Press Releases

‘Let Us Commit Our Selves To Religious Tolerance’, Fashola Tells Nigerians At Easter

Apr 11, 2009 - As Nigerian Christians join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate the Easter, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has called for more commitment to religious tolerance, saying it is the only way to ensure harmonious existence in the country.

Governor Fashola, in a message of goodwill to Christians in the country and Lagos State, said the nation, more than ever before, needs the values of tolerance, sacrifice and love for fellow human being as exemplified in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ if she must take her proper place in the comity of nations.

The Governor declared, “That in His infinite wisdom God has brought us together in one world and nation, irrespective of our diversity of faiths, cultures, tongues and tradition, is a testimony of the limitless greatness of the Almighty who is the source of all existence”, adding that it behoves us as His creation to utilize it as a source of strength to build a safe and secure country.

“We all have a stake in a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria where we can raise our families, earn our livelihoods, worship our Creator in our diverse ways and realize the purpose for our existence”, the Governor said, adding that there is need for us to expand our boundaries of tolerance to achieve a healthy society.

According to Governor Fashola, “Our challenge is to expand the boundaries of tolerance in our time so that we can create a secure, safe and healthy society that enhances rather than desecrates life”.

While wishing Nigerians and Lagos Christians a happy Easter celebration, the Governor declared, “I enjoin us all to renew our commitment to the love and service of our country and fellow man for it is only by so doing that we can maintain the high ethical standards of honesty, industry, faithfulness, discipline, commitment and sacrifice to enable us contribute meaningfully to the peace, prosperity and progress of our country”.

To Lagosians in particular, Governor Fashola advised, “Let us be determined, more than ever before, that as a global Mega-City, Lagos State will flourish as a model of harmonious co-existence and a melting pot of tongues and cultures where people are free to thrive and bloom in an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance”.