Lagos State Governor, 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 November 16, promotes understanding across cultures and supports peaceful coexistence in diverse societies.

 Represented by Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Sanwo-Olu said the 2025 theme underscores the role of families in shaping tolerant future citizens.

 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.

 Mr 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.

 The governor recalled the inclusion of Isese Day as a commitment to religious freedom for all residents.

 He cited National Inter-Religious Council engagements and community initiatives such as Community Day and EKO CARES as efforts to build unity.

 He said tolerance grows where people feel protected, supported and included in governance.

He noted the essential role of traditional rulers, saying the state values their stabilising influence.

 The governor urged families, teachers and community leaders to share responsibility for raising a tolerant generation.

 He appealed to residents to reject hate and misinformation and uphold the values sustaining Lagos.

 He commended the Ministry of Home Affairs for advancing interfaith harmony and hosting the event.

 Also, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, said families remain the foundation of values guiding human conduct.

 He said communities thrive when homes model patience, empathy and respect for differences.

 Lekki Chief Imam, Dr Ridwanullah Jamiu, said children exposed to fairness and kindness naturally reflect such virtues.

 He added that intolerance often begins as unchecked behaviour within households.

Rt. Rev. Sunday Onadipe of Methodist Church, Diocese of Badagry, urged parents to prepare children for plural societies and promote respectful dialogue.

Permanent Secretary, Home Affairs, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, thanked participants and urged residents to promote harmony across communities.

(NAN)