Fashola Urges Preservation of Lagos History Amid Street Naming Debate

Former Lagos State governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has called for the preservation of Lagos’s historical heritage amid ongoing debates over street naming.

Speaking at the launch of “Discover Lagos State: A History Puzzle Book (Volume 1)” at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Fashola emphasized the importance of safeguarding historical records to protect societal values and identity.

He cited the University of Glasgow’s archives as a model, noting how documentation there preserves valuable contributions by Nigerians like Dr. Isaac Ladipo Oluwole — Nigeria’s first African medical officer of health — who studied at Glasgow between 1913 and 1918. Oluwole later pioneered school health services in Lagos and established Nigeria’s first school of hygiene.

“Those driving through Ladipo Oluwole Street in Ikeja may now appreciate why he was honoured,” Fashola noted. “Preserving our history must go beyond names — it must be backed by proper documentation.”

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat echoed the importance of documenting Lagos’s heritage. Fashola also stressed the need for adequate funding of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB), describing it as the future hub for preserving the state’s memory.