Stronger families key to achieving stability, sustainable growth, says Sanwo-Olu

The much sought-after societal stability and sustainable development will remain a mirage, if strengthening of family, as an important social institution is neglected.

The first lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stated this, at the Year 2021 Family Day Celebration by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development held on Friday.

Stressing the significance of the theme, “Stronger Families, Stronger Communities,” the first lady, represented by Mrs. Olabisi Onigbanjo, said: “This could not have come at a better time, given the need to build on the strength of the families as a unifying factor in achieving societal stability and sustainable development. The aim, therefore, is to create awareness on the indelible mark the family institution has made towards emotional, economic and spiritual well-being of the people. I am confident that if we are able to sustain strong family institution in our state, prosperous future for all is assured.”

According to Sanwo-Olu, the upsurge in such vices as drug abuse, cultism and kidnappings bedeviling the society could be traced to parents abandonment of their responsibilities to house helps in pursuit of economic activities, unwilling neighbours and unhealthy family lifestyle.

The first lady disclosed that the state government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has put in place various programmes and policies to empower residents and fight poverty through such programmes as the employment trust fund, and youth and women empowerment, among others.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Olusegun Dawodu, said the International Day of Family is marked globally by governments and organisations to celebrate the contribution of the family institution to the stability of society and create awareness on issues affecting family, to make the institution stronger in promoting social harmony and stability.

He said: “The family institution, as we all know, plays a critical role in our society as a powerful force for social cohesion and integration. As we face multiple challenges in our changing world, one factor remains constant: the timeless importance of family, and its invaluable contribution in raising the next generation of leaders is commendable. The Lagos State Government is, therefore, committed to elevating and enhancing this institution in its effort to transform the state, by promoting the interest of families and children in the state.”

The guest lecturer, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Professor Wahab Elias, attributed the disruption of family system to the advent of the second industrial revolution, which paved way for divorce and other forms of ills threatening the society.