Former Lagos governor and minister Babatunde Fashola has emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s historical identity through street names. Speaking at a public book launch focused on local heritage, he highlighted the enduring legacy of figures like Dr. Isaac Ladipo Oluwole. Oluwole, a Glasgow-trained physician, was instrumental in establishing school health services and founded Nigeria’s first hygiene school in Yaba in 1920. A street in Ikeja bearing his name stands as a tribute to his contributions to public health.
Fashola warned that renaming such streets without consideration could erase crucial pieces of the city’s history. He underscored the value of documented archives, including those maintained by international institutions, which continue to offer insights into the lives and work of early Nigerian pioneers. He hinted at the seriousness of ongoing debates over renaming by saying he was “keeping his gunpowder dry,” signaling his intent to protect the state’s historical memory.
He also called attention to the role of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau, which he credited with producing engaging educational tools like the newly launched puzzle book. Fashola advocated for increased funding and support for the bureau, stressing that a centralized, reliable archive is vital for maintaining the state’s historical integrity and for educating younger generations.
Reflecting on his time in office, Fashola mentioned issuing an executive order requiring all government ministries to keep multiple copies of essential records. This, he explained, was part of a broader initiative to ensure the long-term preservation of Lagos’s institutional memory.
The event drew participation from several state officials, many of whom praised the puzzle book as an innovative way to connect children with their cultural roots. They echoed Fashola’s concerns, noting that a strong sense of history is essential for shaping future identity and avoiding cultural amnesia.
Fashola’s message was clear: street names are more than just directional tools—they are historical signposts that tell the story of Lagos. Altering them carelessly, he warned, risks severing the link between past achievements and future aspirations.
