Francesca Odimgbe
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger cooperation to deal with rising insecurity in the country.
He said that security incidents in parts of the country have understandably generated concerns amongst citizens but said that moments like this in our national life requires that we remind ourselves of our national character as a people. We are Nigerians. Our will is strong and our spirit is unbreakable.
This is the time we must stand united as one people behind our nation’s leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and all of our armed forces. The forces of evil confronting our nation do not ask for our political affiliation before they kill, maim and destroy. So must our resolve and support for our nation be devoid of political leanings and divisive rhetorics.
Every life lost is a tragedy. Every community threatened by violence deserves our solidarity, support, and protection. As a people, we must continue to keep the victims of these unfortunate incidents in our thoughts and prayers. We must be united in our prayers for the teachers and students abducted from Orire Local Government in Oyo State.
In trying moments like this, Nigerians must never lose faith in our nation or in our collective ability to overcome adversity. We are Nigerians. The seed of greatness lies within each and everyone of us.
Our country has faced many challenges throughout its history. We have confronted economic setbacks, political instability, social tensions, and security threats. Yet, through resilience, courage, and unity of purpose, we have always emerged stronger. This moment will be no different.
The security challenge confronting our nation today is not insurmountable. The forces seeking to spread fear and instability do not represent the character of our people or the future of our country. Their actions are designed to weaken our resolve and diminish our confidence. We must deny them that victory because we are Nigerians.
He urged Nigerians across every state, region, faith, and ethnic background to remain united. This is not a time for division or despair. It is a time to reaffirm our common identity and our shared commitment to peace, progress, and national development.
“As citizens, we all have a stake in the security and stability of our country. Government alone cannot win this battle without the support, cooperation, vigilance, and active intelligence sharing by the local communities. Communities must remain alert. Citizens must continue to support lawful efforts aimed at protecting lives and property. Together, we can create an environment where criminal elements find no refuge and no support.
“I wish to reiterate my confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and in the ability of our security and intelligence services to be able to defeat the forces of evil unleashing terror attacks on soft targets within the civilian population in our land.
“Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation and preserve our freedoms. They deserve our prayers and our motivation to lift their spirits as they take on these forces of evil.
“The work being done to strengthen our security architecture, improve intelligence gathering, and confront criminal networks across the country requires patience, determination, and national unity. Lasting solutions are rarely achieved overnight, but progress is possible when a nation stands firmly behind those charged with protecting it.” he said.
As Governor of Lagos State, I speak not only for the people of our state but also as a Nigerian who believes deeply in the promise of this country. I am convinced that our best days remain ahead of us. The challenges before us today must not define us. What should define us is how we respond—with courage instead of fear, with unity instead of division, and with hope instead of despair.
To our young people, I say: remain hopeful. To our families and communities, I say: remain resilient. To those serving on the frontlines of our nation’s security efforts, I say: remain steadfast. And to every Nigerian, I say: keep faith with our country.
This battle shall be won. Nigeria will prevail because the collective strength of our people is greater than the evil agenda of the few who are bent on making us live in fear and despair. Together, we will build a Nigeria safer within her communities and confident of her future, the Governor assured.