Abuja: Stakeholders, including clerics and leaders of civil society groups, have urged mothers to uphold and instill family values in their children to curb the spate of youthful vices in society. They made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of a Women's Roundtable held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organized by Family Rebuilders Outreach, an NGO that supports and empowers women to effectively play their roles in families for a better society. The roundtable gathered thought leaders and women from various backgrounds to learn and develop strategies to navigate modern challenges confronting women, particularly in motherhood.
The stakeholders expressed concerns over the prevalence of issues such as drug abuse, illicit sex, indolence, disobedience to authorities, and other harmful behaviors among young people. They emphasized the importance of addressing these issues at the family level to prevent negative impacts on the larger society and preserve family legacies.
The stakeholders highlighted the significant role mothers play in addressing youth vices by instilling moral values and providing support and direction. They noted that while mothers are uniquely positioned to influence their children's development, economic pressures have led some to neglect these responsibilities.
Pastor Enifome Kings-Jack, President of Know God More International Ministry, emphasized the crucial role women have in guiding their children in the fear of God. She urged mothers to be attentive, observant, and positive role models, leveraging religious teachings to help their children resist negative influences.
Mrs. Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of the Abuja chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, encouraged women to develop themselves to effectively lead others. She stressed the importance of women being intentional in planning their lives and families to leave a lasting legacy.
Mrs. Frances Ndu, Founder of Today's Happy Woman Safe Place, called on mothers to be more proactive in monitoring their children. She emphasized that providing education and material needs is not enough; mothers must also teach and exemplify values and morals.
Earlier, Mrs. Beatrice Anachuna, Founder of Family Rebuilders Outreach, highlighted the need to revive core values like honesty, kindness, respect, hard work, love, and contentment. Anachuna stated that the organization's main goal is to reduce divorce rates and family degradation in Nigeria by supporting women through marriage, parenting, and motherhood.
NAN reports that the roundtable featured paper presentations on key thematic areas addressing both family and career life for women.