Lagos State governor, Southwest Nigeria, urges families to nurture tolerance at home
At the celebration of 2025 International Tolerance Day at Adeyemi Bero Hall Alausa.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday urged families to raise children with empathy and respect, describing the home as the first classroom of responsible citizenship.
He noted that the International Day for Tolerance, marked each Nov. 16, promotes understanding across cultures and supports peaceful coexistence in diverse societies.
Represented by Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Sanwo-Olu said the 2025 theme underscores the role of families in shaping tolerant future citizens.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 2025 International Day for Tolerance is with the theme ‘Raising a Generation of Tolerant Citizens. The Centrality of the Family,’
He said children first learn kindness or hostility from parental behaviour and early household interactions.
The governor stressed that vital lessons on empathy and acceptance are absorbed at home, not in formal institutions.
He added that Lagos, with over 25 million diverse residents, shows tolerance strengthens unity and resilience.
Sanwo-Olu said tolerance enables diversity to flourish and must be taught as a strength, not weakness.
He highlighted the state’s promotion of interfaith harmony through policies and collaboration with faith-based groups.
He said the administration has consistently encouraged harmony by participating in Christian and Muslim observances.
Source: Vanguard News
