Lagos State has commemorated the 2024 International Day for Tolerance with a commitment to ensure the continuous fostering of tolerance among the youths and divergent ethnic groups in the state.
The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated this at the 2024 International Day for Tolerance held at the State Secretariat Ikeja, with the theme ‘Tolerance Projects, the Beauty in the Diversity of Human Groups.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu said every 16th of November is World Tolerance Day and it is imperative for youths to understand the importance of inclusivity and how to navigate differences with an open heart and mind, as his government is working to ensure every individual in the state cohabits peacefully.
The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Central Internal Audit, Mrs. Oyeyemi Ayoola, explained that tolerance requires continuous effort, educational initiatives that cultivate empathy and love that protect against hate and discrimination, stressing for platforms for dialogue that bring communities together.
He said, “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 challenging the fabric of unity across the nation. As a state, we are committed to fostering an environment where all residents regardless of backgrounds, so valued and respected.”
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He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to build a state where everyone feels valued and respected by honoring the national diversity.
Youth inclusion
In his welcome address, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, said that this year’s event focuses on the need for youths to embrace positivity and optimistic mindset for them to blossom at home and on the global stage.
Layode, who expressed the need to strengthen the resilience amongst the youths to enable Lagos and Nigeria forge an inclusive and tolerable society, said that Lagos is aware that tolerance has becomes a collective project and has since been implementing numerous policies aimed at promoting harmony among the people and will continue in that direction in the coming years.
The Commissioner however, called for continuous engagement of the youths in the process of building society and added that building tolerance amongst the youth requires deliberate actions as citizens must continue to work towards fostering understanding and unity.
The event also featured a panel discussion with some youth advocates who delved extensively on how to engender tolerance among the youths and to ensure the restoration of the youths in the Nigerian project of developing a religious base hinged on tolerance specialists in boy child development, counsellors, and guidance experts who examined issues specific to boys and identified practical solutions.
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