Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth inclusion and to create platforms that will foster tolerance among the citizens of the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave this assurance at the 2024 International Day for Tolerance held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium Alausa Ikeja, with the theme: “Tolerance Projects, the Beauty in the Diversity of Human Groups.”
The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser (SA) on Central Internal Audit, Mrs. Oyeyemi Ayoola, said it was imperative for youths to understand the importance of inclusivity and how to navigate differences with an open heart and mind.
Sanwo-Olu, while saying that his government is working to ensure that every individual in the state cohabits peacefully, explained that tolerance required continuous effort, educational initiatives that cultivate empathy and love that protects against hate and discrimination.
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“As a government, we are committed to promoting initiatives that celebrate our diversity.
“We will continue to champion advocacy programmes that focus on inter-cultural dialogue, ensuring that the younger ones learn the values of respect and understanding from an early age.
“Furthermore, we will support community projects that bring together individuals from various backgrounds, encouraging collaboration and friendship.
“We recognise that building a truly tolerance society is an ongoing journey, it requires constant vigilance against divisive forces and steadfast commitment to educating our youth about the values of compassion and understanding.
“Tolerance is a cornerstone of peace and stability, especially in today’s world where intolerance and discrimination challenge the fabric of unity across the nation.
“As a state, we are committed to fostering an environment where all residents regardless of backgrounds are valued and respected,” the governor said.
The State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Layode, in his welcome address, said that this year’s event focuses on the need for youths to embrace positivity and an optimistic mindset for them to blossom at home and the global stage.
Layode expressed the need to strengthen the resilience amongst the youths to enable Lagos and Nigeria forge an inclusive and tolerable society, saying that Lagos was aware that tolerance had become a collective project and had since been implementing numerous policies aimed at promoting harmony among the people and would continue in that direction in the coming years.
He, however, called for continuous engagement of the youth in the process of building the society, pointing out that building tolerance amongst them required deliberate actions as, according to him, citizens must continue to work towards fostering understanding and unity.
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