The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has stressed the importance of balanced parenting in achieving meaningful educational outcomes, cautioning families against raising children without discipline and value orientation.
Hamzat spoke on Sunday at the sixth Annual Ramadan Lecture and Special Prayers held in memory of the late Oba Olatunji Mufutau Hamzat in Ogba, Lagos. The event, themed Building a Pristine Home as the Foundation of an Ideal Society, brought together religious leaders, scholars and community stakeholders.
Addressing participants, the deputy governor said while children require love and support to excel academically and socially, such care must be complemented with discipline, responsibility and moral guidance. He noted that excessive indulgence could undermine character development and negatively affect learning attitudes and behaviour in schools.
According to him, many of the behavioural concerns observed among young people today reflect lapses in parental supervision and value based upbringing. He maintained that the home remains the first institution of learning and plays a decisive role in shaping a child’s academic focus and social conduct.
Hamzat called on religious leaders to reinforce teachings on responsible parenting, urging them to consistently highlight the connection between strong family values and educational success. He added that stable homes are essential to raising disciplined learners who can contribute meaningfully to society.
In his welcome remarks, President of the Ifako Ijaiye Muslim Community, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Ayodeji Sunmonu, encouraged unity and spiritual commitment among members, describing the late monarch as a leader whose legacy continues to influence social and moral development.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Abdul Razaq Abdul Majeed Alaro of the University of Ilorin underscored the role of parents as primary educators. He expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency by some parents to shift core responsibilities to schools, warning that such practices weaken the educational foundation of children and, by extension, society.
He urged families and community stakeholders to work collaboratively in nurturing strong moral and academic values, noting that sustainable development begins with a sound home environment.
