Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, has called for a transformation in parenting methods to align with contemporary societal changes, emphasizing the role of mothers in nurturing morally upright children.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Ramadan Lecture/Prayer in honor of the late Oba Muftau Olatunji Hamzat, Dr. Hamzat highlighted the significance of instilling strong values in children, as these principles form the foundation of ethical decision-making and social harmony.
He stressed that parents must adopt new approaches to raising their children, given the evolving societal landscape. He particularly underscored the influence of mothers in shaping not just their children’s future but also the moral fabric of society.
“We all recognize the profound impact of mothers in our lives. As parents, we must reinforce the right values in our children and adapt our training methods to fit today’s realities,” Hamzat said. “Furthermore, we need to appreciate and support our women more because building a better society is impossible without strong mothers.”
Addressing the rapid advancements in technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), the deputy governor warned about its potential to alter human interactions. He urged religious leaders to adapt their teachings to reflect these changes while ensuring that faith and spirituality remain intact.
“The world is moving fast with new technologies. We must ask ourselves: How do we, as Muslims and Christians, understand and navigate these changes? How do we ensure that our spirituality and moral compass remain steady in this fast-paced digital world?” Hamzat stated.
In his opening remarks, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Ayodeji Sunmonu, President of the Ifako-Ijaye Muslim Community, emphasized the importance of spiritual growth and moral guidance, especially during Ramadan. He praised the Hamzat family for preserving the legacy of the late Oba Muftau Olatunji Hamzat, a leader dedicated to grassroots development and national progress.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Ideal Home,” Islamic scholar Alhaji Fadilatu Ustaz AbdulFaitia reinforced the responsibility of parents in raising morally upright children. He noted that building a value-driven society requires active participation not only from parents but also from the government.
“Fathers, mothers, and even the government have critical roles to play in ensuring that our children grow up with strong moral values,” he stated.
The event concluded with prayers for the late Oba Hamzat and calls for renewed commitment to building a society based on ethical principles and family values.
