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Reinforcing Family Values: A Call to Action by Lagos State Deputy Governor
Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has attributed many of Nigeria’s social issues to a decline in moral standards and the weakening of core family values. Speaking at the Criterion Association of Women in Businesses and Professions International Conference held at Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, he urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to effective parenting and the restoration of ethical principles.
Addressing Moral Decay Through Strong Family Foundations
The conference, themed “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economic and Social Challenges,” provided a platform for discussing the intersection of gender, culture, and economic empowerment. Hamzat highlighted that the deterioration of discipline and respect within Nigerian homes is a primary cause of societal problems, emphasizing that virtues like honesty, respect, and diligence must be reinstated as the pillars of family life.
“A nation’s progress is intrinsically linked to the moral fiber of its citizens,” Hamzat stated. “Our youth represent the future leadership, and without deliberate efforts to instill cultural values and ethical standards, the country risks instability. The family unit is the cornerstone of society; if it collapses, the entire social structure is jeopardized.”
He further pointed out the alarming involvement of young people in criminal activities, including ritualistic practices, underscoring that the priority should shift from merely breaking barriers to preserving family integrity. According to him, thriving societies are built upon responsible parenting and nurturing strong homes.
Collaborative Efforts to Empower Women and Strengthen Families
Hamzat encouraged organizations like Criterion to continue partnering with the Lagos State Government in initiatives aimed at family strengthening, women’s empowerment, and leadership development. He highlighted government programs through the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Employment Trust Fund that target challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“While these initiatives support all entrepreneurs, the resilience demonstrated by women-led businesses has inspired us to prioritize their growth,” he explained. Recent statistics reveal that women own approximately 79% of successful enterprises in the region, prompting focused efforts on providing not only financial grants but also essential training in areas such as bookkeeping, workforce management, and capital acquisition. This comprehensive support ensures sustainable business growth and expansion.
Empowering Muslim Women: Education, Technology, and Faith
Olayinka Karim, Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Oshogbo, emphasized the conference’s role in encouraging Muslim women to overcome societal and economic barriers. Represented by Alhaja Suwebat Kupolati, former World Women Affairs Secretary of Nasfat, Karim stressed that education remains the cornerstone of empowerment.
“Technology enables women to innovate, learn, and lead from any location,” she noted. “Empowering Muslim women in sectors like agriculture and fisheries not only uplifts families but also strengthens communities and the nation as a whole.”
Karim called digital literacy a religious and national imperative, advocating for investments in affordable internet access, digital tools, and STEM education tailored for women and girls. “When a woman acquires knowledge, she elevates an entire generation,” she affirmed.
Addressing Nigeria’s economic instability, unemployment, and moral challenges, Karim urged women to revive faith-based cultural values that promote community solidarity, charity, industriousness, and humility. She redefined breaking the glass ceiling not as an act of defiance but as a revelation of the divine purpose bestowed upon women-to nurture, lead, enlighten, and build.
Criterion’s Vision: Fostering Islamic Sisterhood and Economic Resilience
Alhaja Medinat Akanni, International Ameerah of the Criterion, described the conference theme as highly relevant to the current global economic challenges faced by women. She reiterated the association’s mission to promote Islamic sisterhood, peace, development, and economic stability.
“This theme reflects the economic realities confronting women not only in Nigeria but worldwide,” Akanni remarked, highlighting the importance of solidarity and empowerment in overcoming these obstacles.
