Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives and instill in them values that will contribute positively to the development of the society.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call during an Eid Kabir celebration organised by the first family of Lagos State at the State House, Marina, on Monday.

The governor made a brief appearance at the event before departing to attend to other state matters.

He was eventually represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.

Mr Sanwo-Olu emphasised the critical role of parents in shaping their children’s future, describing the younger generation as the nation’s hope.

“Our children are the future of tomorrow. It is our duty as parents to guide them rightly and nurture them with the values of honesty, discipline and obedience to Almighty Allah,” he said.

He also called on Muslims to reflect on the core lessons of Eid Kabir.

He listed the lessons to include sacrifice, obedience and faith in God.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that the values were vital to building peaceful and progressive communities.

The event attracted government officials, community leaders, women and youth groups and members of the Muslim community.

The guest speaker, Sa’eid Ahmad of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, urged Muslims  to uphold lessons from Eid Kabir in spite of pressures of modern society.

“Today’s lecture focuses on the trials of life and how to maintain our faith in God regardless of challenges.

“We must come together to support one another and flee from sin,” Mr Ahmad said.

In her welcome address, the wife of Lagos State deputy governor, Oluremi Hamzat, praised the first family for hosting the annual event.

She said the gathering provided an opportunity to promote love and unity and to reflect on the essence of the festival.

In his remarks, the state commissioner for home affairs, Ibrahim Layode, urged Muslims to continue to live in accordance with the tenets of Islam.

The special adviser to Lagos State governor on religious matters, Abdullah Jebe, and the grand imam of Lagos State, Shaykh Suliamon Abu-Nolla, were at the event.

 (NAN)