By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged parents to instill strong moral values and discipline in their children, stressing that proper upbringing is key to building a responsible society and preserving family legacies.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Friday during the 10th Year Remembrance and prayer in honour of the late Chief Rafiu Bakare Jafojo, Nigeria’s first civilian Deputy Governor of Lagos State, held at the Ikeja Central Mosque. He was represented at the event by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
The Governor reflected on the legacy of the late Jafojo, who served between 1979 and 1983, describing him as a symbol of humility, selfless service, and commitment to public good.
He urged parents to be intentional in raising children who would be remembered positively, noting that strong family values remain the foundation of societal development.
“The generation of the late Jafojo raised their children in a way that ensures positive remembrance. The question is, how are we raising our own children today?” he said, adding that prayers for deceased parents remain an important duty in line with religious teachings.
Sanwo-Olu also called on citizens to embrace integrity, humility, and selfless service, urging them to prioritize national development over personal gain.
He praised the late Jafojo’s simplicity, describing it as a defining quality of leadership in that era, and noted that leaders of his generation were guided by service to the people and commitment to youth development.
In a sermon, the Chief Imam of Ikeja Central Mosque, Alhaji Khamorudeen Ilo, urged worshippers to fear God and reflect Islamic teachings in their daily conduct.
He also encouraged positive speech and constructive engagement within society, warning that harmful utterances could hinder community development.
