The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Pharm. (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf has described the forthcoming Nigeria’s 59th Independence celebration as a period for Nigerians to be hopeful for a better Nigeria despite the various challenges presently facing the country.
Speaking on the activities lined up by the State government for the Independence Celebration at a press briefing held on Thursday at the Baguda Kaltho Press Centre, Secretariat, Ikeja, the Commissioner noted that every October 1 should be a period to increase our belief in the fact that Nigeria is a great country with resilient citizens willing to prosper the Nation.
While stressing that the slogan for this year’s celebration: “In Nigeria, I believe” is very apt and should be embraced by all, Akinbile-Yussuf stated that one of the activities planned for the celebration is a road walk by youths to urge the citizenry, especially their colleagues, to shun crime and any activity that could be inimical to the development of Nigeria.
Akinbile-Yussuf disclosed that the Independence celebration will be preceded by a Special Jumat Prayer and Church Service on Friday 27th and Sunday 29th September, 2019 respectively, which will be graced by the Governor of Lagos State and members of the Executive Council while the main event will climax with an Exhibition of Art/Crafts and a parade by over 600 children drawn from various schools across the State as well as other military and para-military organisations.
The Commissioner maintained that the peace, security and stability currently experienced in Lagos is due to the fact that the State is detribalised and accommodates people from different tribes, religions and race, noting that the unity of Nigeria is also sacrosanct hence the need for all Nigerians to be tolerant in the area of religion and other social differences,
She identified and commended the role of the Inter-Religious Council of Nigeria (NIREC) in ensuring that matters of religion do not degenerate into acrimony, saying conflicts are always resolved through consultation, consolidation and dialogue, just as she
admonished citizens to continue to educate and inform others on the need to preach love, peaceful coexistence as well as focus on unifying factors that bind us together as a Nation.
