We’ll preserve cultural heritage, respect diversity representation in Lagos — Sanwo-Olu

By Moses Adeniyi

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said in as much as his administration seeks to preserve the cultural heritage of Lagos, conscious attention will not suffer to respect the diversity representation of the Country in the State.

This, he noted, was essential to keep and enhance harmony of peaceful co – existence among socio-cultural and ethnic representations in the State, while assuring Lagos will continue to be home to everyone irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations. 

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance while addressing the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omonoba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, who on Sunday harped on the diversity and unity of Nigeria when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Marina.

The Oba stressed the need for unity of Nigeria, mentioning the diversity and unity of Nigeria made the country big and the giant of Africa.

According to him, it is good for Nigerians to be together, and iron out the differences of the different  groups.

“Nigerians should know that diversity is good for the people. Nigeria is big but we are still together. We will remain together like this but have to iron our differences. We should learn to live together like one big family,” he said.

The Oba further congratulated President Bola Tinubu, saying that it was the will of God that he would be the president of the country.

He also congratulated Gov. Sanwo-Olu on his re-election, and urged him to uphold his electoral promises to the masses.

Reacting, Sanwo-Olu thanked the Oba of Benin for visiting, as he rarely left his kingdom, hence, Lagos would not take such visit for granted.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who eulogised the Oba of Benin for distinguishing himself among the traditional rulers, said his protection of culture and promotion of traditional values have earned him maximum respect across the country.

 Sanwo-Olu while conveying the greetings of President Bola Tinubu to the Oba of Benin, urged the traditional ruler to continue his support for the present Federal Government to ensure citizens benefit from dividends of democracy which he noted are becoming evident in the third quarter of the year with a rise in the country’s GDP.

The governor also thanked the Oba for his fatherly role, prayers, best wishes for President Tinubu’s government, assuring the president will not disappoint.

“I am sure that he will not disappoint you. He will do everything possible to ensure the real dividend of democracy that helps our country to reduce the poverty in the land, to give us a new sense of hope and to redefine social economic development.

“We are beginning to see some of these interventions. Just last week, we saw another quarter of GDP growth in the country. The GDP growth has improved from what it was the last one or two quarters.

“So, we believe that with him at the helm of affairs, he will do a good job,” he said.

He described Lagos as the shoulder and neck of the country, hence, the government will continue to make sure that it remains home to the masses far and wide.

Sanwo-Olu also conducted the Oba around the John Randle Center for Yoruba Culture and History at Onikan.

“We are preserving the Yoruba culture and heritage for today and future generations,” he said.

The Oba commended Gov. Sanwo-Olu for promoting culture and tradition with the centre.