Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu I, yesterday urged Nigerians to embrace national unity and cooperation to accelerate development of the country.

The duo, who spoke at the laying of wreaths ceremony to commemorate 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration organised by the states ministry of Home Affairs in Lagos, affirmed that national cohesion would help the country to harness her potentials for socio-political and economic growth.

Ambode said it was important for all to remember the fallen heroes who have sacrificed for the country, without which there will be no Nigeria today.

He said: “It is important that beyond remembering them, we should also rededicate our lives in a manner that we will always remember that the cohesion of Nigeria is so significant and it is important to hold Nigeria together. That is the significance of this particular event,” Ambode said.

On the threats posed by Boko Haram t sects in the Northeast and pro- Biafra agitation in the Southeast, Ambode said, ”they are no threats”.

Continuing, he said: “It is something that is being fully combated by the Federal Government. As you can see we are having improvement on the security of the country. My advice to Nigerians is that the unity of the country is more important than anything we can think of.

“It is only when we are united that we can make progress. That is what we are saying; we are so particular about the development of this country. The country is bigger and more important than the agitations of some individuals. We advise every Nigerian that the cohesion of this country is paramount to this government and that is what we are going to do.”

Also speaking the Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu I said the enormous sacrifice of the fallen heroes cannot be wished away by mere selfish interests, saying the best way to honour them is to ensure national cohesion, security and development.