The Lagos State Government has called on parents, guardians, caregivers and other stakeholders to embrace positive and intentional parenting as a critical step towards raising responsible children, strengthening family values and building a safer and more prosperous society.
Eko Hot News reports that the call was made during the 2026 Parenting Programme organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA). The event, themed “Transforming Families Through Positive and Intentional Parenting,” was held on Thursday, July 16, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The programme attracted parents, caregivers, development partners, members of the media, stakeholders and ministry officials, who gathered to discuss practical strategies for strengthening the family institution and addressing the realities of raising children in today’s rapidly changing society.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. (Mrs.) Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described the family as the foundation where children first develop their values, attitudes and character.
She said the home environment plays a vital role in shaping children’s emotional well-being, confidence and future behaviour, stressing that parenting extends beyond meeting children’s physical needs.
According to the Commissioner, intentional parenting requires parents to consciously instil discipline, empathy, respect, emotional stability and sound moral values in their children.
“Every word spoken, every action taken and every example set by parents contributes to the kind of adults children eventually become,” she stated.
Hon. Dada noted that modern parents face growing challenges arising from technology, social media, peer influence, changing family structures and evolving societal values, making deliberate parenting more important than ever.
She expressed concern over the increasing influence of social media, particularly on Generation Z, warning that while digital platforms provide opportunities for learning and innovation, they also expose young people to cyberbullying, harmful content, distorted values and negative peer pressure.
The Commissioner urged parents to actively monitor their children’s online activities, maintain open communication and provide the guidance necessary to help them make responsible decisions in the digital age.
She further stressed the importance of creating homes where children feel loved, respected, heard and emotionally secure.
Hon. Dada also linked several societal challenges—including domestic violence, substance abuse, bullying, juvenile delinquency and other anti-social behaviours—to unhealthy family relationships and inadequate parental guidance.
According to her, strengthening parenting practices remains one of the most effective ways of raising responsible citizens and building peaceful communities.
She reaffirmed Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting families through policies and programmes that protect women and children while equipping parents with the knowledge and skills needed to raise emotionally healthy and responsible children.
The Commissioner added that the Ministry’s Domestic Violence Unit continues to organise family-focused interventions aimed at promoting responsible parenting, preventing domestic violence and strengthening family relationships.
Facilitating the programme, the Executive Director of the Women’s Rights and Health Project, Mrs. Bose Ironsi, described parents as the first advocates and role models for their children.
She encouraged parents to adopt parenting styles built on love, trust, communication and mutual respect rather than fear, intimidation or excessive control.
Mrs. Ironsi cautioned against the frequent use of harsh words when correcting children, warning that negative communication could have lasting emotional and psychological effects.
She also urged parents to minimise conflicts within the home, noting that children are often deeply affected by the emotional environment in which they are raised.
Expressing concern over the growing number of absent parents, she called on both fathers and mothers to remain actively involved in every stage of their children’s development.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, described the family as the first school where children learn love, responsibility, discipline, compassion and integrity.
She encouraged participants to apply the lessons learnt during the programme in their homes, stressing that every family built on patience, understanding and mutual respect contributes to a more peaceful Lagos State.
Mrs. Onigbanjo appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for family development, child protection and social inclusion.
She also commended the Commissioner, Hon. (Mrs.) Bolaji Cecilia Dada, for her leadership in advancing initiatives that strengthen families across the state.
The Permanent Secretary further acknowledged the contributions of the Director of the Domestic Violence Unit, Mrs. Abiola Osifowokan, development partners, facilitators, caregivers, stakeholders, ministry staff and members of the media for ensuring the success of the programme.
The event concluded with a renewed call on parents and caregivers to embrace positive and intentional parenting as a shared responsibility in raising emotionally secure, morally upright and responsible children.
Participants were also encouraged to access support services provided by the Ministry’s Domestic Violence Unit, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the Office of the Public Defender, the Child Protection Network and the Women’s Rights and Health Project whenever the need arises.
The programme reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s belief that strong families remain the bedrock of a safer, more inclusive and prosperous society.
