Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has implored parents to take concerted efforts at raising their children to understand the essence of life of being on earth.

    Speaking at the 2025 Eid-ul-adha celebration hosted by the first family of Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Kadril Hamzat, stated that it is important that parents look after their children because they are the future. 

    Commenting on the Eid celebration, the deputy governor said that every Muslims should thank God that they witnessed another celebration which is by God’s mercy. He prayed that more of the celebration would be witnessed. 

    He, however, tasked them not to allow the celebration to becloud them of the essence of the Eid. He added that the Eid celebration is not the sacrificing ram as Allah does not the meat or the blood but the spirit behind the celebration, which is about compassion, especially to the less privileged. 

  In her welcome address, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Olufemi Hamzat, said the theme of this year’s celebration— “My Lord, Make This Land Secure”— echoes a timeless prayer from Prophet Ibrahim (AS), which remains relevant today. 

  “In a time when our nation seeks lasting peace and stability, this verse is a reminder of our shared responsibility to foster harmony, uphold justice, and protect one another. We pray that Allah will continue to preserve Lagos and every corner of Nigeria from insecurity, disunity, poverty, and all forms of hardship.

  “I take a moment to specially recognise and celebrate the leadership of our Chief Imams and esteemed clerics, whose unwavering commitment to Islamic guidance, community upliftment, and moral leadership continues to strengthen our society. Likewise, I applaud all Islamic organisations for their contributions—from dawah to healthcare, education, and social outreach. May Allah accept your efforts as acts of Ibadah and reward you abundantly.”

    She commended the state visionary leaders, most notably His Excellency, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, her husband, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as well as other cabinet members for their tireless dedication to the progress and peaceful co-existence of all residents in Lagos State.

    “Under their stewardship, Lagos continues to stand as a beacon of development, unity, and good governance. May Almighty Allah grant them wisdom and success in their responsibilities.

  “As we gather here today, our prayers go out to our brothers and sisters currently performing Hajj. We ask Allah, the Most Merciful, to accept their pilgrimage, forgive their shortcomings, and grant them safe passage back to their families. May their devotion uplift their homes and extend their blessings to our communities and nation at large. 

  “Let us also remember the spiritual significance of this day. As the Qur’an says in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 37: chapter 22, “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.” Our sacrifices must be guided by sincerity, righteousness, and a genuine commitment to a better society. Similarly, Surah An-Nahl, verse 97, chapter 16, reminds us: “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer – We will surely grant them a good life.” A secure land begins with secure, God-conscious hearts.”