LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appealed to residents to emulate the spirit of Christ by reducing the prices of food items as the Naira strengthens against the dollar.
The call came during the Combined Special Prayer for Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu held on Friday at the State House Mosque Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, to mark the Easter and Ramadan celebrations.
Sanwo-Olu said: “It’s beginning to turn around. That’s what we said a couple of weeks ago that there’s nothing that is difficult that will last forever.
“Even at the national level, a naira that we all thought that would never rebound is becoming stronger.
“It’s gaining weight and becoming a lot more of the currency that we all appreciate.
He urged market traders to reflect the strengthening currency in their prices, stating: “There’s need to see the reflection in the cost of goods and services. People cannot continue to give reasons while it went up, and now that it’s coming down, it also needs to reflect in the cost of rice, beans, tomatoes and that is the message for all of us, because we want to be our brother’s keepers.
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“We want to ensure that the suffering of the people is brought to an end.
“We are beginning to see the benefits of it.
“My wish is for all of us to enjoy the season, to be as peaceful as always and to do things in moderation and ensure that we maintain the sanctity, peace and tranquility that Lagos is known for.”
Sanwo-Olu praised the residents of Lagos State for their continued support of his administration
He enjoined residents of the state to be grateful and thankful for the gift of life.
The governor described the 2024 Good Friday Easter celebration as a triple dose of celebration, which coincides with the 72nd birthday celebration of Tinubu.
He added: “We just finished our Easter prayers, which coincides with the birthday of the President, who we have offered prayers for, and we wished him all the very best.
“And we also prayed for the season.
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“I want to wish all residents of our dear state in all of our Christian faith a happy celebration of the Easter.
“As we have just ended the Christian lenten service, I believe that it’s been a worthy journey for all our brothers and sisters who had gone to ask for strengthening of our faith, our country and, coincidentally, it’s the 19th day of the Ramadan.
“So, everything around prayers and supplications are working for our good.
He thanked Lagos residents for their support.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat encouraged citizens to demonstrate greater patriotism. He offered prayers for the long and healthy life of the President, asking for divine guidance as he leads the country.
Additionally, Dr. Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, emphasized the importance of coming together to acknowledge and appreciate the goodness of God.
The Director of State Issues and Social Welfare of CAN in Lagos State, who was represented by Adegbite stressed the importance of responsibility and accountability in every opportunity one has.
Adegbite, also the Bishop of the Diocese of Ikeja, Methodist Church, Nigeria, urged individuals and citizens to uphold responsibility in their actions.
Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, prayed for divine guidance for government at all levels, asking for Allah’s continued direction in providing good governance for Lagos residents.