Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, peaceful, and tolerant society during the observance of the 2025 International Day for Tolerance on Sunday.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, was themed “Raising a Generation of Tolerant Citizens: The Centrality of the Family.”
In his address, delivered by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that Lagos, which is home to over 25 million residents from hundreds of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, stands as a vital symbol of peaceful coexistence.
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He stressed that the core values of empathy, respect, patience, and acceptance must be instilled within the family unit, which serves as the “first classroom” of human development.
“Tolerance is nurtured through daily interactions in the home and reinforced by the positive examples children observe from parents, guardians, and elders,” the governor noted.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sustaining interfaith harmony through inclusive governance, active engagement with religious bodies, and robust protection of the freedom of worship.
He called for a collective approach, stating that government, families, religious leaders, teachers, and community leaders must all collaborate to build a tolerant generation.
The event also featured strong messages from guest speakers representing both Christian and Muslim faiths, who called for open communication and constructive conflict management as essential tools for raising tolerant citizens.
The Chief Imam of Lekki, Sheikh Ridwanullah Jamiu, speaking on the topic, “The Family as the First School of Tolerance and Goodness,” stressed that harmonious societies begin with harmonious homes, urging families to promote patience and peaceful conflict resolution.
Similarly, the Bishop of the Diocese of Badagry, Methodist Church Nigeria, Sunday Onadipe, noted that when children learn early to respect differing opinions, they grow into adults who contribute positively to peaceful coexistence in multicultural environments.
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In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Layode, reinforced the theme, emphasising that the values learned at home ultimately radiate into the community and shape national identity.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the Governor for his continuous support of programmes promoting peaceful coexistence.
