16th May, 2024
By Favour Ochije
The Lagos State Commissioner for Home affairs, Ibrahim Layode has described the State as a home to people from across Nigeria and Beyond.
He said this at the annual ministerial press briefing on Wednesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
“We pride ourselves in saying that what divides and creates security breaches in other parts of the country is what unites us in Lagos State bearing in mind that Lagos State has become a home to people from across Nigeria and beyond,” Ibrahim said.
“I am happy to report to you gentlemen of the press and the general public at large that the state has enjoyed tremendous religious harmony and peaceful co-existence through one of the critical functions of our ministry that is facilitating, maintaining and enhancing harmonious relations among faith-based groups and organizations in the state.
“The religious harmony and unity has positively impacted on the security and peace that Lagos State continues to enjoy which speaks volume for our economic prosperity.” the Commissioner added.
According to him, one of the areas often overlooked by many is the area of religious harmony and peaceful co-existence of people belonging to diverse religions in the state.
“Through the Liason with Nigeria Inter-Religious Council(NIREC)/ Interfaith Parley, the Ministry has been able to bring together the religious leaders of the two major religions in the state- Islam and Christianity- to meet from time to time and discuss issues of common interest for the development of the state,” he said.
For matters relating to Money Lender activities in the State, the Commissioner revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs between 2023 to date has processed over 274 new applications and renewed 494 permits for money lender operations within Lagos.