The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has blamed social challenges on breakdown of value system and neglect of morality, urging Nigerians to renew commitment to good parenting.

Hamzat made the call at the Criterion, Association of Women in Businesses and Professions International Conference at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Thursday.

The conference had the theme: “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economic and Social Challenges”.

The deputy governor said that moral decline in Nigeria was a direct reflection of poor parenting and erosion of discipline in homes.

He said that values such as respect, honesty and hard work must become the foundation of family life.

The deputy governor emphasised the need to take care of the family unit.

He said: “No nation can rise above the moral quality of its citizens.

“The future of any nation depends on the youth, because they are the future leaders.

“If we don’t make conscious efforts to develop and train them on our culture, beliefs and value system, then the nation will run into trouble.

“The most important unit in any society is the family, and if that is broken, then everything is lost.”

Citing examples of young people involved in criminal and ritual activities, Hamzat said that it was no longer about breaking glass ceilings but about holding the family together.

According to him, every strong society is built on good homes and responsible parenting.

He urged organisations such as the Criterion to continue to partner with the state government in initiatives that would strengthen families, uplift women and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Hamzat said that through its Ministry of Women Affairs and the Employment Trust Fund, Lagos State Government was addressing challenges facing micro, small and medium enterprises.

He said that while the initiative supported all entrepreneurs, the resilience of women-owned enterprises had inspired the government’s contribution to development and finding lasting solutions.

According to Hamzat, data shows that 79 per cent of successful businesses are owned by women.

He said it prompted the state to focus on supporting and strengthening women-led enterprises.

He added that the government provided not only grants but also essential training on bookkeeping, employee management and access to capital.

According to him, this ensures entrepreneurs will understand how to sustain and expand their businesses.

Olayinka Karim, Vice-Chancellor, Fountain University, Oshogbo, said that the conference challenged Muslim women to transcend societal, economic and cultural barriers.

According to her, the conference would help women to increase in knowledge, faith and resilience, as well as lead with dignity and purpose.

Karim, who was represented by the immediate past World Women Affairs Secretary of Nasfat, Alhaja Suwebat Kupolati, said that education was the foundation of empowerment.

She said: “Through technology, women can learn, innovate and lead from anywhere.

“Empowering women, especially Muslim women in agriculture and fisheries, as Islam explains, means empowering families, communities and the nation.

“Digital literacy for women is not optional; it is a religious responsibility and a national necessity.

“We must bridge the gap by investing in affordable internet, digital tools and STEM education for women and girls.

“When a woman learns, she lifts a generation.”

On economic instability, unemployment and moral decline in Nigeria, the don said that women must revive faith-driven cultural models promoting community, charity, hard work and modesty.

She said that breaking the glass ceiling should not be rebellion, but a revelation.

“It is about rediscovering the purpose Allah placed within every woman – to nurture, to lead, to enlighten and to build.”

Earlier, the International Ameerah of the Criterion, Alhaja Medinat Akanni, said that the theme of the conference was apt and resonated with the present economic situation facing women all over the world,

Akanni said that the aim of the association was to encourage, promote and foster the spirit of Islamic sisterhood, peace, development and economic stability.

“The theme of the event illustrates the economic situation facing women not only in Nigeria but the world at large,” she said.