Lagos First Lady pushes moral upbringing at Lagos Easter children’s fiesta

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called on parents to take a more deliberate role in raising morally upright children, stressing that sound upbringing remains critical to building a responsible society.

She made the appeal at the 2026 Lagos State Family Easter Fiesta held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, where children from diverse backgrounds gathered to celebrate the season with the First Family.

The event featured a unique and engaging session, as the First Lady adopted a traditional storytelling style, sitting with the children in a circle to recount the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. She explained that despite His good deeds, Christ was both loved and rejected, urging the children to understand the deeper meaning of Easter beyond festivities.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu encouraged parents to intentionally educate their children on key Christian seasons, noting that such knowledge would help shape their character and values. She added that Easter should be seen not only as a celebration, but as a time to practise kindness, forgiveness and share the message of God’s love.

She reminded the children that with faith in Christ, they can live with confidence, courage and joy.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, urged parents and school authorities to educate children on the dangers of social vices such as cultism, bullying and drug abuse. He also advocated responsible use of social media, particularly for academic purposes.

Also speaking, Hakeem Smith advised parents to remain vigilant during the holiday period by monitoring their children’s activities and serving as positive role models, noting that parents are the first teachers in a child’s life.

Earlier, the Director of Protocol in the Office of the First Lady, Bukola Gbajabiamila, welcomed the children and urged them to prioritise their safety while participating in the day’s activities. He commended the First Family for sustaining the annual event, which brings together children, including those with special needs, as well as elderly citizens from care homes, promoting love, unity and inclusion.

Delivering a short exhortation, Opeyemi Victor Adeyemo of St. John’s Anglican Church, Araromi, Apapa, encouraged the children to embrace the true message of Easter centred on love, hope and victory through Christ’s resurrection.

Drawing from the Gospel account, he explained that the stone at the tomb symbolises life’s challenges, reassuring the children that just as it was rolled away, God is able to remove every obstacle. He urged them to trust in God and remain joyful, regardless of circumstances.

The highlight of the event was a prayer session led by the Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Ituah Ighodalo, who offered prayers and made prophetic declarations for the children, guiding them to reaffirm their faith and commitment to Christ.