The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has urged Nigerians to use the holy periods of Ramadan and Lent for repentance, moral reflection, and the restoration of family values.
Epe Insights reports that Hamzat made the call during the Annual Ramadan Lecture held at the FOA Primary School compound in Idado, Ibeju-Lekki, where he joined community leaders including Abdullahi Sesan Olowa and other dignitaries.
The annual lecture was organised in honour of the late parents of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo.
The late parents being honoured are Kalifa Shuaib Ogunbo and Kalifa Basira Omolamakey Ogunbo.
The theme of the 2026 lecture was “Divine Justice: Repentance, Restitution and Re-Alignment.”
Speaking at the gathering, Hamzat emphasised that societal peace begins when individuals follow the teachings of God and treat their neighbours with dignity and respect.
He noted that many of the challenges confronting society, including insecurity and distrust, stem from the failure of individuals to obey divine teachings contained in the Qur’an and the Bible.
According to the Deputy Governor, the essence of being a good Muslim, and indeed a responsible human being, lies in respecting others and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Hamzat stressed that Islam teaches that a person cannot be regarded as a good Muslim if their neighbours cannot live peacefully because of their actions.
He explained that wrongdoing affects fellow human beings rather than God, noting that when religious teachings prohibit acts such as stealing, the harm is inflicted on neighbours and the community.
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the importance of love, harmony, and mutual respect as key elements for building a peaceful and united society.
He further emphasised the critical role of parents in shaping the character of the younger generation through proper moral guidance and education.
According to him, children must be taught to distinguish between right and wrong while understanding the importance of respecting elders.
Hamzat noted that respect for elders is a shared value across Nigeria’s diverse cultures, including Yoruba, Igbo, and other ethnic traditions.
He therefore called on parents, especially fathers, to fulfil their responsibilities by caring for their families and guiding their children with moral discipline.
Earlier in his welcome address, Ogungbo explained that the Ramadan lecture was established 19 years ago by his late parents as an act of devotion and service to humanity.
He said the gathering has grown over the years into a meaningful platform for spiritual reflection and moral consciousness within society.
Ogungbo noted that the annual Tafsir has evolved into a forum where faith, knowledge, and public responsibility intersect.
The platform, he said, allows leaders, scholars, professionals, and community members to reflect on the moral principles guiding their lives and leadership.
Delivering the lecture, Islamic cleric Abdul-Wakeel Ogungbo stressed the importance of repentance and restitution in achieving divine justice.
He urged individuals who have committed wrongdoing to seek sincere repentance before death and correct their actions.
The cleric warned that every action carried out by humans is recorded and will be accounted for before God.
He noted that many of the social challenges facing Nigeria today are consequences of human actions such as injustice, dishonesty, and other moral failures.
Ogungbo therefore called on citizens to reflect on their conduct and live according to the teachings of God.
He concluded by encouraging individuals to practice self-restraint, remember God at all times, and maintain friendships that promote positive values.
