Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has called on Nigerians to overcome ethnic, religious and other differences and work together towards building a peaceful, stronger and more prosperous nation.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Friday after a special Jumaat service held to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th National Independence Day at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said Nigeria had the human talent, capacity and natural resources needed to achieve sustainable development and greater prosperity, but stressed that unity remained critical to unlocking the country’s potential.
‘Part of the challenge is that we are not united as a people. We see ourselves differently, so there is no coincidence of purpose,’ Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that Nigerians could achieve more if they united around a common national purpose.
‘If we unite and come together, we have the talent, ability, and resources to lift this country. So, I am saying that unity is very important, and that’s the major challenge that we face,’ he said.
The governor also linked some of Nigeria’s longstanding challenges to divisions among its citizens, citing the Civil War as an example of the consequences of disunity.
He stressed that the responsibility for building a better Nigeria should not rest solely with government, urging religious and traditional institutions, the private sector and individual citizens to contribute to national development.
Sanwo-Olu recalled the collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when government, private organisations, religious bodies and citizens worked together to confront the crisis.
He said the same spirit of cooperation should continue beyond periods of emergency and be applied to broader national development efforts.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Yunuss Al-Imam, urged Nigerians to take an active role in developing their communities rather than leaving the responsibility entirely to government.
The Imam called for an end to tribal sentiments and religious intolerance, stressing that no ethnic group was superior to another.
‘I want to urge the congregation to shun tribalism, religious intolerance and traditional conflicts, and instead embrace peace, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence for the progress and development of society,’ he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Imams of the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Dr Saaid Ahmad, urged Nigerians to use the independence anniversary to reflect on the country’s journey, express gratitude and pray for the nation.
Ahmad said citizens should honestly assess how effectively available opportunities and resources had been utilised, while accepting individual and collective responsibility for the country’s direction.
He urged Nigerians to look beyond blame and propaganda and consider their respective contributions to national progress.
Ahmad also called on Nigerians to remain grateful to Almighty Allah for His protection and blessings, while praying for wisdom, sound judgment and divine guidance for the country’s leaders.
He said such guidance would help leaders discharge their responsibilities effectively and serve the people with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of purpose.