Nigeria: Lagos deputy governor warns against over-pampering children

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has cautioned parents against over-indulging their children, warning that it could lead to disastrous consequences for families and society. Speaking at the sixth annual Ramadan lecture, Hamzat emphasized the importance of balancing love and support with discipline and responsibility.

Hamzat stressed that proper moral training and character development are crucial for raising responsible adults. He noted that societal stability and progress depend on strong family units, and that rising social challenges are linked to parents’ failure to provide guidance and value-based upbringing.

The deputy governor urged religious leaders to reinforce responsible parenting in their teachings, emphasizing discipline, care, and moral development. He also highlighted the need for parents to instill God-consciousness in their children and teach them to respect others.

Prof. Abdulrazaq Alaro, who delivered a lecture on building a pristine home, lamented that Nigeria is failing to build an ideal society due to family breakdown and parental neglect. He emphasized that stakeholders must uphold strong family values within the community.