Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has urged Nigerians to respect religious differences and promote peaceful coexistence, saying faith should unite rather than divide the country.
Fashola spoke on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the annual “God in My Life” lecture organised by the Torchbearers Society of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
The former governor, a Muslim, said religious belief should remain a personal conviction and should not be imposed on others.
“Religion should unite rather than divide people,” he said, calling for mutual respect among adherents of different faiths to strengthen national cohesion.
Fashola, reflecting on the role of God in human affairs, described Him as the architect of the universe and said divine guidance could come through family, friends, schools, workplaces and other relationships.
He recalled his early association with the Anglican Church and several dangerous experiences during his youth, which he partly attributed to youthful recklessness. He said surviving those incidents reinforced his belief in divine providence.
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Fashola also questioned the extent of human control over life, asking whether anyone could determine the order of events if given the power to design their own journey.
“If God gave us the opportunity to arrange our life’s journey by ourselves, can any one of us decide which phase of our life should come first?” he asked.
Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West and chief host, Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji, described the lecture as a forum for reflection, testimony and appreciation.
Odedeji praised Fashola as a role model for young Nigerians, while a member of the Torchbearers Society and former Chairman of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, commended his contributions to public service and Lagos State.
The annual lecture brings distinguished Nigerians together to share experiences on faith, leadership, public service, business and life.
Fashola’s appeal echoes his position in July 2014, when, as Lagos governor, he also advocated religious tolerance as essential to peace in Nigeria.
The 2026 edition attracted clergy, professionals, community leaders and youths, with speakers highlighting faith, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.