Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on parents and guardians to embrace responsible parenting as a critical tool for addressing insecurity and social vices in the country.

Hamzat made the call at the Eid-al-Adha celebration organised by the Lagos State Government in conjunction with the Ministry of Home Affairs at Lagos House, Ikeja.

Speaking at the event, Hamzat urged parents to emulate the exemplary life of Prophet Ibrahim in raising their children, describing obedience to God, patience, devotion and strong family values as essential virtues for nurturing morally upright children.

“Parents must consciously model the values they wish to see in their children.

“Character formation begins at home and remains the foundation of a stable society.

“The values of obedience, sacrifice and righteousness demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim remain relevant today, especially as we seek lasting solutions to insecurity and moral decline in society,” he said.

The deputy governor also condemned domestic violence and child abuse, describing them as practices contrary to the teachings of Islam and Christianity.

According to him, the state government has established various agencies and support mechanisms to address family-related challenges and protect vulnerable members of society.

Earlier, the wife of the governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said parents and guardians must intensify efforts toward raising responsible and morally upright children, noting that poor upbringing contributed significantly to the insecurity challenges facing the country.

She said neglect of parental responsibilities often left children vulnerable to negative influences that could manifest in criminal activities and threats to societal peace.

“Parents and guardians must deliberately instil good morals, discipline and spiritual values in their children.

“The family remains the first institution where character is formed.

When children are neglected and not properly guided, they may grow up to engage in activities that threaten the peace and security of our communities,” she said.

Sanwo-Olu described responsible parenting as one of the most effective ways of building a secure and prosperous society.

She also expressed concern over the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and prayed for their safe return.

“At this point, we remember our children who were abducted in Oyo State.

“These innocent children are in our prayers. May God help us to find them very quickly and reunite them with their families,” she said.

The governor’s wife said Eid-al-Adha offered Muslims and other Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the virtues of faith, sacrifice, obedience and total submission to the will of Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

According to her, the event’s theme, “O my sons, Allah has chosen this religion for you, so do not die unless you have submitted,” drawn from Qur’an 2:132, emphasises steadfastness in faith, righteousness and devotion to God.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to creating opportunities and platforms that would help young people develop into responsible and productive citizens.

In a lecture titled “Modelling Our Families After the Family of Khalilullah Ibrahim for a Successful Life and a Greater Nigeria,” the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr Ridwan Jamiu, urged parents to serve as positive role models and avoid imposing their opinions on their children, particularly as they mature into adulthood.

Jamiu encouraged parents to create an environment where children could freely express their views, noting that excessive control often stifled independent thinking and contributed to domineering attitudes later in life.

“Children should be guided, not suppressed.

“Parents should listen to them and allow their opinions to be heard while providing proper direction and mentorship,” he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and family values across the state.

Ogunsanya said the ministry would continue to partner with stakeholders to strengthen unity and foster mutual understanding among residents of Lagos State.