* Group cautions against hate speech, ethnic discrimination, divisive tendencies
The Muslim Community of Lagos State has urged Nigerians to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and religious tolerance as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The community also cautioned against religious intolerance, tribal sentiments, ethnic discrimination, hate speech and other divisive tendencies capable of threatening peace and stability in Lagos State and Nigeria.
The appeal was contained in a statement signed by the President of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Hon. Muhammad Bello Oyinlomo Danmole, and its Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Jubril Folami, to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary.
The community said Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity of ethnicities, cultures, languages and religious beliefs, which it said should be regarded as a source of strength and shared national identity rather than a basis for division, suspicion or hostility.
It urged citizens to refrain from inflammatory statements, provocative conduct and actions capable of undermining the harmonious relationships among different religious and ethnic communities in Lagos.
Community cites Islamic teachings
The Muslim Community of Lagos State said Islamic teachings promote justice, compassion, peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.
It cited Qur’an 49:13, which calls on humanity to know one another despite differences in peoples and tribes, adding that the verse underscores the importance of equality, mutual understanding and respect.
The community also cited Qur’an 5:8, which warns against allowing hatred of a people to lead to injustice.
It further referenced the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), including the hadith that “a Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe,” as contained in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
The community said the teachings provide practical principles for building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society.
Calls for responsible leadership
The group called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, political office holders, community associations, youth organisations and the media to promote responsible communication, interfaith understanding and constructive engagement.
It also urged Lagosians to strengthen friendship and neighbourliness, respect one another’s religious practices, protect the rights and dignity of all residents, and resolve disagreements through dialogue, patience and lawful means.
The community called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to nation-building, integrity, patriotism, justice and service to humanity.
It also urged leaders at all levels to promote fairness, good governance, accountability and policies that foster peace, social welfare and equal opportunities.
The Muslim Community of Lagos State said it remained committed to working with government, religious institutions, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to sustain peaceful coexistence and advance the collective wellbeing of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“As we celebrate Nigeria at 66, let us remember that our diversity is our strength, our unity is our responsibility, and our peace is a shared treasure that must be protected by all,” the statement said.
The community congratulated Nigerians on the Independence Anniversary and prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection for the nation, its leaders and citizens, as well as enduring peace, stability and prosperity.
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