In commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, BATKOHRRECT, a socio-political group comprising an eclectic mix of Lagos-based professionals, has distributed copies of the seminal book Behind The Streets (Inside the World of Personalities Popular Lagos Streets are Named After) to secondary schools across Lagos State.
The distribution exercise followed a structured book reading in three educational districts of the state.
The author, Mr. Adeshina Oyetayo, Special Adviser on Research, Media, and Documentation to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, anchored the reading.
Dedicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his enduring legacies in Lagos State, the book is a rich excursion into the lives and times of the individuals whose names are synonymous with certain areas in Lagos – some of whom are long dead and some who are still alive – and the important role they played to be bestowed the immortality of having prominent and popular Lagos streets named after them.
Speaking at the book reading held at Mainland High School, Yaba, BATKOHRRECT Coordinator, Mr. Victor Ganzallo explained that the group decided to partner with Oyetayo to put copies of the book in the hands of secondary school students.
His words: “With the reintroduction of History into the school curriculum, students now have an opportunity to learn about these important personalities and their lasting impact on society through Oyetayo’s carefully researched work.
“We hope that these young Nigerians will discover the remarkable lives of the eminent personalities whose names grace major streets in Lagos, those figures whose contributions and, in some cases, supreme sacrifices helped build a better Nigeria.”
Ganzallo added that the group was further convinced of this partnership because the book draws inspiration from the abiding Lagos legacy of leadership and transformation associated with President Tinubu.
Princess Aminat Elegushi, BATKOHRRECT Publicity Secretary, described the book reading and distribution of Behind the Streets as part of the group’s deliberate intervention in society as the nation moves towards the general elections, coming a few days after it distributed cooking gas to many vulnerable homes across the state.
She specifically thanked the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, for his support towards the group’s programmes.
“This particular exercise is part of our community development programs, educational outreaches, and enlightenment initiatives on environmental sanitation and protection. Indeed, there is no better time to start making our young ones learn about their environment than now,” Princess Elegushi said.
The book reading team, with BATKOHRRECT members like Temitope Oyefeso, Olumide Aremu and Gbolahan Adebayo, also visited Osborne Schools Complex, Ikoyi, a multi-school hub, and Ajayi Crowther Memorial High School, Akoka.
