Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stressed the need for Nigerian youths to imbibe tolerance for the country’s peace and stability.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this at the 2024 International Day for Tolerance weekend in Adeyemi Bero Auditorium Alausa Ikeja, which had the theme ‘Tolerance Projects, the Beauty in the Diversity of Human Groups’.
Sanwo-Olu said youths must understand the importance of inclusivity and how to navigate differences with an open heart and mind. His government is working to ensure that everyone in the state cohabits peacefully.
The Governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Central Internal Audit, Mrs Oyeyemi Ayoola, explained that tolerance requires continuous effort, educational initiatives that cultivate empathy, love that protects against hate and discrimination, and platforms for dialogue that bring communities together.
He said, “As a government, we are committed to promoting initiatives that celebrate our diversity. We will continue to champion advocacy programmes that focus on intercultural dialogue, ensuring that the younger ones learn the values of respect and understanding from an early age.
“Tolerance is a cornerstone of peace and stability, especially in today’s world where intolerance and discrimination challenge the fabric of unity across the nation. As a state, we are committed to fostering an environment where all residents, regardless of backgrounds, are valued and respected.”
In his welcome address, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, said that this year’s event focuses on the need for youths to embrace positivity and an optimistic mindset to blossom at home and on the global stage.
Layode, who expressed the need to strengthen the resilience amongst the youths to enable Lagos and Nigeria to forge an inclusive and tolerable society, l said that Lagos is aware that tolerance has become a collective project and has since been implementing numerous policies aimed at promoting harmony among the people and will continue in that direction in the coming years.
The Commissioner, however, called for continuous youth engagement in building society and added that building tolerance amongst the youth requires deliberate actions, as citizens must continue to foster understanding and unity.
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