bridge and every other construction, get five copies; one go LASRAB, one go for Ministry of Science and Technology, and others go round. Na wetin we call serious planning o!
Hamzat still remind everybody say na to understand our history dey important make we no lose who we be. This book na creative way to craft historical consciousness wey dey teach us while e dey entertain us. If we no get am right, history fit come dey mix up.
