Sanwo-Olu Urges Nigerians to Put Aside Ethnic, Religious Differences as 66th Independence Day approaches.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Nigerians to put aside ethnic, religious and other differences and work together to build a stronger and more prosperous country as the country’s 66th Independence Day anniversary approaches.

Sanwo-Olu made the call Friday after a special Juma’at service at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque in Alausa, Ikeja, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He was represented at the event by his deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

The governor said Nigeria had the human talent, capacity and natural resources needed to achieve sustainable development, but that disunity remained a major obstacle.

“Part of the challenge is that we are not united as a people.

“We see ourselves differently, so there is no coincidence of purpose,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He added, “If we unite and come together, we have the talent, ability, and resources to lift this country.

“So, I am saying that unity is very important, and that’s the major challenge that we face.”

Sanwo-Olu also linked some of Nigeria’s longstanding challenges to divisions among citizens, citing the Civil War as an example of the consequences of disunity.

He said building a better Nigeria should not be left to government alone, urging religious and traditional institutions, the private sector and citizens to contribute to national development.

The governor recalled how Nigerians and institutions worked together during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the same spirit of cooperation should continue beyond emergencies.

Earlier, the mosque’s Chief Imam, Yunuss Al-Imam, urged Nigerians to reject tribalism and religious intolerance.

“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,” he said.