16th November, 2023
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday charged religious leaders in the State to preach tolerance, perseverance and complete trust in God to the worshippers at this trying economic period.
The governor spoke at the event marking this year’s International Day for Tolerance, held in Ikea, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
According to Sanwo-Olu, “Permit me to charge our religious leaders to preach tolerance, perseverance and complete trust in God for this trying economic period. As the Holy Books say, ‘And this too shall pass.’ We hereby seek your continued partnership, cooperation and endurance in this regard.”
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, said Lagos, being the commercial nerve-centre of Sub-Saharan Africa, is 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. You will agree with me that the economic pulse in Lagos State is palpable.
“The role of religion emerges as a guiding force for sculpting a positive mental state amid the challenges of our current economic landscape, 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 stated.
Sanwo-Olu added that with respect to the current economic realities globally, people’s lifestyles, worldview and global economies had not been the same, saying that a lot of companies and organizations were greatly hit by the harshness being experienced while some businesses are merging or winding up as the case might be.
He said his administration, in its social responsibilities, had put measures in place to assist Small Scale Medium Enterprises and Medium Scale Enterprises with soft loans and grants, adding that as a government, the economic prosperity of the people is a top priority and that the government was determined to create the economy hub for all businesses.
“We have also appealed to corporates not to lay-off staff. We are indeed faced with several health and economic challenges at this time but the Almighty God has been benevolent to us in Nigeria generally and in Lagos State in particular coupled with the resilient spirit known to Lagosians.
“The State Government has observed with a high sense of pride how residents have become resilient in fostering solidarity. The congregational spirit becomes a source of mutual support, a reminder that, in the face of economic uncertainties, we are not alone,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said it was quite commendable that Lagos residents are tolerable of one another, saying during this period, the government was responsive enough to embark on a compassionate drive by distributing food relief materials to its residents irrespective of tribe, tongue or religious inclinations to cushion the effects of inflation.
“This is simply an act of tolerance. Let me reiterate and admonish our beloved people not to relent in supporting and understanding the efforts of the Lagos State Government, we should be our brothers’ keeper and exhibit mutual respect for our diverse opinions, culture and religion,” he stated.
He urged Lagosians to exercise patience, tolerance and understanding among themselves, as his administration is leaving nothing to chance in ensuring that the goals and gains of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda were vigorously pursued and delivered for the good and benefit of all and sundry.
Speaking, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Home Affairs, Abdulkareem Jubril said religious leaders must not relent in propagating the message of peaceful co- habitation to their followers, especially in this difficult times, across the world.