Press Releases

Fashola Renews Appeal For Peaceful Coexistence As LASG Holds 2011 Annual Thanksgiving Service

Jan 2, 2011 - Lagos State Government on Sunday committed governance in the State in Year 2011 unto divine care as respected clergymen from all denominations led by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye gathered and prayed for a safe, peaceful and prosperous Lagos State.

Lagos State Governor who was the chief host at the event which also had former Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance renewed his appeal for peaceful coexistence and common bond of humanity that is based on mutual respect for choice of religion.

The Governor emphasised that while the different modes of worship and faith distinguishes people it should never divide them or sever the common bond of humanity that is represented by the fact that they share the same water, hospital, market and ride the same buses.

"Our consumption of meat, the giving and taking of money, transfusion of blood for medical emergencies are not distinguished by religious distinctions. Our drinking water is blind to our faith''.

He reiterated that the distinction for or religious preferences are matters of choices and freewill which the Creator gave to all mankind without conditions.

He listed some of the ways by which the common humanity can be promoted as renewing and enriching those values that promote the dignity of man and avoiding those that diminish him.

Said he: "We must seek to enjoy life and its pleasures with restraint on one hand and plenty of love at every time. By love I mean respect and care, compassion, empathy and values of that type.

"It is the abundance of such values that will enrich our State and nation. They will transform our electoral processes from a do or die affair to a legitimate expression of desire for public service and leadership of God's people

"It is the abundance of such values that will reduce the incidents of insecurity that is characterised by the kidnapping of adults and children in desperation for money, an act that diminishes us as a people. It is the abundance of those values that will make us better followers of our leaders and invest us with the prerequisite moral platform to challenge their shortcomings", he declared .

Pastor Adeboye in his exhortation urged the congregation to always give thanks to God irrespective of how bad one considers his situation to be.

Quoting from the bible, the Cleric said everyone should always put their trust in God for safety because he is the only one that can ensure the safety of man irrespective of the devices one might deploy.

He said the irony of the situation of most men is that when one considers his situation as the most critical what he fails to realise is that his situation is still better than that of some other people.

Pastor Adeboye added that God Almighty has remained faithful with Nigeria over the years by ensuring that enemies or evil doers do not triumph over the country, stressing that he is worthy to be praised.

Special Bible lessons were read at the occasion by Her Excellency, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, the Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, the Chief Judge, Justice Inumidun Akande, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Tola Badmus-Olujobi.

Special prayers were also offered for the State Governor and his family, the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, the Lagos State Civil Service, Teaching, Health and Local Government Services, Law enforcement agencies, women, children, youth, religious harmony, successful and peaceful outcome of Year 2011 elections and for religious harmony in Nigeria.

The event had in attendance reputable clergymen like the Prelate of the Methodist Church, His Eminence, Dr Sunday Makinde, Anglican Archbishop of Lagos Diocese, Reverend (Dr) Ephraim Ademowo, the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Reverend Felix Meduoye, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Reverend (Mrs) Mercy Ezekiel, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Reverend Sam Adeyemi and Prophet S.K Abiara.

Also in attendance were members of the State Executive Council, former Governors, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Rtd Captain Ndubuisi Kanu, the Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, some National Assembly members representing the State, Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Area Chairmen, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya and Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye amongst many other dignitaries.