Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, has called on governments to prioritise record-keeping as a strategic tool for development, describing history not as a relic of the past but a powerful driver of future progress.
Speaking during the launch of the Lagos State History Puzzle Book at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Fashola emphasised that historical documentation should be viewed as a vital component of governance and national planning. According to him, preserving records is an act of patriotism and a long-term investment in societal advancement.
“Record-keeping is a form of governance. It is, above all, also an investment in the future,” he stated.
Fashola, who also served as Minister of Works and Housing, recounted how books like Voice of Reason, Voice of Courage, and Voice of Wisdom shaped his understanding of leadership. He said history’s tendency to repeat itself offers leaders a chance to learn, prepare, and lead with greater courage and vision.
He described historical archives as “silent sentinels of memory, identity, development, and continuity,” noting that Lagos’ establishment of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) reflects its commitment to preserving heritage.
Fashola urged the current administration to document its management of the COVID-19 pandemic and preserve official correspondences of past governors. He praised the Lagos State History Puzzle Book for making history engaging for children through puzzles, pictures, and stories.
Highlighting the importance of reaching younger audiences, he called for a digital edition of the book and urged increased funding for LASRAB across physical, financial, and digital infrastructure. He also noted the economic potential of archived records, stressing their relevance for innovation and artificial intelligence.
“Supporting LASRAB is not just about preserving the past it’s about preparing for the future,” Fashola said.
