Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Akinola Idowu, on Friday called for collective action to raise responsible children.

Mr Idowu made the call at the Parents’ Forum, themed “Raising Responsible Children in Challenging Times,” held at the council secretariat in Orile-Agege.

The event was organised by Orile-Agege LCDA in partnership with the Apata Foundation. It attracted parents, teachers, education officials, and community leaders.

The Apata Foundation is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) focused on child welfare, education support, and community development.

Mr Idowu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Oluwafemi Tijani, said parents and schools must collaborate to raise responsible children.

He urged stronger parent-school collaboration.

“Do not always take your child’s side. Be fair and objective in handling complaints.

“Parents must protect children but also support teachers. This partnership builds disciplined, morally upright citizens for our society,” he said.

The guest speaker, Aminat Abdulkareem, identified peer pressure, poor parental guidance, and lack of incentives as key challenges affecting children’s development.

She urged parents to instil moral values early and expose children to vocational skills to prepare them for the future.

“Show care and commitment to every child as you would your own. Every child deserves equal guidance,” she said.

Mrs Abdulkareem said raising responsible children required collaboration among parents, schools, religious bodies, and community leaders.

She urged parents to be actively involved in their children’s moral, academic, and social development to produce disciplined and productive citizens.

The Education Secretary, Education District I, Agege, Janat Olokodana, said schools could not succeed without active parental support.

“Monitor your children’s books, friends and online activities. Visit schools regularly to know your child’s academic and behavioural progress,” she said.

The head of Education and Library Services, Foluke Ogunyankin, pledged stronger collaboration to promote family values and quality education.

She said the council would continue to support programmes that ensure the holistic development of children across Orile-Agege LCDA. 

(NAN)