The Lagos Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has warned residents against actions that undermine development and impose additional financial burdens on the government and taxpayers.

Mr Hamzat gave the warning while featuring on Daily Digest with Jim Disu on Nigeria Info FM, a radio programme in Lagos.

He cited vandalism and destruction of public infrastructure, including bridges, as examples of acts capable of slowing development and increasing the cost of governance.

The deputy governor decried what he described as a troubling lack of ownership and responsibility among some citizens.

He said that the destruction of government assets was counterproductive and advised Nigerians to stop behaving like tenants but instead develop a stronger sense of ownership of national assets.

“Government infrastructure ultimately belongs to the people and should therefore be protected by the same citizens for whom such facilities were provided,” he said.

Mr Hamzat called for a collective approach to nation-building, stressing that the responsibility of building the country extended beyond politicians.

“This is not just for politicians. It is for teachers, for parents, for religious leaders, for all of us. All of us must know that this country belongs to all of us,” he stated.

Mr Hamzat urged citizens to protect public assets, respect the law, uphold family values and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The deputy governor underscored the need for a national reset anchored on education, strong family values, responsible citizenship and effective enforcement of laws.

According to him, rebuilding Nigeria’s value system must begin with the education and upbringing of children.

He said, “What Nigerians have are our values. Education is key, and we must make sure that all our children are well educated.

“We have to go back and start again. The major pillars are the family, schools, education and our laws. We must strengthen all of these to make sure that we do not lose our values.”

Mr Hamzat also highlighted the critical role of the family in character formation, acknowledging that some members of the older generation might not have adequately fulfilled their responsibilities as parents and mentors.

He said that rebuilding the values of the younger generation must begin afresh, with families, schools, religious institutions, government and the legal system playing vital roles in shaping responsible citizens.

The deputy governor also advocated stronger enforcement of laws, noting that the existence of laws without compliance and enforcement would make it difficult to build a disciplined and orderly society.

He maintained that every segment of society had defined responsibilities and boundaries that must be respected and enforced fairly, irrespective of status or position. 

(NAN)