Lagos: Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting knowledge-based initiatives that strengthen identity and promote creativity among the people. Sanwo-Olu reiterated the commitment at a public presentation of a Puzzle Book on the history of Lagos State on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme was organised by the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB). The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, urged Lagosians to continue to build a Lagos where history is preserved, knowledge is shared, and where innovation leads the way. The puzzle book is described as an initiative that uniquely blends education, creativity, and cultural preservation. It serves as an innovative learning tool designed to stimulate young minds and promote curiosity.
The governor applauded Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, a former governor of Lagos State, for establishing LASRAB in 2008, highlighting the importance of institutionalising the preservation, documentation, and dissemination of the Lagos narrative for posterity. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that educating the young generation about their history is crucial for building an informed generation of Lagosians, ensuring they understand their origins.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the history book would equip young people with knowledge of heroes who paved the way, the struggles, and the values that define Lagosians. He described the book as a creative method of transmitting historical consciousness that informs while it entertains. The puzzle book transforms archival content into an engaging experience, rising to the challenge of making history accessible.
The governor urged teachers, parents, and school administrators to utilize the book to reinforce learning and make history more engaging for pupils. He also called on the private sector to support such initiatives, advocating for partnerships to distribute the puzzle book across all local governments and local council development areas of the state.
Earlier, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, stated that the initiative was a significant milestone in preserving the state's rich history and cultural heritage. Omotoso described the book as a creative and educational tool that bridges the past with the present and prepares young people for the future. He emphasized the importance of evolving with the times to preserve identity and repackaging heritage for the next generation in an understandable and appreciable format.
The commissioner thanked the governor for his commitment to innovation and education, empowering young people to distinguish right from wrong. He also expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the project a reality and encouraged stakeholders to use the puzzle book as a tool to embed history in the minds of future generations.
NAN reports that "Discover Lagos State, A History Puzzle Book (Vol. 1)" is a 220-page book with 55 chapters, divided into two parts. The first part focuses on history, culture, and tradition, while the second part chronicles events and timelines of events in Lagos.