Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has emphasized the importance of preserving the historical identity of Lagos, especially amid ongoing debates over street naming in the state.

Fashola made this appeal on Tuesday during the public unveiling of Discover Lagos State: A History Puzzle Book (Volume 1) at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, also underscored the need to document the state’s past. He praised the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) for its timely release of the book, calling it a significant step in cultural preservation.

Drawing from international examples, Fashola highlighted the value of historical records. He cited the digital archives at the University of Glasgow, which detail the global impact of its staff and students—including Nigeria.

“These archives are a testament to humanity’s sociopolitical and economic evolution,” Fashola said. He noted the presence of early Nigerian scholars in the university’s records, particularly Dr. Isaac Ladipo Oluwole, who enrolled in 1913 and graduated in 1918.

Fashola explained that upon returning to Nigeria, Dr. Oluwole became the first African medical officer of health in colonial Lagos. He introduced school health services and vaccinations and founded Nigeria’s first School of Hygiene in Yaba in 1920.

“Many of us pass through Ladipo Oluwole Street in Ikeja without knowing the man behind the name,” Fashola said. “Understanding his legacy gives deeper meaning to why that street bears his name.”

While referring to current controversies surrounding the renaming of streets, Fashola remarked, “It is perhaps instructive that we are debating street naming and unnaming. I’ll keep my gunpowder dry—but reiterate that preserving our history and recording our journey is crucial.”

He stressed that LASRAB’s mission goes beyond educational publications—it aims to become the state’s central archive and historical repository.

“To achieve this, LASRAB must be properly equipped and funded,” he urged. “Mr. Governor, LASRAB needs robust financial support.”

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Deputy Governor Hamzat praised the book as an educational and cultural innovation. “This is more than a history book—it’s a tool designed to spark curiosity in young minds and strengthen our identity as Lagosians,” he said.

Hamzat also credited Fashola’s administration for establishing LASRAB. “I clearly remember the executive order requiring every major public document to be archived. That wasn’t just bureaucracy—it was a deliberate move to safeguard our story for future generations.”

He concluded by stressing the importance of historical awareness: “If we don’t understand our history, we risk losing our identity. This book offers a creative way to engage with our past—educating while entertaining, and ensuring our story remains intact.”