Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving religious harmony, assuring all faith communities of the freedom to worship and coexist peacefully.

The governor said such harmony had remained one of the state’s greatest strengths.

Mr Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the Golden Jubilee International Annual Convention of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Lagos and Western, Mid-Western/Northern Areas (LAWNA) Territory, in Lagos on Wednesday.

The one-week convention has the theme, “The Militant Church on the Earth,” drawn from 1 Timothy 6:12.

The convention, which started on Aug. 1 and will end on Aug. 7, commemorates five decades since its inaugural convention in 1977.

The governor was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.

He said every faith community in Lagos would continue to enjoy the freedom to practise its religion and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

The governor commended The Apostolic Church Nigeria for its contributions to spiritual growth, community development, and nation-building over the years.

According to him, the values of faith, unity, peace, and service espoused by the church align with the administration’s vision of building a prosperous, inclusive, secure, and resilient Lagos.

“As a government, we recognise that faith-based organisations remain indispensable partners in development.

“While the government provides infrastructure and public services, institutions such as the Apostolic Church help build character, strengthen families and promote peace.

‘’The church also encourages responsible citizenship and nurtures the moral values upon which every prosperous society depends,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said his administration would continue to strengthen partnerships with religious organisations, describing them as critical stakeholders in promoting social cohesion and moral values.

The governor noted that, as Lagos continued to expand, the state government remained committed to improving infrastructure around major public institutions, particularly places of worship that attract large gatherings.

He reiterated his administration’s plan to construct a pedestrian overhead bridge at the church’s LAWNA Territory Convention Ground in Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos, to enhance public safety.

According to him, the project reflects the government’s commitment to people-centred development.

He said: “Investments in public infrastructure are ultimately investments in human lives and the growth and wellbeing of communities.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged members of the church to remain steadfast in evangelism, righteous living, youth mentorship and compassionate service.

He said the nation’s current challenges required institutions that inspired hope, strengthened families, promoted unity and nurtured citizens guided by faith, integrity and commitment to the common good.

Speaking, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, commended the state government for sustaining cordial relations with faith-based organisations.

Mr Adegbite particularly praised the planned construction of the pedestrian bridge at the convention ground.

‘’This will improve the safety and accessibility of worshippers and residents,” he said.

He also applauded the deputy governor for his calm disposition, quality leadership and effective collaboration with the governor.

The chairman expressed the Christian community’s support for the deputy governor, describing him as a dependable partner committed to the continued development of the state.

Earlier, the LAWNA Territorial chairman of the church, Moses Ogunibe, said the church had continued to complement the government’s efforts through youth empowerment, professional skills acquisition and other empowerment initiatives.

Mr Ogunibe reaffirmed the church’s readiness to deepen its partnership with the state government.

He said stronger collaboration between government and faith-based institutions would help build a safer, stronger and more prosperous society.

“We remain committed to promoting peace, moral values, youth development, quality education, humanitarian service and community transformation in Nigeria, particularly Lagos State,” he said.

The cleric also underscored the importance of prayers for the nation and those in positions of authority.

He noted that the church’s assemblies across Nigeria and beyond consistently prayed for peace, security, economic prosperity, justice, unity and good governance. 

(NAN)