Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has charged parents to instill proper values and a sound upbringing in their children, emphasizing the importance of raising responsible individuals who will uphold family legacies and ensure their parents are remembered for good even after death.
Speaking at the 10th Year Remembrance and prayer in honour of His Excellency, Late Chief Rafiu Bakare Jafojo, the first civilian Deputy Governor of Lagos State who served from 1979 to 1983, at the Ikeja Central Mosque, Ikeja, on Friday, the Governor reflected on the enduring legacy of the late statesman and his contributions to governance and development in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the foundation of a strong and morally upright society begins at home, urging parents to be intentional in guiding their children with discipline, good character, and a sense of responsibility that will positively reflect on the family name long after they are gone.
According to him, “The generation of the Late Jafojo did well, they raised their children in a way that they must do what is right for positive remembrance of their parents when they cease to be no more. So the late Jafojo is a blessing for us and for our own generation. But the question is, how are we raising our children? How would we be remembered when we are gone? It’s mandated by God that we should pray for our dead parents, which is the most important thing”.
The Governor further urged citizens to uphold integrity in all their endeavours, stressing that, beyond raising well-brought-up children, individuals must also commit to living uprightly, emphasising the need for diligent service to the nation. He called on the people to dedicate themselves to the greater good of the country rather than personal gain, in the same spirit of selfless service demonstrated by the earlier generation.
He added that it is only befitting to honour that generation, which is why their legacy continues to be celebrated.
While responding to the values gained from the late Deputy Governor, Sanwo-Olu noted that the foremost quality he emulated was his simplicity, describing it as a defining trait of his leadership and personal life.
He reiterated that leaders of that generation were driven by a genuine love for the state, prioritizing service over personal interests, with a clear focus on the development and advancement of the youth.
“Their approach to governance was anchored on selfless service, humility, and the ability to relate with people across all social strata, regardless of status. These enduring values remain instructive. Without simplicity, there can be no meaningful progress or hope for society,” he concluded.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ikeja Central Mosque, Ikeja, Alhaji Khamorudeen Ilo, admonished all believers to cultivate the fear of Allah and fully submit to His will, emphasizing that such devotion should be reflected in their daily lives as exemplified during Friday prayers, in strict adherence to the teachings and doctrines of Islam.
The Cleric also urged adherents to promote positivity within their communities and environment, noting that their words have a direct impact on societal development, saying, “I beseech you to always speak positively of your environment, community, and governance; say things that will bring development to your surroundings and not negative utterances, as these are counted as sin before Almighty Allah.”
