By Oki O. Samson
The 8th edition of the PCRC Lagos Women Conference, held in collaboration with the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA/PWA) in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, brought renewed calls for stronger parental involvement in raising value-driven children.
Speaking at the event, themed “Raising Children of Light in a Dark World,” Dr. Ajoke Olufunmilola Ogunsan urged Nigerian mothers and community leaders to take greater responsibility in shaping the character of young people.
The business leader, who is the Managing Director of Executive Trainers Ltd, warned that moral decline, increasing social pressures and digital influences were challenging traditional family systems.
She said society was experiencing what she described as “moral darkness, spiritual blindness, and the erosion of truth,” stressing that parents must become positive role models for their children.
Dr. Ogunsan told the audience that raising responsible children begins with parents demonstrating the values they expect to see. “Children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told,” she said.
She cautioned families against outsourcing parenting to social media and peer groups, adding that homes must remain strongholds of discipline, truth and love.
According to her, consistent communication, mentorship, accountability and prayer are essential tools for nurturing emotionally stable and morally grounded youths.
During the conference, Dr. Ogunsan received a PCRC Award of Excellence in recognition of her contributions to youth development and humanitarian causes.
Other award recipients included Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Mrs. Risqat Oluwatoyin Jimoh, Dame Adesola Adepetu and several civic and community leaders.
PCRC Lagos Chairman, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo, said the women’s conference began during the EndSARS period as an effort to involve mothers in promoting peace and stability.
He commended the PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji, and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
Lagos PCRC Women Coordinator, Dr. Helen Animashaun, described the conference as a forum for dialogue on national progress. She also announced the death of committee member Mrs. Adeleke, prompting a one-minute silence.
Representing the wife of the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Aminat Yusuf praised the PCRC for complementing police efforts in maintaining community safety.
She also commended the officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command for their commitment to keeping the state secure.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and OC Gender, ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem, delivered a session on security awareness, advising parents to build harmonious relationships with their children to reduce risks.
The conference ended with participants expressing renewed commitment to promoting value-driven parenting across Lagos communities and beyond.
