Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has called on Nigerians to serve God wholeheartedly and uphold the family unit in order to further build the country.
Speaking today at the 14th edition of the Arise Women’s Conference with the theme: “By Appointment”, held at the Trinity Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Deputy Governor stressed the important position of the family in nation-building being the first agent of socialisation and training.
He said, “It is important that we uphold the Family. I think the biggest challenge in our society today, is that the family system has broken down. If we hold the family unit, our country will grow. I think it is important that we serve God and ensure that everything we hear at the conference today is taken home and shared with our family”.
Speaking further, Dr. Hamzat stated that everyone at the conference has a major role to play in the development of the country, adding that as parents, particularly mothers, they exercise crucial function in the training and upbringing of their children in a Godly way for a better tomorrow.
While stressing that there is a need to understand the fact that the Creator directs human affairs, the Deputy Governor charged participants that they should always fulfil their pledges and promises.
He commended the organisers of the conference for putting together the event which he described as very important to the future of the country. He added that Nigerians must be people directed by the activities of God, noting that nations that have done well are compassionate as they take care of the needy and the elderly.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Convener of Arise Conference, Dr. Siju Iluyomade stressed the importance of women in governance and the socio-economic development of the nation, adding that the conference was organised to discuss and change the narrative of gender inequality and gender discrimination in the country.
She stated that it is time for women in the country to arise and take their rightful position at the helm of affairs in the country and stop being an onlooker as they are designed and appointed by God to get to those high places.
While berating the low participation of women in politics and governance, Dr. Iluyomade stated that as the 2023 elections approach, they should come out in large numbers to vote during the election. She emphasised that they need to vote to make their voice heard and if they are to influence the policies of the government.
Speaking further, Dr. Siju Iluyomade urged the government to bring back the good old days when there were security, peace, unity and no ethnicity in the country, noting that the country cannot achieve any meaningful development without these components.
