The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Lagos State chapter, has urged mothers to prioritise the moral and religious upbringing of their children amid growing societal challenges.
The call was made at the association’s 38th Family Day held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, themed: “Strengthening Faith and Moral Values in Challenging Times: The Muslim Woman to the Rescue.”
Special guest of Honor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need for parents, particularly mothers, to deliberately pass down Islamic teachings and values to the younger generation.
Represented by the Senior Adviser on Islamic Matters, Abdullah Jebe, the governor stressed the importance of creating platforms where children across different age groups can be engaged and guided morally, noting that the strength of society lies in the values instilled at home.
“Mothers, you were trained by your parents in Islam—how about children of these days? We must ensure they are imbibed with the teachings of Islam and remain grounded. Social media alone cannot raise morally sound children; parents must lead by example and provide proper guidance,” he said.
Delivering the keynote lecture, “Strengthening Faith and Moral Values in Challenging Times: The Muslim Woman to the Rescue,” Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara State, Justice Abdurraheem Sayi, underscored the central role of women in shaping morally upright families and societies.
“Women are endowed with unique strength and resilience that enable them to nurture and sustain families. From childbirth to raising children and excelling in various fields, women possess qualities that position them as primary transmitters of values within the family,” he said.
He added that while men play protective roles, women remain pivotal in instilling virtues, warning that a lack of commitment to this responsibility could pose long-term societal risks.
“If women are not equipped with the right values to pass on, it becomes a time bomb for the future. They must remain committed to their duties and uphold the moral fabric of society,” he said.
Also speaking, the Amirah of FOMWAN Lagos, Alhaja Sherifat Ajagbe, described the 2026 edition as significant, combining multiple milestones for the association.
“This year’s event is loaded. We are celebrating our anniversary in Lagos, honouring our founding mothers and fathers, and preparing for a leadership transition,” she said.
Ajagbe noted that the theme was carefully selected in response to increasing moral decline among youths.
“Society is changing, and we are witnessing a decline in values. Mothers must rise to their responsibilities—not just socially, but spiritually and morally. The upbringing of a child begins at home,” she said.
She urged participants to internalise the lessons from the event and remain steadfast in their roles as caregivers and moral guides.
“The future is already here, and it depends on us. We must fulfil our responsibilities as shepherds of our children to build a better society,” she added.