Wife of Lagos State Governor Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has admonished pupils to remain worthy ambassadors of peace, unity and communality for the good of the society and country.
She gave the admonition at the weekend when she hosted child-participants at the 35th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) at the Parliament, State House, Marina.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, the Year 2022 Mama NAFEST, described the theme ‘Culture and Peaceful Co-existence’, as apt, saying culture remained a way of life.
She said hosting them at the Parliament was to give them a sense of history.
She said: “In Africa, we are blessed with traditions and values that promote peace and harmony. We have a culture that places emphasis on communality where everybody minds everybody’s business. Putting this in context with regard to security challenges confronting our nation today means that whenever we notice anything untoward, we must speak up and loudly, regardless of whether or not we are directly affected by the potential security threat.
“In your own rights as pupils, we are training you to become ambassadors of peace, unity and communality. Without peace, the development that we crave will continue to be a mirage and progress elusive. The essential ingredient of the building block of peace, unity and development is love.
“When you truly love your co-pupil, you will not harm, cheat or lie against them, but instead look out for their welfare and interest. This is what we want you to take away from here, and replicate in your homes, schools and communities at large.”
Highlight of the event was a tour of the parliament building by the pupils, NAFEST officials and other state commissioners of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Mrs. Sanwo-Olu also presented the pupils with gifts of mobile tablets and school bags.