By Our Reporter
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has called on Nigerian parents, especially mothers, to renew their commitment to good parenting, saying that the nation's social challenges stem from a breakdown of the family unit and the neglect of moral upbringing.
Hamzat made the call on Thursday at the Criterion, Association of Women in Businesses and Professions Programme, themed: "Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economics and Social Challenges," held at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.
The deputy governor, while making the call, observed that the nation’s moral decline was a direct reflection of poor parenting and the erosion of discipline in homes, urging that values such as respect, honesty, and hard work must once again become the foundation of family life as, according to him, no nation can rise above the moral quality of its citizens.
"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," he said.
Citing disturbing examples of young people involved in criminal and ritual activities, Dr. Hamzat stressed that it was no longer about breaking glass ceilings but about holding families together, emphasizing that every strong society was built on strong homes and responsible parenting.
The deputy governor, 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.
Hamzat, however, disclosed noted that the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Employment Trust Fund, 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 had inspired the government of women’s contribution to development and finding lasting solutions.
He cited that data shows that 79 percent of the businesses that succeeded were owned by women, prompting the state government to focus on supporting and strengthening women-led enterprises.
According to him, 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.
The Guest Speaker/Vice-Chancellor, Fountain University, Oshogbo, Prof. Olayinka Ramat Karim, in his keynote address, 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, who was represented by the immediate past World Women Affairs Secretary of NASFAT, Alhaja Suwebat Kupolati, further noted that education is the foundation of empowerment, saying that through technology, women can learn, innovate, and lead from anywhere.
According to the Guest Speaker, empowering women, especially the Muslim women in agriculture and fisheries, as Islam explains in Islam, 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, Karim said that women must revive faith-driven cultural models that promote community, charity, hard work, and modesty, noting that breaking the glass ceiling was 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, saying that 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 were to encourage, promote, and foster the spirit of Islamic sisterhood and ensure peaceful livelihood, 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," she stated.
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