Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, has issued a clarion call for a radical shift in parenting, urging mothers to embrace new strategies in raising children to uphold morals and values in an evolving world.
He emphasised that the very foundation of society hinges on ethical decision-making, social cohesion, and the pursuit of justice—principles that begin at home.
Speaking on Sunday at the 5th Annual Ramadan Lecture/Prayer in memory of Late Oba Muftau Olatunji Hamzat, the Deputy Governor warned that traditional parenting methods may no longer suffice in today’s rapidly changing world.
He stressed that parents, especially mothers, must become more proactive in shaping their children’s moral compass.
“We all know the impact of a mother in our lives. We, as parents, need to strengthen our children with the correct values and change the tactics we are using in training them,” Hamzat declared.
He further urged society to recognise and appreciate the indispensable role of women. “Besides, we must also appreciate our women more. We need to understand that we can’t build an ideal world without a wonderful mother,” he said.
Hamzat also delved into the profound influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on modern life, warning that its rapid advancement could challenge social interactions and religious teachings. He called on clerics, both Christian and Muslim, to adapt their messages to the digital era.
“New technology has come. We are already there. So, in a situation where as a human being, I can live my life without interacting with fellow human beings, it is a dangerous development. The question is, how do we, as Muslims or as Christians, understand this new technology? How do we know how it affects our lives? And how do we take it? How do we deal with it, without losing our spirituality; without losing our religion?” Hamzat posed.
“So, how do we make sure that our communication on the spiritual or religious level is not static when the world is actually moving? This is a big challenge,” he warned.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the President of the Ifako-Ijaye Muslim Community, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Ayodeji Sunmonu, highlighted the significance of the gathering.
He described it as not only a moment of spiritual enrichment but also an opportunity to honour the enduring legacy of the Late Oba Muftau Olatunji Hamzat, a man deeply committed to Islam, grassroots development, and national progress.
“This event holds profound significance for our community, as it allows us to reaffirm our commitment to the teachings and values of Islam while also celebrating the remarkable achievements that have strengthened our Muslim community in Ifako-Ijaye,” Sunmonu said.
Reflecting on the Ramadan period, he urged Muslims to renew their consciousness in Allah. “Together, with sincerity and dedication, we can achieve our collective dream of building a prosperous and spiritually uplifting Muslim community,” he added.
He also lauded the Hamzat family for their unwavering dedication to preserving their father’s noble legacy, praying for divine blessings and elevation for the late king’s offspring.
In his lecture titled “The Ideal Home,” renowned Islamic scholar, Alhaji Fadilatu Ustaz AbdulFaitia, underscored the vital role of parents in shaping society’s moral fabric. He cautioned that negligence in parental duties could lead to a decline in societal values.
“As parents, we have a critical responsibility towards our children. Fathers have their own responsibilities, mothers have their own responsibilities, and even our governments have a lot of responsibilities towards the citizens. By fulfilling all these responsibilities, we can all help shape a society characterized by strong moral values and principles,” he stated.
With the world evolving at an unprecedented pace, Dr. Hamzat’s call for proactive parenting and an adaptive spiritual approach serves as a wake-up call. As technology reshapes human interactions, the challenge remains: how do we preserve our values while embracing the future?
