… As Religious Leaders Call For Open Communication, Constructive Management Of Conflicts
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to building an inclusive, peaceful, and tolerant society where every resident, regardless of tribe, faith, or background, feels a sense of belonging and protection.
The Governor gave this assurance on Sunday, while delivering his address at the 2025 International Day for Tolerance organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, with the theme “Raising a Generation of Tolerant Citizens: The Centrality of the Family,” held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, emphasised that Lagos, a city of over 25 million residents from hundreds of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, stands tall as a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. He noted that the core values of empathy, respect, patience, and acceptance must be instilled from the family, the first classroom of human development.
The Governor stated that tolerance is nurtured through daily interactions in the home and reinforced by the positive examples children observe from parents, guardians, and elders. According to him, these foundational lessons shape how young people engage with the world and respond to diversity.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that his administration is deliberate about sustaining interfaith harmony through inclusive governance, active engagement with religious bodies, and a firm commitment to protecting freedom of worship.
He emphasised that building a tolerant generation requires a collective approach, saying, “Government cannot do it alone. Families must model empathy and respect. Religious leaders must preach peace. Teachers must nurture emotional intelligence. Community leaders must promote cohesion. And our young people must choose dialogue over division.”
Mr Sanwo-Olu encouraged Lagosians to speak against hate, correct misinformation, defend diversity, and uphold the spirit of accommodation that has sustained Lagos for decades. He also acknowledged the important role of traditional rulers in mediating disputes, fostering unity, and serving as cultural custodians across communities.
In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, described the International Day for Tolerance as an essential reminder of the need to entrench mutual respect in a world filled with diverse beliefs and ideologies.
He stressed that tolerance is first learned in the home, where children observe how parents handle differences, disagreements, and interactions with people of varied backgrounds.
Layode urged families to teach empathy, practice patience, and lead by example, noting that the values learned at home radiate into the community and ultimately shape national identity.
The two guest speakers at the event, who spoke from both the Muslim and Christian perspectives, encouraged open communication and constructive management of conflicts as some of the ways to raise a generation of tolerant citizens.
Speaking on the topic, “The Family as the First School of Tolerance and Goodness,” the Chief Imam of Lekki, Sheikh (Dr) Ridwanullah Jamiu, emphasised that the family remains the foundational institution where values, character, and moral conduct are first shaped.
The Imam stressed that open communication, mutual understanding, and peaceful conflict-resolution within the household are essential tools for raising future citizens who are tolerant, emotionally balanced, and responsible.
He urged families to embrace diversity, promote patience, and cultivate goodness as daily habits, reminding the audience that a harmonious society begins from harmonious homes.
Also, in his lecture titled “Learning to Live and Work with Others in a Diverse Society – The Role of the Family,” the Bishop of the Diocese of Badagry, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. (Dr) Sunday Onadipe underscored the importance of nurturing children to understand and appreciate differences.
The Bishop noted that when children learn early to respect opinions that differ from theirs, they grow into adults who contribute positively to peaceful coexistence.
He encouraged parents to foster an atmosphere of love, accountability, and constructive dialogue, saying that these values equip children to thrive in workplaces, communities, and multicultural environments.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for programmes promoting peaceful coexistence.
The 2025 International Day for Tolerance is celebrated annually on November 16 of every year.
0 Comments