Press Releases

Fashola Urges Nigerians To Shun Negative Religious, Ethnic Influences
…As Lagos hosts 13th edition of Annual Thanksgiving Service

Jan 8, 2012 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Sunday enjoined Nigerians to shun negative influences capable of dividing the country saying every Nigerian owes it a duty to prevent such influences.

Governor Fashola, who spoke at this year's State Government organized Annual Thanksgiving Service at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, said such negative influences arising from ethnic and religious differences should not be allowed to find a place in any part of the country.

Governor Fashola particularly appealed to Nigerians to eschew vengeance because, according to him, "vengeance does not belong to us", adding that it is our common humanity that binds us more deeply than our faith or ethnic differences.

"Our humanity is represented by the bonds of blood, food, water and brotherhood that we share", the Governor pointed out citing as an example the gathering of Christians and Muslims and people of diverse ethnic identities in this year's Annual Thanksgiving to offer thanks to God.

Quoting copiously from a book titled "God is not a Christian" written by Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Governor Fashola who noted that both Christianity and Islam came from the Middle East, declared, "Even among brothers of the same faith, whether Christian or Muslim hue, ethnic differences can blur the brotherhood of faith and humanity".

"Such negative differences must never find a place in any part of our State or our country and every one of us owes a duty to positively do something to prevent such an occurrence", the Governor said.

Noting that Year 2011 was filled with challenges and that the New Year has already brought its own challenges, Governor Fashola, who however expressed gratitude to God for life, declared, "Yes, there are challenges; but I believe with these challenges lie inherent opportunities".

"I have always tried to see my glass as half full rather than half empty. I urge us all to do the same. If we do, maybe it is possible for us to see the other side of our challenges as I have tried to see them", the Governor said.

Thanking the religious bodies for their support and encouragement which, according to him, "propelled our Party and candidates to victory", the Governor noted, "I am convinced that in the same way that our offering of thanksgiving last year was accepted by God, this year's thanksgiving will find favour with our Creator and He will accept and reward it with His own unquantifiable might and presence".

The Governor, who also prayed for the repose of souls of those who passed on last year and extended condolences to their families and dependents, declared, "We especially condemn acts of violence that have prematurely terminated human lives".

Highlights of the Service included reading of the first lesson by the State's First Lady, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, who read from 1Corrinthians Chapter 13 verses 1 -13 and reading of the second lesson taken from Romans Chapter 13:8-10 by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

Others were Special prayers offerred for the Lagos State Governor and his family led by a representative of Pastor Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Ministries, for Lagos State Government and the State's Public Service led by Reverend Sam Adeyemi of the Daystar Ministries, for peace in Lagos State and Nigeria led by Bishop Mike Okonkwo (represented) and for women and children by Most Reverend E.A. Ademowo.

While Reverend Julius Adeniji offered special prayers for Youth of Nigeria and the Educational sector, Rev. (Dr.) Mercy Ezekiel prayed for the Economic prosperity of Lagos State and Nigeria and Very Reverend Monsignor B.A. Okodua led the prayers for religious harmony in Nigeria.

In his exhortation, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, assured Nigerians that in spite of all the challenges the country is facing at the moment, it would be well in the end and enemies of Nigeria would be vanquished.

Taking his lesson from the Gospel according to Matthew Chapter 10 verses 46–52, Pastor Adeboye prayed that God would arise on behalf of Nigeria and Nigerians to rescue the nation from seeming insurmountable challenges.

Also present at the event were Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Right Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji and his wife, Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, past governors of the State, Brig. Gen Mobolaji Johnson, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and his wife, former governor of old Western Region Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, top religious leaders, religious groups and top government functionaries.