Religion Should Bring Nigerians Together, Not Tear Them Apart — Fashola
By: Abudu Olalekan
At a church event in Lagos yesterday, former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola told Nigerians that faith must not be a reason for them to turn against each other.
The senior lawyer called for religious tolerance and mutual respect, saying religion should unite people rather than divide them.
A statement released on Monday by his media outfit said he was the guest speaker at the 2019 annual “God in My Life Lecture Series” held by the Torchbearer Society of The Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral Ikeja GRA Lagos.
Despite being a Muslim, Fashola spoke of his Christian faith and said his belief was his own personal choice.
He said Nigerians should leave each other alone to practice their faiths but always strive to live in harmony with each other.
“Religion should not divide but rather unite people of differing beliefs,” he said, adding that members of various religions must always accord each other mutual respect.
God, he said, was the ultimate architect of the universe, whose handiwork was visible in every aspect of life.
Sometimes, the divine intervention of God came through parents, children, friends, colleagues, employers, employees, employers, or even schools.
His speech took a nostalgic twist as he recounted his experiences as a member of the Anglican Church and the tremendous impact it had on his personality.
Also, Fashola spoke of the multiple near-death experiences he had as a young man and attributed it to his rowdy and adventurous nature.
“All the misadventures I experienced in my youth had all been a form of divine intervention from God,” he said.
“This makes me ask you all to reflect on how little control we have over our lives.
If God has allowed us the opportunity to choose for ourselves, who will decide what stage we should be in our careers?
When God has orchestrated all the twists, turns, heartbreaks, challenges, uncertainties, and disappointments we experience, who will determine when we embark on a new journey?”
The Bishop of the Lagos West Diocese and Chief Host for the event, Rt. Rev’d Olusola Odedeji, speaking on Monday said the “God in my life” event was always a time for self-analysis, testimonies, and gratitude.
“We can all be lonely but should never be single-hearted,” he said.
Odedeji noted the huge turnout of youths from various parishes in the Lagos West Diocese to hear Fashola deliver his message of hope, saying they were inspired by his tremendous achievements as a leader, father, and Christian at large, to come out and share their stories of faith.
Earlier, Rt. Rev’d Olusegun Osunkeye, member of the organising committee and former chairman of Nestle Plc, spoke on the event, saying it was an opportunity for the people of Nigeria to learn from the tremendous impact Fashola has made in his area of expertise, as well as his immense contributions to the church and Lagos State as a former governor.
The annual lecture series held on Sunday provided a platform for Nigerians to air their views on faith, leadership, the corporate world, and the general affairs of the nation.
Members of the clergy, the old and young, the corporate elite, and well-wishers all gathered to hear Fashola share his insights on leadership, life, and faith, with the central theme of promoting tolerance, unity, and peace in Nigeria.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
