The wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has urged Nigerian students to remain worthy ambassadors of peace, unity and communality for the good of the society and country.
Sanwo-Olu stated this at the weekend while hosting children participants across the 36 states of the federation at the just concluded 35th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) at the Parliament, Marina, Lagos.
The Governor’s wife who presented gift items which included tablet computers to the students that participated in one competition or the other at the festival explained that the decision to host them at the Parliament, State House, Marina, was intentional, saying the objective is to give them a sense of history.
‘’ There is a popular saying that if you don’t have a sense of where you are coming from, it will be difficult to explain where you are; and the future.
‘’Way back, we had Colonial Masters ruling Nigeria. We had people like Lord Lugard, who used to live here and take decisions for the whole of Nigeria, not just Lagos. So, we want you to be part of the history too; we want you to know our history and at the same time enjoy your time here. This is why we have chosen this particular venue,’’ she said.
The governor’s wife who is the Year 2022 Mama NAFEST said the theme of this year’s NAFEST which is: “Culture and Peaceful Co-existence,” is apt, saying culture remains a way of life.
She said, ‘’In Africa, we are blessed with traditions and values that promote peace and harmony. We have a culture that places emphasis on communality in which everybody minds everybody’s business and not a situation where an individual only minds his/her business.
‘’In putting this in context with regard to security challenges confronting our nation today, the lesson here is that anytime we notice anything untoward, we must speak up and speak out loudly, regardless of whether or not we are directly affected by the potential security threat.
‘’In your own rights as students, we are training you to become Ambassadors of peace, unity and communality. Without peace, the development that we crave will continue to be a mirage and progress elusive. The essential ingredient of the building block of peace, unity and development is love.’’
Sanwo-Olu pointed out that when the students truly love their co-students they will not harm, cheat or lie against them, adding that, ‘’ You will look out for his/her welfare and interest. This is what we want you to take away from here, and replicate in your various homes, schools, and communities at large.’’
