Sanwo-Olu calls for national unity, collective action to build stronger Nigeria

By Adebola Muili

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity and collective action, saying the country has the human capacity, talent and natural resources required to achieve sustainable development and greater prosperity.

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Friday after a Special Jumaat Service held at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the governor urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic, religious and other differences and work together towards building a stronger, peaceful and prosperous nation.

He identified disunity as one of the major challenges confronting the country, saying Nigeria’s diverse population must be united by a common purpose to fully harness its available resources.

“Part of the challenge is that we are not united as a people. We see ourselves differently, so there is no coincidence of purpose. If we unite and come together, we have the talent, ability, and resources to lift this country,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor noted that the consequences of disunity had contributed to some of the major challenges experienced by the country over the years, including the Civil War, stressing that greater cohesion would provide a stronger foundation for national development.

He also said the responsibility for building a better Nigeria should not be left to government alone, urging religious and traditional institutions, the private sector and citizens to contribute to the country’s progress.

Sanwo-Olu recalled the collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when government, private organisations, religious bodies and individuals worked together to confront the crisis, saying the same spirit of cooperation should be sustained beyond emergencies.

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam, Yunuss Al-Imam, urged Nigerians to take an active role in the development of their communities rather than leaving the responsibility entirely to government.

He called for an end to tribal sentiments and religious intolerance, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Nigerians.

“I want to urge the congregation to shun tribalism, religious intolerance and traditional conflicts, and instead embrace peace, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence for the progress and development of society,” the Imam said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Imams of the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Dr. Saaid Ahmad, urged Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and assess how effectively its human and natural resources had been utilised.

Anchoring his admonition on retrospection, gratitude and prayer, Ahmad urged citizens to move beyond blame and propaganda and recognise their individual and collective responsibilities in shaping the country’s future.

He also called on Nigerians to remain grateful to Almighty Allah for His mercy, protection and blessings upon the nation, while urging them to pray for wisdom, sound judgment and divine guidance for the country’s leaders.

According to him, such guidance would enable the leaders to discharge their responsibilities effectively and serve the people with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of purpose.