By Shakirah Adunola

The premises of the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque (LSCCM) in Alausa became a focal point for societal reformation over the weekend, as religious leaders, government officials, and stakeholders rallied together to champion a return to core family values.

Speaking at the 13th edition of the Eid-el-Adha Children Get-Together, organizers and special guests directly linked the rising waves of insecurity, youth crime, and societal vices in Nigeria to a severe decline in proactive, intentional parenting.

The landmark event, jointly organized by LSCCM (CBD, Alausa) and the Shamsi Adisa Thomas Central Mosque (First Secretariat, Ikeja), was held under the theme: “From Guidance to Greatness: Nurturing Responsible Muslim Youth.”

The Special Guest/Wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to prioritize sound moral upbringing and intentional parenting as the ultimate remedy to rising societal vices and insecurity.

Delivering her goodwill message, she commended the leadership of the Mosque and its Women Affairs Sub-Committee for sustaining the initiative for over a decade.

She emphasized that the celebration of Eid-el-Adha should serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility society owes to the younger generation.

“In a rapidly changing world, we must intentionally raise children who are responsible, respectful and God-fearing. Let us continue to teach them the importance of kindness, honesty, hard work, and peaceful living.

“The greatest legacy we can leave for our children is not wealth, but good values and a righteous example,” Mrs. Hamzat stated.

She further urged corporate bodies, religious organizations and well-meaning individuals to collaborate with the government in supporting youth-focused programs that foster unity across ethnic and religious lines.

Echoing the First Lady’s sentiments on the foundational role of the home, the LSCCM Women Affairs Officer, Alhaja Abdulhamid Jalilat, lamented the decline of quality parenting in modern Nigerian society.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s event, “Guidance and Greatness in Islam,” Alhaja Jalilat noted that the event was deliberately timed around Eid-el-Adha to draw vital life lessons from the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ismail.

Addressing the pressing issue of school kidnappings and youth involvement in crime, Jalilat emphasized that security begins at home.

“Everything comes from home. We want our youth to be righteous children; we don’t want them to be kidnappers. We parents have lost the grip on parenting, and we need to go back to the home. Most mothers are not at home anymore. The children are not orphans, but we have turned them into orphans because we are not there for them,” she stated passionately.

She also called on the government to enforce stricter punitive measures and clear public reporting when kidnappers are apprehended to serve as a deterrent.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Mission Board of Imams, Dr. Saeed Ahmed, highlighted the spiritual and psychological components of the youth training. He explained why the children were taken through extensive lessons in Seerah (the prophetic biography).

According to Dr. Ahmed, learning Seerah is vital to proving to the youth that Islamic virtues are practical, historical realities rather than abstract concepts.

“Seerah represents a practical day-to-day manifestation of the teachings of the Prophet (SAW),” Ahmed explained. “It opens the minds of young people to the facts of history, the evolution of Islamic law and how the companions navigated trials and victories. It prevents dogmatic obedience and gives context to their faith, helping them develop into well-rounded, socially responsible leaders.”

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and prayers for Lagos State and Nigeria. Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat closed her address with a message of hope, praying for bright futures for the children and a peaceful festive season for all.

“May Almighty Allah (SWT) accept our sacrifices, grant us peace in our homes and nation, and bless our children with bright and prosperous futures. Eid Mubarak to you all,” she said.

Also, Alhaja Khadijah Omotosho (Chief Education Officer, MENDE Senior High School), facilitated foundational sessions centered on character, obedience and peer resilience.