Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Saturday urged Nigerians to embrace the virtues of tolerance, unity and cooperation regardless of their ethnic, religious or social status, saying that it was only in such atmosphere that the nation can make meaningful progress.

The Governor, in his Eid-el-Fitri message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said it is only by embracing peace, unity and fairness that Nigerians can put the country back on its leadership pedestal, urging them to imbibe the tenets of love, tolerance, forgiveness and brotherhood which the period of the holy month symbolizes.

According to him, Nigeria was in dire need of brotherly love and harmonious co-existence among her citizens above all other things as a means to overcome the numerous challenges threatening her fledgling unity, especially with the disturbing trend of hate speeches.

Governor Ambode added that in the last two years, despite the economic challenges, the nation has witnessed appreciable level of development expressing optimism that more can be achieved if all hands are on deck.

 Continuing, he said: “As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, therefore, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love for our country, love for our neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country and the possibility of her taking her proper place in the comity of nations”.

Governor Ambode thanked Lagos residents for their continued harmonious and peaceful co-existence in the midst of diverse ethnic origin and religious affiliation.

“With your demonstration of love for your neighbour and the willingness to serve, our State will continue to be a model of what patriotic Nigerians will want our dear country to be”, he said.

Hence, Governor Ambode wished all Muslim brothers and sisters in the State a happy Eid-el-Fitri celebration.