Aug. 23, 2021

The much sought after societal stability and sustainable development by the nation will remain a mirage if proper attention is not accorded to strengthening of the family as an important social institution.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, made the declaration in her address at the Year 2021 International Family Day’s celebration with the theme, “Stronger Families, Stronger Communities”, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development in Lagos.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Olabisi Onigbanjo, said, “This event 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 can sustain a strong family institution in our State, a prosperous future for all is assured”, she noted.

According to her, the upsurge in social vices like drug abuse, cultism and kidnappings bedevilling the society could be traced to parents’ abandonment of their responsibilities to house helps, unwilling neighbours and unhealthy family lifestyle.

On economic empowerment to take good care of children, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has put in place various programmes and policies to empower residents and fight poverty through the Employment Trust Fund, Youth and Women Empowerment among others.

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

In his words: “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 their invaluable contribution in raising the next generation of leaders is commendable”.

Dawodu averred that “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 and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Professor Wahab Elias, explained that the family system breeds technology, culture, politics, religion, education, economy and other spheres that make up the totality of society.

Professor Elias attributed the disruption of the family system to the advent of the Second Industrial Revolution, which paved way for divorce and other ills threatening society.