Warns of social media influence, secularism
The Maria Assumpta Catholic Chaplaincy at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Shasha, Lagos State, has expressed concern over the rising rate of moral decadence in society, attributing the trend to a decline in proper parental responsibility as upheld in the past.

Principal of Vita Christi Catholic College, Idimu, Rev. Fr. (Dr) Ignatius Okoligwe, while speaking at a football competition held to commemorate Catholic Mother’s Day, said that many women had neglected their role in shaping the society by allowing social media and secularism to consume the time that should be invested in family life, warning that unless there is a return to more traditional parenting roles, the situation could worsen in the coming years.

He said: “Before now, women are role models. But you know, because of secularism, the influence of social media, and so many things, most of the mothers have challenges that even taking care of their family morally is very, very difficult. So, my advice to the women is that every woman should go back to the drawing board and know the role they have to play.”

He therefore urged women to serve as the moral compass for their children, warning that they must be cautious about any actions that could negatively influence their children.

Okoligwe, who urged women to reassess their responsibilities and return to core values, such as modesty, discipline, and prudence, noted that restoring these values is essential to raising responsible children and building a better society.

“They should pay closer attention to the type of clothes they wear as well as the music they listen to. Everything they are doing before their children, they should be careful with it. Unlike before, women, before their children, behave modestly. But this time around, some no longer care and this is all degenerating to the problem we are all facing in our society,” he stated.

He described Mother’s Day as a day dedicated to honouring women and recognising their contributions to the family, the church, and society, noting that the Catholic celebration is also inspired by the example of Mother Mary, who was regarded as a model of virtue for women.

On her part, the Catholic Women President, Maria Assumpta, Dr (Mrs) Irene George, noted that one of the contemporary challenges facing women is their failure to balance spirituality with practical action.

“It is not every problem that demands prayer all the time. For some, it just requires us to take actions. As a Christian, we must always know the right thing to do at the appropriate time,” she stressed.

She, however, described this year’s Mother’s Day celebration as a blend of innovation, unity, and spiritual growth, aimed at strengthening families and promoting positive values in society.

George noted that the football match, organised as part of the activities marking the celebration, was designed to encourage fitness, reduce stress, and foster bonding among the women.

According to her, the inclusion of sporting activities reflects a shift from traditional celebrations to more engaging and health-conscious initiatives.

In his remark, the Priest in charge of Maria Assumpta Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Agbo, stressed that the celebration was an avenue by the church to recognise the efforts and role women play in shaping and influencing positive behaviour in society.