Guide your children amid technological advancement – Hamzat warns parents at Ramadan lecture
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has called on parents to actively guide their children on the right path, stressing the need to instill strong moral values to preserve humanity’s core principles of compassion, love, unity, and peace.
Dr. Hamzat made the call on Sunday during the Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Council, held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island.
Themed “Understanding the Inner Dimensions of Islamic Brotherhood,” the event brought together scholars, government officials, and members of the Muslim community.
The deputy governor highlighted the rapid advancements in science and technology, warning that without proper parental guidance, children could lose essential human values. He particularly noted concerns about the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital innovations on young minds.
“The challenges in Nigeria include youthful exuberance and the growing trend of money rituals, among other vices. With the rise of science and technology, how do we protect our children, particularly Muslims, from the negative impact of AI?
“It is our responsibility as parents to train and guide them because technology may take away the essence of humanity if left unchecked,” he said.
Dr. Hamzat also emphasized the importance of parental involvement despite busy schedules, noting that guidance and nurturing play a crucial role in shaping the future of children.
Commending the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society for its century-long contributions to education and religious enlightenment, he praised the organization’s efforts in sustaining its founding principles. “The people who started this initiative were not necessarily wealthy, but they had a vision for Muslim education, and it has been sustained for over 100 years. We must appreciate every member for their dedication,” he added.
Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), also addressed the gathering, urging Nigerians to remain patient and trust in the government’s efforts to improve the nation.
“I believe our country will be great if we can be patient and calm. Joy will come. Let us live in harmony, and we will all enjoy the greatness of Nigeria,” Fashola said.
Delivering the lecture, the National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur’Rahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, stressed the importance of unity and compassion in Islam. He noted that the religion encourages love, kindness, and mercy towards all, regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds.
“We need to live in peace with ourselves. Allah teaches us to be compassionate, merciful, and caring towards others. There is no true faith if our relationship with Allah is perfect but our relationship with fellow humans is hostile or toxic,” he said.
Sheikh Ahmad further urged Muslims to learn from other religious groups that prioritize the welfare of their members, emphasizing that Islam is a universal religion of love and inclusivity.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Council, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Salaudeen, encouraged Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan for spiritual and moral renewal. He called on the faithful to extend kindness and support to those struggling due to the country’s economic challenges.
“Extend a hand of succor and assistance to the needy, the poor, and the less privileged around you. May Almighty Allah accept all our good deeds as acts of worship,” he said.
Alhaji Salaudeen reaffirmed the society’s commitment to showcasing the true beauty of Islam to non-Muslims. He noted that Ansar-Ud-Deen has consistently promoted high moral values and implemented life-changing programs that highlight Islam’s message of peace, love, and unity.
