Lagosians Must Be More Vigilant – Fashola

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Nigeria’s  Lagos State has called on Lagosians to be extremely vigilant this year in order to nip in the bud any form of upheaval in the state.
The governor also urged Lagosians to shun every form of sentiment and live in harmony as brothers and sisters.
Fashola spoke at the 2013 annual thanksgiving service held at the State House, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria on Sunday.
The governor said there was the need to be vigilant in order to prevent avoidable loss of life, adding that the nation would be better for it if Nigerians de-emphasize divisive sentiments such as ethnic and religious sentiments.
The governor stated that Lagosians should be more careful both at home and in their business premises, saying that “you have probably heard of multipurpose halls but we are gradually making multipurpose homes.”
He pointed out that when people convert their homes into multipurpose buildings, they attract avoidable accidents.
“What binds us together as a people are more than what divides us. Let us emphasise on those things that bind us together as a people and play down on such divisive sentiments as ethnic and religious sentiments,” he stated.
He said 2012 was an eventful year, recalling the Dana plane crash that claimed 153 lives and the series of bloodshed in some parts of the nation.
Fashola commended Lagosians for the collective will with which they rallied round to render assistance during the rescue operation and in giving support to the relatives of victims of the disaster.
“The sheer number of volunteers, hospital staff, donors and relief workers who went above and beyond the call of duty to bring succour, safety and comfort to families and dependents of the deceased made me especially proud to be a Lagosian.
“So, we have shown over the last year that whenever there has been a major incident, we have the collective wherewithal and capacity to rise to the occasion,” he stated.