LASRAB To Unveil First Comic Book Lagos History

The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) is set to launch a historical comic book collection that is focused on telling stories about important events in Lagos history and is tailored to children. The first book in the series is titled: “The Story of Aina on Iddo Island”. The launch is slated for Monday, 12th December, 2022.

A release signed by the Director-General of LASRAB, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, said the Bureau is committed to ensuring Lagosians’ interest in their cultural heritage is stimulated by every means possible, hence the birth of the comic book collection.

She explained that the children’s book collection is dedicated to all Lagosians and is written to help the present and future generations of Lagosians to understand and connect with their heritage from a young age.

In her words: “The first book in the series, ‘Aina on Iddo Island’ is a historical story of real-life events during the reign of legendary Olofin and Aina, a wealthy livestock trader who was falsely accused of witchcraft and how she sought external help from the Benin kingdom”.

“The twists and turns in this first historical storybook about Lagos make for an interesting read for all ages regardless of their social status, with vivid descriptions of some heroic and gallant actions by past rulers to defend the Lagos territory from being penetrated by external aggression”, she added.

Adebiyi-Abiola further said other exciting topics that will be explored in the collection include the story of the first Queen Mother of Lagos and that of a Female Army General among others, which are coming soon to sustain public interest in all that the present administration is doing to promote the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda on Education as well as on Entertainment and Tourism.

She said the essence of the storybook collection published in comic form, is to arrest the attention and inspire the younger generation to attain lofty heights by connecting with their ancestral achievements that birthed the modern society we have today.

The Director-General reiterated the need to reintroduce history as a subject back into the academic curriculum, stressing that these types of historical storybooks will enrich the minds of students, helping them gain a better understanding of the past, as well as instilling pride in the actions of their heroes past.

Recall that LASRAB was established by the State Government and tasked with the statutory responsibility of ensuring the acquisition and preservation of records and assets of enduring value, as well as promoting and sustaining the heritage of the State, among others.