Sanwo-Olu tasks residents on peaceful co-existence, tolerance

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stressed the need for tolerance and peaceful cohabitation among Lagosians. Sanwo-Olu stated this at an event to mark the 2024 International Day for Tolerance, themed, ‘Tolerance Projects, the Beauty in the Diversity of Human Groups’, by the state Ministry of Home Affairs.

Represented by Special Adviser on Internal Audit, Oyeyemi Ayoola, Sanwo-Olu said: “As a government, we champion policies that celebrate our diversity, inter-cultural dialogue and educate the young people to learn the values of respect.

“We also support community projects that bring peace and tranquility. Lagos State serves as shining testimony to the power of tolerance. This demonstrates how peaceful coexistence, unity and innovation can drive progress. Today’s event reminds us of the need to tolerate one another.”

In his speech, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, said there is a need to carry the youth along, adding, “to build a nation, you must build the youth.”

He also stressed the need for peaceful co-existence among all religious groups. On his part, Prof. Saheed Timehin of Department of Foreign Languages, Lagos State University (LASU) said: “We haven’t been fair to the youth in recent times. We must come together to redirect the youth. Some youths are doing well but their stories are not told. We need to tell their stories. There is also a need for total value change.”

Bishop of the Theologian Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Bishop of Ilesa Diocese, Prof. Dapo Asaju stated: “Like Rwanda, we must forget the past.”

Noting that there is corruption, impunity and insecurity in Nigeria, he stressed that “we must produce a blueprint on how to fix the country.” The cleric spoke on the topic, ‘Restoring the Lost Faith of the Youth in the Nigerian Project and Religious Means of Goal Attainment – A Task for All Stakeholders.’