- 2025 Tolerance Day: Sanwo-Olu Calls for Collective Effort to Build Harmonious Lagos
- Urges Lagosians to speak against hate, correct misinformation, defend diversity
- The International Day for Tolerance is observed globally every November 16
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive, peaceful, and tolerant society where every resident regardless of tribe, faith, or background feels secure and fully represented.
The Governor gave the assurance on Sunday during the 2025 International Day for Tolerance organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
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The event was themed “Raising a Generation of Tolerant Citizens: The Centrality of the Family.” Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
He described Lagos, a megacity of more than 25 million people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as a living symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. The Governor stressed that empathy, patience, respect, and acceptance must be taught from the family unit, which he described as the first classroom of human development.
According to him, tolerance is cultivated through daily interactions within the home and strengthened by positive examples that children observe. These early lessons, he said, shape how young people respond to a diverse world.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony through inclusive policies, engagement with religious bodies, and safeguarding freedom of worship. He added that building a tolerant generation requires a collective effort involving families, religious leaders, teachers, community leaders, and young people themselves.
He urged Lagosians to speak against hate, correct misinformation, defend diversity, and uphold the culture of accommodation that has kept the state peaceful for decades. He also recognised the role of traditional rulers in mediating disputes and promoting unity.
In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, said the International Day for Tolerance serves as a reminder of the need to uphold mutual respect in a diverse world. He stressed that tolerance begins at home, where children learn through the behaviour of their parents and guardians.
Layode encouraged families to teach empathy and patience and to lead by example, noting that values formed in the home radiate into the community and ultimately shape national character.
Guest speakers at the event from both the Muslim and Christian communities emphasised communication, respect, and conflict management as key tools for raising tolerant citizens.
Chief Imam of Lekki, Sheikh (Dr) Ridwanullah Jamiu, speaking on “The Family as the First School of Tolerance and Goodness,” highlighted the family as the foundation of moral development. He encouraged households to adopt peaceful conflict-resolution methods and embrace diversity.
In his lecture titled “Learning to Live and Work with Others in a Diverse Society – The Role of the Family,” the Bishop of the Diocese of Badagry, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. (Dr) Sunday Onadipe, stressed the need to teach children early to appreciate differences. He said such upbringing prepares them for positive contributions in workplaces and communities.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continued support of initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence.
The International Day for Tolerance is observed globally every November 16.
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