The Lagos State Government has called on residents to ensure mutual respect for the views, culture and religions of one another.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, made the call on Saturday as the state joined other countries of the world to commemorate the 2019 United Nations International Day of Tolerance.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the International Day of Tolerance is celebrated on November 16 of every year.
Akinbile-Yussuf, in a statement issued in Lagos, urged residents to be tolerant of one another, regardless of differences in issues and beliefs, stressing that mutual understanding was a form of respect for human rights.
According to her, if mutual respect is observed by every resident, there will be less conflict and violence in the country.
She said that Lagos, being a cosmopolitan state and home to people of different backgrounds, underscored the need for tolerance during interpersonal relationships.
The commissioner acknowledged the hospitality of the people of the state, especially their receptive disposition to strangers, adding that the trait had earned the state accolades, both locally and internationally.
She commended the role of religious leaders in the state in instituting and maintaining religious harmony in the state.
”It is only in Lagos State that you will have a Muslim marry a Christian and they will live harmoniously without conflict,” Akinbile-Yussuf said.
According to her, the urge of wanting to impose one’s opinion or religion on another person is the basis for conflict and commotion being witnessed in other parts of the world.
The commissioner said her ministry had put in place programmes to mark the Day, starting with a road walk on November 16 from Ikeja Local Government secretariat to the state secretariat, Alausa.
She also said there would be a symposium, with the theme: “Enhancing Harmonious Relationship and Peace among Religious Bodies for Better Socio-economic Development in Lagos State,” on November 20 at Ikeja.
Trending
- Police foil attack in Katsina, neutralise suspected bandit
- US vetoes Palestine’s request for full UN membership
- Your vote will make peace almost impossible, Israel tells Security Council
- Iran media reports air defences shoot at flying objects over Isfahan
- Kenya’s armed forces chief killed in helicopter crash
- Troops repel IPOB/ESN terrorists attack in Okija, neutralise several fighters
- Bandit leader seeks peace in new video after military attacks
- 2024 UTME: Parents obey JAMB order to steer clear CBT centres