Nigeria at 66: Sanwo-Olu urges citizens to set aside ethnic, religious differences

Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu called on Nigerians to set aside ethnic, religious and other differences in order to build a peaceful, stronger and more prosperous country. This appeal came during a special Jumat service held at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque in Ikeja to mark Nigeria’s 66th National Independence Day.

The governor, represented by his deputy Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted Nigeria’s human resources, expertise and natural wealth as resources needed to achieve sustainable development and greater prosperity. However, he emphasized that national unity is crucial for tapping into these resources, as divisions among Nigerians have historically hindered the pursuit of common goals.

Sanwo-Olu noted that without unity, there is no common purpose. He stressed that if Nigerians unite and work together towards a shared national objective, they possess the talent, ability and resources to lift the country. The governor also pointed out that divisions among Nigerians have contributed to the country’s longstanding difficulties, citing the Civil War as an example.

He urged religious and traditional leaders, the private sector, and citizens to actively participate in national development. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the spirit of collective action demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic as a model for how Nigerians should collaborate to address the country’s wider development challenges, not just during emergencies.

Earlier, the mosque’s Chief Imam, Yunuss Al-Imam, called on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their communities, urging them to shun tribalism, religious intolerance and traditional conflicts. He emphasized the importance of embracing peace, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence for the progress and development of society.