First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu says national development thrives where citizens are united by shared values of love, tolerance, peace, sacrifice, compassion and service to humanity.
She made the remarks on Friday at the inauguration of the Odo-Noforija Ultra-Modern Central Mosque in Epe, Lagos State.
Mrs Tinubu was represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs and Strategy in the Office of the First Lady, Mr Wahab Alawiye-King.
She said Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, which must be preserved and used as a foundation for national unity and sustainable development.
“Across our different faiths, we are united by the shared values of love, tolerance, peace, sacrifice, compassion, and service to humanity,” Tinubu said.
She said these values remain central to building peaceful coexistence and strengthening trust among Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.
Tinubu noted that Islamic teachings emphasise tolerance, compassion, and the spiritual duty of serving humanity regardless of religious differences.
She urged Nigerians to see diversity as a source of strength rather than division, warning against actions that could fuel discord.
The First Lady prayed that the mosque would serve as a beacon of hope, a refuge for worshippers, and a lasting symbol of unity.
Similarly, Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, urged Nigerians to continue promoting peaceful coexistence irrespective of religious and cultural differences across the country.
He said national progress can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, mutual respect, and sustained understanding among citizens.
He called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Tinubu, asking for divine guidance, wisdom, and long life for national leadership.
Former Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola, said religious harmony remains a critical driver of national stability, growth, and long-term development.
He described the inauguration of the mosque as a powerful demonstration of unity and cooperation between people of different faiths.
He said, “We are commissioning a mosque built through collaboration of leaders from different religious backgrounds working together in harmony.”
He added that Nigerians must continue to embrace coexistence, noting that diversity should strengthen unity rather than create division among citizens.
Fashola recalled Nigeria had previously shown such unity during the MKO Abiola era when a prominent leader built a church.
He said that example reflected the possibility of sustained interfaith cooperation and mutual respect within the Nigerian society.
Etsu Nupe of Bida Emirate, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, described the occasion as a strong symbol of unity among religious communities in Nigeria.
He said such peaceful coexistence should be encouraged nationwide, as it strengthens trust, understanding, and national cohesion among citizens.
“I only wish that what is happening here today could be reflected in every part of our nation.”
Islamic scholar, Dr Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, in a lecture titled ‘Think of Your Tomorrow’, urged Muslims to remain mindful of their actions daily.
He warned that all human actions have consequences, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in righteousness and good conduct.
He called on Nigerians to emulate Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, who supported Christian collaborators in building an ultra-modern central mosque.
He said such cooperation strengthens interfaith relationships and promotes lasting peace and development within communities across the country.
He added, “Whoever wants Allah to remember him or her should actively support the development of Allah’s work.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members attended the colourful inauguration ceremony.
