The First Lady of Lagos State, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called on parents to take a more intentional role in shaping the moral and spiritual lives of their children, emphasizing that responsible parenting is essential for building a better society.
She made this appeal during the 2026 Lagos State Family Easter Fiesta held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, where children from different backgrounds gathered to celebrate the Easter season with the First Family.
In a departure from conventional event formats, the First Lady adopted a storytelling approach, sitting in a circle with the children as she shared the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. She explained that despite His acts of goodness, He experienced both acceptance and rejection, urging the children to reflect on the deeper meaning of Easter beyond celebrations.
Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of teaching children about Christian seasons, noting that such knowledge plays a vital role in shaping their character and values. According to her, understanding Easter helps children embrace virtues such as kindness, forgiveness, and faith.
She added that a strong foundation in Christ empowers children to live with confidence, courage, and joy.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, urged parents and school administrators to educate children on the dangers of social vices, including cultism, bullying, and drug abuse. He further emphasized the need for responsible use of social media, recommending that it be primarily used for academic purposes.
Earlier, the Director of Protocol in the Office of the First Lady, Bukola Gbajabiamila, welcomed attendees and advised children to remain safety-conscious while participating in the day’s activities. He also commended the First Family for sustaining the annual event, which promotes unity and inclusion by bringing together children—including those with special needs—and elderly citizens from care homes.
Delivering a short exhortation, Opeyemi Victor Adeyemo of St. John’s Anglican Church, Apapa, encouraged the children to embrace the message of Easter, centered on love, hope, and victory. Referencing Matthew 28:6–8, he reminded them that the resurrection of Christ symbolizes new life and joy for believers.
Using relatable illustrations, the cleric compared the stone at Jesus’ tomb to life’s challenges, assuring the children that just as the stone was rolled away, they too can overcome obstacles through faith in God. He urged them to trust in God and show love to others at others all the time.