Obasa tasks Nigerians women on children’s moral value, upbringing

Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, has tasked Nigerians especially women to revert back to their cultural role of ensuring good upbringing of their wards with a bid to reverse the ugly trend of prevailing social decadence.

The Speaker Rt. Hon. Obasa took this instructive stance while delivering his welcome speech as the Chief Host of the 16th Annual Hijrah (Yawma-I-Arbia’ 5th Safar,1447AH) themed: “The Muslim Woman and Societal Reformation: Balancing Between Islamic Culture and Western Civilisation.”

Obasa said that: “As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) wisely stated, ‘If the society is good, we should look at the women; if it is bad, we should also look at the women’.

“This calls us to examine the behaviors that betray our values and lead to societal decay.

“It is essential we address these issues, reaffirm our commitment to uplifting all women, and reinforce the importance of educating and empowering them to resist such temptations.

“We must strive to provide not only legal protections, as demonstrated by the recent enactment of laws protecting women’s and girls’ rights in Lagos State.

“We should also have a robust framework that promotes women participation and positive influence within our communities.”

The speaker noted that it also important to preserve Islamic values via its deliberate inculcation of education, civic responsibility, and ethical leadership in the children and youngsters.

Obasa enumareted the various efforts of the Lagos Assembly to protect women and children.

He referenced laws enacted against domestic and sexual violence, the establishment of sexual violence response desks in all local government areas, and the domestication of the Child Rights Act.

“Lagos was the first state to domesticate the Child Rights Act to ensure the protection of children, especially the girl child.

“We have also passed legislation to criminalize rape and gender-based violence,”

The Chairman of Year 2025 Hijrah celebration Hon Nureni Akinsanya and member of the House had earlier, highlighted the challenges that confronts Muslim women in balancing Islamic principles with societal demands.

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Akinsanya, proposed that female civil servants be posted closer to their homes and granted maternity leave with child-support allowances to ease their responsibilities both at work and at home.

On his part, the Guest lecturer, Prof. Jameelah Yaqub of Lagos State University, lamented the rising cases of corruption and drug addiction among youths.

Yaqub emphasised the role of women in nation-building through proper parenting and moral upbringing.

She said when they train a woman, they train a nation, calling for more female-friendly policies in the workplace.

In the second lecture, Prof. Abdurrazzaq Alaro urged Muslims not to trade their eternal reward for worldly gains, stressing the need to focus on legacy and values.

Alaro condemned actions that hinder Muslim women’s rights.

He recalled the alleged directive by JAMB for some candidates to remove their hijab during registration for the 2025 exams—despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of hijab usage.

Alaro urged the lawmakers, especially those in state assemblies, to act as the true voices of the people.

“Your responsibilities as lawmakers are enormous. You must defend the values and rights of your constituents,” he said.

Reacting to some of the lecturers prayers for prompt action by the Assembly, Obasa maintained that the House had been quite magnanimous in churning out laws that affords the women much consideration.

He added that a nursing mother in Lagos state has six months off-work with all entitlements paid in order to enable them take adequate care of the child.

“We realize the fact that the situation is getting out of hand. Our women need to know that there is a need to pay attention to our children educate them morally so, that the society can enjoy their offspring.

On issue regarding Hijab wearing, the speaker hinted that it is no longer a bone of contention in the state.

“The Hijab thing has been addressed and I do not believe that it is happening again in our state but generally, I think we should do more to push this narrative, at least to let people understand that each person has right to belong to any religious of his or her choice.

“He or she should be able to put into practice, full concept of such religion because putting on Hijab has nothing to do with the society.

”I don’t think it is a crime using Hijab to the exam hall. If there is facility in place, there should be no fear of using Hijab to commit malpractice in the hall.

“So, I think the authority should do better to manage such situation instead of depriving people the right to exercise or practice their religion.” Obasa said.