Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Lagos Commitment To Unity- Religious Freedom- Peaceful Coexistence At 2025 International Day For Tolerance

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, peaceful, and tolerant society where every resident feels valued and protected. The Governor made this statement while addressing the 2025 International Day for Tolerance, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, with the theme “Raising a Generation of Tolerant Citizens: The Centrality of the Family,” at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa-Ikeja. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, he highlighted Lagos’ status as a diverse city of over 25 million residents united by values of empathy, respect, patience, and acceptance.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that tolerance is first cultivated within the family, which serves as the primary classroom for character development. He explained that daily interactions at home, along with positive examples set by parents and elders, shape how children engage with diversity and respond to differences. The Governor stressed that sustainable tolerance requires a collective effort, noting that families, religious leaders, teachers, community leaders, and young people all have a role to play in fostering dialogue over division.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to interfaith harmony through inclusive governance, active engagement with religious institutions, and protection of freedom of worship. He encouraged Lagosians to speak against hate, correct misinformation, defend diversity, and uphold the spirit of accommodation that has long sustained the city. Traditional rulers, he added, continue to play a critical role as mediators, promoting unity and serving as custodians of culture across communities.

Religious leaders at the event emphasised the importance of open communication and constructive conflict management within families. Sheikh (Dr) Ridwanullah Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki, described the family as the foundational institution where moral conduct and values are shaped, urging households to model patience, goodness, and mutual understanding. Similarly, Rt. Rev. (Dr) Sunday Onadipe, Bishop of the Diocese of Badagry, highlighted the role of parents in teaching children to respect differing opinions, fostering a generation capable of contributing positively to peaceful coexistence in workplaces and communities.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya, both praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for supporting initiatives that promote tolerance and unity. They emphasised that the values learned at home radiate into communities and ultimately shape national identity. The 2025 International Day for Tolerance, celebrated annually on November 16, serves as a vital reminder of the importance of nurturing empathy, respect, and constructive dialogue across all facets of society.