HAMZAT LINKS SOCIAL ILLS TO POOR PARENTING …URGES RENEWAL OF VALUES

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has called on Nigerian parents, especially mothers, to renew their commitment to good parenting, saying the country’s social challenges stem from a breakdown of the family unit and the neglect of moral upbringing.

Hamzat made the call today at the Criterion, Association of Women in Businesses and Professions Programme, with the theme, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economics and Social Challenges,” held at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, where he observed that the nation’s moral decline is a direct reflection of poor parenting and the erosion of discipline in homes.

According to the Deputy Governor, values such as respect, honesty, and hard work must once again become the foundation of family life, adding that no nation can rise above the moral quality of its citizens.

His words, “The future of any nation depends on the youth, because we will all hand over to them later. So if we don’t make conscious efforts to develop them, to train them on our culture, our beliefs, our value system, then the nation will run into trouble. I think that the most important unit in any society is the family unit, and if that is broken, then everything is lost. That’s why all of us need to note that we must take care of that unit, the family unit.”

Citing disturbing examples of young people involved in criminal and ritual activities, Dr. Hamzat stressed that it is no longer about breaking glass ceilings but about holding families together, emphasizing that every strong society is built on strong homes and responsible parenting.

He therefore encouraged organisations such as the Criterion to continue to partner with the government in initiatives that strengthen families, uplift women, and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Besides, Hamzat explained that through the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Employment Trust Fund, the Lagos State government is addressing the major challenge facing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The Deputy Governor stated that while the initiative supports all entrepreneurs, the resilience of women-owned enterprises has inspired the government of women’s contribution to development and finding lasting solutions.

He cited that data shows 79 percent of the businesses that succeed are owned by women, prompting the state to focus on supporting and strengthening women-led enterprises, adding that the government provides not only grants but also essential training on bookkeeping, employee management, and access to capital, ensuring that entrepreneurs understand how to sustain and expand their businesses.

In his keynote address, the Guest Speaker/Vice-Chancellor, Fountain University, Oshogbo, Prof. Olayinka Ramat Karim, who was represented by the immediate past World Women Affairs Secretary of Nasfat, Alhaja Suwebat Kupolati, noted that the conference challenges Muslim women to transcend societal, economic, and cultural barriers to rise with knowledge, faith, and resilience, and to lead with dignity and purpose.

Prof. Karim noted that Education is the foundation of empowerment, and through technology, women can learn, innovate, and lead from anywhere, adding that empowering women, especially the Muslim women in agriculture and fisheries, as Islam explains that empowering them means empowering families, communities, and the nation.

“Hence, digital literacy for women is not optional. it is a religious responsibility and a national necessity. We must bridge the gap by investing in affordable internet, digital tools, and STEM education for women and girls. When a woman learns, she lifts a generation,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

Speaking on the economic instability, unemployment, and moral decline in Nigeria, Prof. Olayinka noted that women must revive faith-driven cultural models that promote community, charity, hard work, and modesty, noting that breaking the glass ceiling is not rebellion, but a revelation. “It is about rediscovering the purpose Allah placed within every woman, to nurture, to lead, to enlighten, and to build,” she concluded.

In her welcome address, the International Ameerah of the Criterion, Alhaja (Magistrate) Medinat Olufunke Akanni, stated that the event was apt as it resonated with the present economic situation facing women all over the world, particularly in Nigeria.

AKanni reiterated that the aims and objectives of the association are to encourage, promote, and foster the spirit of Islamic sisterhood; and live peacefully, to foster development and economic stability. “In line with the theme of the event, ‘Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economics and Social Challenges.’ The theme is in line to illustrate the economic situation facing not only Nigeria but the world at large. And this is why we are out to put heads together to look for a way forward to address these challenges.”