By Oluwatope Lawanson

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.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the puzzle book is an initiative that uniquely blends education, creativity, and cultural preservation.

He described the project as an innovative learning tool designed to stimulate young minds and promote curiosity.

According to him, “it deepens our pride as Lagosians and our collective understanding of the history and heritage of the state”.

The governor applauded Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN, a former governor of Lagos state, for establishing LASRAB in 2008.

“This foundational act was not merely administrative; it was an intentional effort to institutionalise the preservation, documentation and dissemination of the Lagos narrative for posterity.

“The importance of educating the young generation about their history is to build a truly informed generation of Lagosians.

“To also ensure that our people, especially our children, understand where they come from,” he said.

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 said: “This book is a brick in that foundation; a creative method of transmitting historical consciousness that informs, while it entertains.

“The puzzle book rises boldly to that challenge by turning archival contents into an engaging experience”.

Sanwo-Olu urged teachers, parents, and school administrators to utilise the book to reinforce learning and make history more engaging for pupils, while calling on the private sector to support such initiatives.

“We need partnerships that would help take the puzzle book to schools across all local governments and local council development areas of our state,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said 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.

“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to preserve our rich history and cultural heritage and manage an historical evolution of Nigeria’s dynamic education and moral performance.

“We need to think creatively about how to make people realise that time is precious and we must be able to let our young people know about our history and to own it.

“If we fail to evolve in the times, we risk losing our identity.

“But with initiatives like this, we are not only preserving our heritage, we are repackaging it for the next generation in a language that they understand and appreciate,” he said.

The commissioner thanked the governor for his commitment to innovation and education, which empowers young people to distinguish right from wrong.

He also thanked everyone involved in making the project a reality and encouraged stakeholders to use the puzzle book as a tool to put history rightfully in the minds of future generations.

NAN reports that “Discover Lagos State, A History Puzzle Book (Vol. 1)” is a 220 pages book with 55 chapters.

It is divided into 2 parts. The first part focuses on history, culture and tradition, while the second part chronicles events and timelines of events in Lagos. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor and Yetunde Fatungase