Religious tolerance key to economic growth – Ambode

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday made case for continued religious tolerance in the state, saying it was key to economic growth and development.
Ambode spoke while celebrating the Eid-el-Fitri festival with Moslems in 20 different centres across Lagos, urging them to sustain the Godly virtues exhibited during the fasting period.
He said: “As you celebrate this special day, I enjoin you all to sustain the spirit of love, brotherhood, tolerance and care which were dutifully demonstrated during the Ramadan. Let us not forget the lessons that Ramadan was meant to teach us, which include the fear of Allah and care for the less-privileged in our society.”
The governor identified harmonious co-existence among all adherents of various religions in the country as a necessary impetus to bring about peace, progress and prosperity.
According to Ambode, every religion preaches peace and harmonious co-existence among all people, and that it was important for the people to continue to live by such principle to foster growth and economic prosperity.
The governor said he was highly appreciative of the support extended to his administration by religious leaders as well as the religious tolerance and cooperation existing in the state, pledging never to take it for granted.
Thanking Islamic scholars and leaders in the state for their prayers and support, Ambode assured that the state government would continue to uphold and protect the right of all citizens to freedom of belief and of worship.
“Let me again use this opportunity to pledge our commitment to uphold and protect the right of all citizens to freedom of belief and freedom of worship. Every religion preaches peace and harmonious co-existence among all people.
“We must continue to live by this principle so that our state and nation will continue to grow in peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration towards upholding and enhancing security of lives and property of residents, just as he urged the people to continue to support and cooperate with all security agencies including the recently inaugurated Neighbourhood Safety Corps as they strive to keep the state safe.
In his sermon at Evans Square, Ebute-Metta, leader of Conference of Islamic Organisations of Nigeria, Abdulahi Shuaib, thanked God for blessing Lagos with quality leadership.
He said the last two years in Lagos had witnessed transformation in all sectors and sections, saying that it was obvious that Governor Ambode was governing with the fear of God.

 

JOSHUA BASSEY