On Friday, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged Nigerians to put aside their ethnic, religious, and other differences to work towards a common goal. He made this call at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, during a special Jumat service to mark Nigeria's 66th National Independence Day. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of national unity in harnessing the country's potential for sustainable development and greater prosperity.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Nigeria has the human resources, expertise, and natural wealth required to achieve its goals, but divisions among its people have hindered progress. He noted that the country's potential can only be fully realized when Nigerians work together towards a shared national objective. Sanwo-Olu identified national unity as a key factor in achieving this goal, stressing that it is essential to overcome the challenges facing the country.
Sanwo-Olu attributed some of the country's longstanding difficulties to divisions among its people, citing the Civil War as an example of the consequences of disunity. He maintained that if Nigerians unite and work together, they can achieve greater progress. The governor emphasized that the task of building a better Nigeria should not be left to the government alone, but rather should involve the active participation of religious and traditional leaders, the private sector, and citizens.
The governor recalled the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when government agencies, private organizations, religious institutions, and individuals collaborated to confront the crisis. He stressed that this spirit of collective action should not be limited to emergencies, but should also be channeled towards addressing the country's wider development challenges. Sanwo-Olu's deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, represented him at the event.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Yunuss Al-Imam, urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for the development of their communities instead of relying solely on the government. He called for an end to tribal sentiments and religious intolerance, stressing that no ethnic group should regard itself as superior to another. The cleric emphasized the importance of peace, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence for the progress and development of society.
Al-Imam's remarks resonated with the governor's message, highlighting the need for collective action and unity in achieving national goals. The special Jumat service was a significant event, bringing together people from different backgrounds to mark Nigeria's 66th National Independence Day. The ceremony demonstrated the potential for Nigerians to come together and work towards a common goal.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Sanwo-Olu's call to action serves as a reminder of the need for unity and collective action in achieving national development. The governor's message emphasizes the importance of working together to overcome the country's challenges and harness its potential for sustainable development and greater prosperity.
Key points
- Sanwo-Olu urges Nigerians to set aside ethnic, religious differences to work towards a peaceful and prosperous country.
- Nigeria has the human resources, expertise, and natural wealth required to achieve sustainable development and greater prosperity.
- Collective action and unity are essential in harnessing the country's potential and overcoming its challenges.
