.Implores residents to exercise patience, tolerance, understanding for others

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has implored religious leaders to use religion as a guiding force for sculpting a positive mental state amid the challenges of current economic challenges.

The governor said this, yesterday, during the 2023 International Day for Tolerance, with the theme “The role of religion in engendering a positive mental state in the face of current economic realities.”

In his speech, Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, noted: “As we navigate the intricacies of fiscal uncertainties, the interplay between faith and mindset becomes a beacon of hope, resilience for individuals and communities alike.”

He, therefore, charged religious leaders to preach tolerance, perseverance and complete trust in God for this trying economic period.

The governor noted that Lagos State is the commercial nerve-centre of sub-Saharan Africa, a melting point for diverse nationalities of different religions from all over the world, hence the need for emphasis on tolerance and mutual respect of opinions and differences among residents in the state.

“The celebration of today is quite significant, considering the human dynamics and recent economic developments in our country and the world at large.

“As we are all aware, human beings are built up with different views, cultures, beliefs and leanings. Therefore, there is bound to be some levels of disagreement but we are also enjoined to respect each other’s opinion, cultural and religious beliefs. It is my belief that the act of tolerating and respecting each other’s views has been the unifying force among people the world over.”