AMBODE APPLAUDS RELIGIOUS LEADERS FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday extolled the contributions of all religious groups in Lagos towards the advancement of the State, describing them as great partners and pillars in the development of Lagos State.
The Governor, who disclosed this at an Inter-Faith parley with religious leaders held at Lagos House, Ikeja, commended the religious leaders for upholding religious tolerance and complementing government’s efforts in offering services to the people especially those at the grassroots.
He maintained that the gathering was meant to appreciate the spiritual leaders for their roles in building a peaceful Lagos and also fine-tune existing strategies and harmonious relationship already prevailing among Lagosians.
“I thank you all for your ceaseless prayers and for all the spiritual efforts through the power of the pulpits and for sanitizing your followers to follow the path of civility and do that which is lawful”
“The commendations and awards the State government received from the National Hajj Commission and the Christian Conscience Group are all testimonials to your efforts and conduct as very understanding and tolerant believers,” Ambode said.
The Governor attributed the achievements of the present administration in the past two years to the harmonious living among all the religious bodies in the State, saying: “what I know is that regardless of how intellectually sound a leader might be, if spiritual teamwork needed to create a platform for the brain to work is in disarray, there is nothing that can be achieved.”
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbduLateef applauded the choice of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the Governor of Lagos State, saying that the clamour for a Christian Governor during the electioneering period in 2015 was a justified request.
“I make bold to say that the Governor did not disappoint the Christian faithful who unanimously requested for a Christian Governor; Mr. Ambode has made both Christians and Muslims very proud of him”, the Commissioner stated.
While making some recommendations during his message, the Head of Religious and Peace Studies, Lagos State University, LASU, Prof. Abdul-Lateef Adetona called on the State government to encourage the teaching of religious studies in schools in order to instil good morals in the mind of school children at formative stages.
He also called on leaders of religious groups to see themselves as partners in building a sustainable and enviable Lagos.