Lagos group gives history books to secondary-school students

A Lagos socio-political group has distributed copies of a book about the people behind prominent street names to secondary-school students across the state. BATKORRECT organised the initiative as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. It followed reading sessions held in three educational districts, where author Adeshina Oyetayo introduced students to the lives and contributions of figures associated with Lagos streets.

The book, “Behind The Streets: Inside the World of Personalities Popular Lagos Streets Are Named After”, was distributed at schools including Mainland High School in Yaba, Osborne Schools Complex in Ikoyi and Ajayi Crowther Memorial High School in Akoka. Victor Ganzallo, BATKORRECT’s coordinator, said the group had partnered with Oyetayo to make the work available to young Nigerians. He linked the project to the reintroduction of History into the school curriculum.

Ganzallo said the group hoped students would learn about people whose contributions and sacrifices helped shape Lagos and Nigeria. The book is dedicated to President Bola Tinubu, whom Oyetayo credits with legacies of leadership and transformation in Lagos State. BATKORRECT publicity secretary Aminat Elegushi said the programme formed part of the group’s community development, educational outreach and public-enlightenment work.

She said it was also intended to deepen young people’s understanding of their surroundings and the history connected with them. The group said the book distribution followed an earlier intervention in which it supplied cooking gas to vulnerable households across Lagos. Elegushi also acknowledged support from Lagos State Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab.