…Says Peaceful Co-Existence Pivotal For National Development
As Christians in the country join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Easter, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has called on Nigerians to collectively imbibe the spirit of love, sacrifice and peaceful co-existence, saying that it is only when such virtues exist that the nation can make meaningful progress.
Governor Ambode, in his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said such fundamental values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love, peace and harmony in the country, adding that the season should serve as a reminder to all of the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, his death and his resurrection.
Noting that this season calls to mind the selflessness, love and tolerance which were the hallmark of Jesus Christ during His earthly life, Governor Ambode said, “It is a season when we should pause and reflect on our individual and collective roles towards promoting and sustaining that foundation of love, peace and harmony in our society”.
“Therefore, we must see this period as a time that affords us to think about how we can each help to steer our nation back on the road to prosperity, by working in the spirit of togetherness.”
He said there was no better time for the country to unite together and eschew resentment along ethnic and religious lines, adding that no challenge is insurmountable where there is unity of purpose.
“No doubt, Nigeria will surely make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country that we all desire if, as a nation, we eschew all divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with one another, as Jesus Christ enjoined us to.
Governor Ambode commended Lagosians for their continued demonstration and promotion of mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence in spite of existing ethnic, cultural and religious diversities, attributing the successes recorded in the State’s 50 years existence to unity of purpose among residents.
“Today, we can tell the world the enthralling story of how our beloved City-State has become a shining example of what peaceful co-existence can help to achieve. Lagos is home for all, Lagos is a land of opportunities, Lagos gives life to dreams and Lagos does not discriminate. Every Nigerian has a root in Lagos and in another 50 years we hope we would have left a legacy for our children to build upon.
While wishing all Lagosians a happy Easter celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined them to continue to work with his administration “by obeying the law, fulfilling your obligations as citizens and stakeholders, and remaining vigilant, to ensure that our State remains a model of peaceful and harmonious co-existence in our dear country, Nigeria”.
