Lagos walks during International Day for Tolerance asking for unity, peace
Top government officials and others at the event
Lagos engages in walks during International Day for Tolerance.
The Lagos State Government joined the global community in commemorating the 2024 International Day for Tolerance at the weekend with a renewed call for peace, inclusivity, and unity among its diverse population.
The event, themed “Tolerance Projects the Beauty in the Diversity of Human Groups”, was held on Saturday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa.
Top government officials and others during the walk
It featured a Walk for Tolerance from the auditorium to Allen Junction, Ikeja, aimed at sensitising residents to the importance of tolerance.
The walk was followed by a panel discussion, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, including Muslim and Christian faith adherents, to reflect on tolerance in Lagos—a city celebrated for its cultural heritage and global diversity.
Representing Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser on Internal Audit, Dr Oyeyemi Ayoola, underscored the critical role of tolerance in fostering peace and stability amid global challenges of intolerance and discrimination.
“Lagos State stands as a shining testament to the power of tolerance. Our differences are not a source of division but a strength that enriches our shared experiences and fuels collective growth,” the Governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an environment where all residents, regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs, feel valued and respected.
The Governor stressed that tolerance is not merely a passive ideal but an active pursuit, requiring ongoing efforts through education, anti-discrimination laws, and dialogue platforms.
“Our youth must grasp the importance of inclusivity and learn to navigate differences with empathy and open-mindedness. Lagos will continue to exemplify resilience and inclusivity, embodying the essence of tolerance in every facet of its social fabric,” he added.
He further pledged that his administration would promote advocacy programmes and initiatives celebrating diversity to instill values of respect and understanding in young people from an early age.
Hon Abdulkareem Jubril, Chairman of the House Committee on Home Affairs, congratulated Lagosians on the celebration, highlighting its importance in a city like Lagos that embraces diverse backgrounds.
He called for peaceful coexistence among residents regardless of religion, tribe, or political leanings, assuring them that Lagos would remain a home for tolerant individuals.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, encouraged civil servants to demonstrate tolerance through efficient service delivery devoid of religious or cultural biases.
Represented by Mr Murphy Owodeyi, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Lands Bureau, Agoro emphasised that tolerance should be a deliberate act aimed at fostering a society where everyone feels valued.
Hon Ibraheem Layode, Commissioner for Home Affairs, in his welcome address, assured attendees of the government’s unwavering support for the youth.
He cited the exemplary leadership of young officials, including the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya; and Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr Tubosun Alake, as evidence of the administration’s prioritisation of youth inclusion in governance.
The event’s lecture, titled “Restoring the Lost Faith of the Youth in the Nigerian Project and Religious Means of Goal Attainment – A Task for All Stakeholders”, featured contributions from Professor Saheed Olurotimi Timehin of Lagos State University (LASU), representing the Islamic perspective, and Rt Rev Prof Dapo Asaju of the Anglican Communion, presenting the Christian viewpoint.
Both lecturers stressed the need for a generation of detribalised citizens to drive the change Nigeria urgently requires. They urged religious leaders to promote peace and harmony while steering clear of materialism in their sermons.
Bishop Asaju linked Nigeria’s challenges to societal decay, urging Nigerians to stop solely blaming politicians and recognise the collective responsibility of rebuilding the nation.
The event culminated in a youth discussion panel, where participants from diverse backgrounds critically examined the lecture topics and proposed actionable solutions to restore faith in Nigeria and foster unity.
