The Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society (NASFAT) of Nigeria on Thursday commended Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for displaying a high level of religious tolerance since assuming office two and half years ago, saying that the development has brought about peace and harmony among all the religious bodies in the state.
National President of NASFAT, Kamil Abolarinwa, who said this when he led the national leadership of the body on a courtesy visit to Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, also lauded Governor Ambode for the massive infrastructural projects across the State in the last two and half years.
He said the numerous projects already implemented and ongoing were positively touching lives of residents of the State.
“We specifically appreciate your religious tolerance. You (Ambode) are a Christian but you conduct yourself as a human being and you relate with every religion with tolerance. May almighty Allah (SWT) continue to protect you and guide you right,” Abolarinwa said.
Alluding to the various infrastructural projects across the state, the NASFAT leader added: “We are here not only to say good morning but to say thank you. We know you are doing well. Incidentally, yesterday, November 29, marked the 30th month Governor Ambode got to the saddle of governance in Lagos State and we want to commend you for good governance and infrastructure development in the State.”
Abolarinwa congratulated the governor for the awards Lagos won at the 2017 Hajj exercise largely due to his support, saying out of eight awards up for grabs, Lagos won seven including the Best State in Hajj performance.
Responding, Ambode commended religious bodies in the state for exhibiting tolerance for each other, saying the peaceful atmosphere had made the economy of the State to continue to thrive.
He said: “Yes, it has been two and half years that we came here but it has been two and half years of religious harmony and tolerance. There is no way I would have done it without your intrinsic support. Yes, it is not visible but it is the most tangible part of the progress that we have made because without religious harmony and tolerance, there can’t be a platform for us to do any infrastructure or the things we are doing and so I just want to thank you.
“Sometimes you find in different cities civil strife, religious strife but in Lagos there has never been anything like that and I want to thank you for the peaceful atmosphere in Lagos. Today, economy of Lagos has improved; the security of Lagos has improved but again it is for the people who are able to go about their daily callings and able to go about the things they do that these things are benefiting.”
Also, in his Eid-El-Maulud message, Ambode called on Muslims to continue to offer prayers for greater peace, unity and continuous progress of Nigeria.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, particularly enjoined Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful co-existence and uphold his legacies of unity, integrity and love for one’s neighbour.
“I want to seize this occasion to urge all Nigerians to commit themselves to making a greater effort to imbibe these qualities and values as they celebrate the Prophet’s birth.
“Let me therefore on behalf of all the good people of Lagos State wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a happy Eid-El-Maulud celebration,” Governor Ambode said.
