Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu, Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota LG, has urged residents and faith leaders to embrace religious tolerance as the foundation for peace, unity, and sustainable development during the 2025 International Day of Peace celebration
Ado-Odo/Ota LG Chairman Advocates Religious Tolerance as Key to Peace and Development
The Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu, FCA, has called on Nigerians, particularly faith leaders and residents of his constituency, to embrace religious tolerance as the bedrock of peaceful coexistence, sustainable development, and national unity.
Speaking at the 2025 International Day of Peace celebration organized by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Hon. Lawal stressed that religion should serve as a bridge of unity rather than a source of conflict. The event, themed “Religion as a Bridge, Not a Barrier” with the sub-topic “Building Peace Through Interfaith Dialogue,” attracted stakeholders, traditional leaders, and community influencers.
In his keynote address, the council boss reflected on the multi-religious identity of Ado-Odo/Ota, describing it as a cosmopolitan hub where diverse faiths not only thrive but often coexist within the same households.
“The only way we can sustain harmony in such a diverse society is through tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence,” Hon. Lawal stated. “Before the advent of organized religion, our forefathers lived peacefully with love and respect for one another. Religion should not divide us, but unite us.”
Hon. Lawal further identified poverty as a major driver of religious crises in Nigeria. He cautioned against faith leaders who, rather than promoting divine values, advance ideologies that serve their personal or commercial interests.
Citing Saudi Arabia as an example, he noted: “In countries like Saudi Arabia, godliness and devotion are practiced alongside productivity. Unfortunately, here in Nigeria, we sometimes commercialize religion, and this often leads to tension rather than development.”
The chairman underscored the importance of compliance with existing laws regulating religious practices, especially those against noise pollution, hate speech, and incitement. While admitting that enforcement may sometimes generate resistance, he pledged his administration’s readiness to prioritize peace and community well-being above all.
“We will continue to enforce compliance with laws that promote peace and protect the rights of all residents,” he said. “I encourage residents to report cases of noise pollution and hate speech with verifiable evidence. I assure you, the government will act decisively.”
Hon. Lawal praised the NSCDC for organizing the event, describing it as a valuable platform for building bridges across faiths. He urged more interfaith engagements to consolidate peace and unity not only in Ado-Odo/Ota but across Nigeria.
“Events like this foster understanding, unity, and progress,” he said. “We must continue to see religion as a tool for peace, not conflict.”
Also in attendance at the event were the Supervisor for Works and Housing, Mr. Adebowale Anjorin, and other critical stakeholders who echoed the chairman’s message of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Read More
