By Oluwatope Lawanson
A former Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has urged government not to view history as a “static museum of forgotten things”.
He described history instead as a vibrant engine of knowledge, resilience, and development, essential for shaping a better future.
Fashola made the remark on Tuesday during the public presentation of the Lagos State History Puzzle Book.
He emphasised the critical role of record-keeping and preserving history in nation-building and future planning.
The event was organised by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB).
It was held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, with dignitaries and historians in attendance.
Fashola, also a former Minister of Works and Housing, said record-keeping is an act of patriotism.
He noted that it should not be seen as mere bureaucracy but as a governance tool and future investment.
“Record-keeping is a form of governance. It is, above all, also an investment in the future,” he said.
Fashola recalled how reading Sifaiolao’s Trilogy helped boost his confidence as a young governor.
The books — Voice of Reason, Voice of Courage, and Voice of Wisdom — taught him that history often repeats itself.
He said understanding this continuity should dispel fear in leaders and inspire courage and foresight.
He described archived materials as silent sentinels of memory, identity, development, and continuity.
He cited LASRAB’s establishment as evidence of Lagos State’s commitment to preserving its historical legacy.
The former governor urged the present administration to document their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also called for archiving letters and official correspondences of past governors to enrich historical records.
Fashola praised the Lagos State History Puzzle Book for creatively making history engaging and accessible to children.
According to him, it uses puzzles, pictures, and stories to bring the past alive for young minds.
He appealed to the Lagos government to adequately fund LASRAB, including physical, financial, and digital resources.
He suggested publishing a digital edition of the puzzle book to reach more tech-savvy youths.
Fashola said supporting LASRAB will help preserve history as a dynamic engine of development and learning.
He stressed that archived records are rich economic resources, vital for artificial intelligence and future innovation. (NAN)
