Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has called on parents and religious leaders to take a proactive role in addressing pressing societal challenges.
He also harped on their critical influence in shaping values and securing a better future for the nation.
Hamzat spoke on Sunday, 16 March, 2025, during the 20th edition of the Late Justice Muri Okunola Memorial Ramadan Lecture, held at the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Marquee.
“There is an urgent need for moral re-orientation within families and faith communities,” he said.
The Lagos State Deputy Governor lamented that many parents have neglected their responsibilities, leading to a noticeable decline in societal values. According to him, the failure to instill strong moral principles in children has contributed to the erosion of ethical standards in society.
“Our sermons must now evolve in the mosques and churches. The issue now is how do we start to re-orientate ourselves toward making our society better? As we all know, the corporate world has changed the DNA of our women to what they are not,” Hamzat stated.
The Deputy Governor further stressed that many children today are unprepared for the realities of adulthood due to a lack of proper upbringing. “We are now raising children that are not ready for life,” he noted.
He urged religious leaders to address contemporary issues in their sermons, offering practical solutions to the moral and ethical challenges facing modern society. He warned that if such concerns are not tackled urgently, humanity could face significant problems.
“My admonishment for us as parents and religious leaders is to look into issues that affect our society and the family unit,” he added.
The annual Ramadan lecture, held in honor of the late Justice Muri Okunola, serves as a platform for discussing moral and social issues, bringing together scholars, government officials, and community leaders.
Source: Lagos Reporters