Speeches

Let Us Renew Our Commitment To Religious Tolerance

Apr 11, 2009 - We have every cause to thank Almighty God for sparing our lives to celebrate yet another Easter, the season that symbolizes love and sacrifice for Christians all over the world. On this joyous occasion when we acknowledge the great love of our Maker for us as demonstrated by the sacrifice of His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, and our indebtedness to Him as well as renew our dedication to His service, I rejoice with and congratulate all Christians in Lagos State and Nigeria.

The values of tolerance, sacrifice and love for our fellow human beings as exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ is more relevant and necessary now than ever before in our nation and our world. That in His infinite wisdom, God has brought us together in one world and nation irrespective of our diversity of faiths, cultures, tongues and traditions is a testimony of the limitless greatness of the Almighty who is the source of all existence.

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. 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 all Christians in Lagos State and Nigeria a very happy Easter celebration, 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, contentment and sacrifice to enable us contribute meaningfully to the peace, prosperity and progress of our country.

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.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN)
GOVERNOR, LAGOS STATE