Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state, has asked residents to shun violence and focus on the promotion of peaceful coexistence among different ethnic backgrounds.
The governor’s advice comes amid rising tension between farmers and herdsmen in the south-western part of the country.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abeokuta to mark the 45th anniversary of the state, the governor said violence and disintegration should be discouraged.
He said there can be no development in an atmosphere of insecurity, adding that residents must learn to live together.
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“Let us also use the occasion of the 45th anniversary of our dear state to appeal to the rest of Nigerians. We must eschew all forms of violence and learn to live together,” he said.
“We must also appreciate that there can be no development in an atmosphere of insecurity. We must learn to manage our diversity and turn it into our strength.
“There can never be a better lesson in the management of diversity as a source of strength than from us in Ogun State. With over 10 sub-ethnic groups, this diversity has been one of the major forces propelling the development of our dear state. We keep harnessing the strengths and potentials of these sub-ethnic groups for the general good of everyone.
“Today, Ogun state is the home to not just indigenes of our dear state, but people from diverse backgrounds all over the country and even to a lot of foreigners.
“Yes, I agree there may be reasons for us to disagree on certain issues of our essentials. But, we will only disagree to agree and move forward.
“We must not encourage those stoking the embers of violence for disintegration of our great nation. A country where tribes and tongues may differ, but stands in brotherhood, is where unity in our diversity thrives.
“We all have duties, responsibilities and obligations to aid better understanding of our local and national realities. All we need to do is manage our differences effectively and efficiently and Nigeria will be greater.”