The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has emphasised the importance of proper parenting, moral guidance, and active involvement in raising children, describing them as critical factors in building responsible citizens and a better society.
The Governor made that assertion on Sunday at the Year 2026, Eid-Ul-Adha Celebration, held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
At the event, Sanwo-Olu urged parents to devote more time to nurturing their children in line with the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim.
He said parents must not only pray for their children but also guide them with sound religious, moral, and academic teachings to help them become responsible adults.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, he noted that Prophet Ibrahim (AS), revered as the father of the Abrahamic faiths, remains a model of obedience, sacrifice, patience, and devotion to God.
He stressed the need for parents to listen to their children, respect their opinions, and instill values such as tolerance, mutual respect, and healthy dialogue.
According to him: “As parents and guardians, it is important to teach our children the importance of faith, discipline, and respect for human life, because the human body is a trust from Almighty Allah and should not be abused through harmful substances or destructive behaviour.
“For me, responsible parenting remains a key factor in preventing social vices and ensuring that children grow up with the right values and sense of purpose.”
Sanwo-Olu added that every parent’s desire is for their children to attain greater heights in every area of life, such as academics, knowledge, and other achievements, than they did.
While highlighting the efforts of the Lagos State Government under the leadership of the present administration in strengthening family values and social welfare through various intervention programmes, the Governor said the state has established agencies that address domestic violence, family disputes, and other social challenges affecting families and communities.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwoolu, noted that the event marks the celebration of Eid-Ul-Adha, which provides Muslim faithful with the opportunity to reflect deeply on the timeless lessons of faith, sacrifice, obedience, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
She stated that Lagosians must continue to uphold the virtues of unity, tolerance, and love for one another, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or social differences, stressing that the state’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.
According to Dr. Sanwo-Olu: “The theme of this event reminds us of the importance of steadfastness in faith, righteousness, and unwavering devotion to God.
“It calls on us all to live lives guided by integrity, compassion, humility, and peaceful coexistence.
“As Lagosians, we must continue to uphold the virtue of this period and together, we can continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Lagos State.”
Speaking further, Dr. Sanwo-Olu charged parents and guardians to continue to instill good morals, discipline, and the fear of God in their children and youths, stressing that doing so will make them grow into responsible citizens and future leaders who will positively impact society.
In his lecture, titled: “Modelling Our Families After the Family of Khalilullah Ibrahim (AS) for a Successful Life and a Greater Nigeria,” the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, emphasised the need for parents to build peaceful, God-fearing, and loving homes, describing the family as the foundation of every successful society.
The Imam urged parents to instill the values of tolerance, respect for others’ opinions, and obedience to the will of Allah in their children.
Jamiu added that parents should make time for their children, listen to them, and respect their views to build their confidence and prevent them from becoming domineering in character.
The Chief Imam noted that Islam teaches believers to live purposeful lives devoted to the worship of Allah and to contribute positively to society.
