‘There is challenge of documentation’ — Sanwo-Olu calls for preservation of Lagos history

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, says it is important to preserve the history of the state for future generations.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, secretary to the state government (SSG), spoke on Thursday at a community symposium organised by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB).

The governor said Lagos is a melting pot of culture that attracts people from all over Nigeria, calling for the preservation of the cultural heritage that makes the state unique.

He said there is a distortion of facts about the history of Lagos and called for the restoration of history in public schools in the state.

“It is important to preserve the history of Lagos for future generations. It should inspire us to aspire for a greater Lagos,” the governor said.

“There is a challenge of documentation of our history by our forefathers and distortion of facts. We must approach the history of Lagos with truth and objectivity.

“We must make history accessible to younger generations. We need innovative ways to teach history.”

Toyin Ogunlana, the director-general of LASRAB, also advocated for the restoration of the history of Lagos in secondary schools.

Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner for information and strategy in the state, said the real history of Lagos has been distorted.

“Any nation that forgets its past will lose focus. I support the reintroduction of history in our schools,” Omotoso said.

“It will lay to rest those distorting facts and serve as a vehicle for unity, harmony, and inclusion.”