Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has urged Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance and mutual respect, warning that faith should serve as a force for national unity rather than division. Importantly, Fashola’s consistent message about religious tolerance has become widely recognised through the Fashola religious tolerance approach to unity.
According to The Punch, Fashola spoke on Sunday at the annual “God in My Life” lecture organised by the Torchbearer Society of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Fashola calls for mutual respect
The former Minister of Works and Housing said religious belief should remain a matter of personal conviction and should not be imposed on others. This reinforces the Fashola perspective on how religious tolerance brings mutual respect to society.
“Religion should unite rather than divide people,” Fashola said.
He encouraged Nigerians from different religious backgrounds to respect one another, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains important to building a united country.
Fashola, who is Muslim, spoke at the Anglican event as he reflected on faith, leadership and his personal experiences, offering further insight into the Fashola religious tolerance legacy.
Former governor reflects on faith journey
Fashola recalled his early connection with the Anglican Church and said experiences from that period contributed to his upbringing and personal development. This journey reflects his belief in tolerance and the impact of Fashola’s religious tolerance outlook.
He also reflected on several dangerous moments from his younger years, saying some were linked to youthful recklessness.
The former governor attributed his survival through those experiences to divine providence and encouraged the audience to consider how much control human beings truly have over the course of their lives. Furthermore, Fashola religious tolerance values informed much of his perspective.
He said family members, friends, schools, workplaces and other relationships could sometimes become channels through which people receive guidance and direction.
Bishop urges Nigerians to reflect
Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Revd. Olusola Odedeji, described the programme as an opportunity for participants to reflect on their lives, share testimonies and express gratitude. As a result, discussions of religious tolerance, such as the Fashola approach, became a focal point at the event.
He also praised Fashola as a role model whose experiences could provide lessons for younger Nigerians.
Young people from across the diocese attended the programme alongside clergy, professionals and community leaders.
Faith should strengthen national unity
Speakers at the event repeatedly stressed the importance of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and respect across religious lines. In many ways, the theme echoed Fashola’s emphasis on religious tolerance during his speech.
Fashola maintained that Nigeria’s religious diversity should not become a source of hostility among citizens. This underlines why Fashola religious tolerance priorities are relevant today.
Instead, he urged Nigerians to allow their faith to encourage understanding and stronger relationships across different communities, arguing that national cohesion depends partly on the ability of people with different beliefs to live peacefully together.
