RAMADAN TAFSIR: SANWO-OLU PROMISES TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG RESIDENTS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised to use the instrument of governance to promote unity among diverse ethnic and religious groups, while fostering a sustainable environment for rapid socio-economic growth in the State.
Addressing guests at the Ramadan Tafsir/Iftar and Special Prayers for the new administration at the Lagos State House in Ikeja on Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed delight at the uniformity of recommendations prescribed for his administration on good governance, waste and traffic management by clerics of two faiths who delivered sermons at different events.
He said the messages delivered by the spiritual fathers at separate gatherings meant that his administration was on the right path of God, promising that with the support of the people, the government will execute programmes for the development of the State.
Sanwo-Olu commended religious leaders for expressing their willingness to work closely with his administration, adding that their collaboration and partnership on good governance, waste and traffic management would be crucial to achieving the desired result and take Lagos to the next level.
He affirmed that religious leaders wield influence among their congregation saying, “People readily believe and obey their religious leaders and the pulpits are most effective channels to change behaviour. Your words resonate with the people and are more credible than from other sources”.
In his contribution at the event, the Deputy Governor – Dr. Obafemi Hamzat called on religious leaders to fulfil their pledges to partner with the administration by using their platforms to propagate ideas that will ginger their followers to dispose waste appropriately and also obey traffic rules and regulations.
While delivering his Sermon, Sheikh Abdul-Hakeem Mohammed Awal, Chief Missioner Ikwan Muslim Society of Nigeria, urged the new administration to consult and dialogue widely to engender effective policies and programmes.
On good governance, the Islamic scholar advised the administration to show tolerance, kindness, fairness, show restraint and “do good to people at all times”, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to provide an enabling environment that would motivate people to be self-employed, enterprising and progressive.
He urged Lagosians to embrace Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s policies on waste and traffic management, emphasising that people need to change the habit of dumping refuse indiscriminately.
The event was also attended by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji; the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola as well as eminent politicians and top government officials.