Fix the family, save the nation – Alaafin
Alaafin of Oyo
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has emphasized that an effective child protection system is essential for any nation aspiring for meaningful growth and development. He also linked the rising rate of youth crime in Nigeria to the increasing collapse of marriages and family structures.
Oba Owoade made the remarks today while addressing pupils of the Federal College of Education (Special) Basic School, Durbar, Oyo town. His comments were contained in a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The monarch warned that planning for development without enforceable child protection laws, policies, and services across social sectors would be futile. He stressed that prosperous nations are those where family stability and children’s welfare are treated as top priorities.
“Children represent the future, and ensuring their healthy growth and development must be a prime concern for all,” the Alaafin said. “Unfortunately, despite existing laws such as Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003, many children still face abuse, neglect, and exploitation because of weak enforcement and lack of political will.”
He condemned various forms of child abuse, including corporal punishment in schools, parental neglect, and sexual abuse within families and institutions. According to him, such acts leave lasting psychological scars and often go unpunished.
Oba Owoade urged Nigerians to embrace a moral and cultural rebirth that prioritises family values and child welfare, warning that the disintegration of homes poses a grave danger to national stability.
“The rising rate of broken marriages and its effects on children have become a ticking time bomb,” he cautioned. “Many of today’s crimes are being committed by children from unstable homes. We must restore the sanctity of marriage and family if we want to build a stronger and safer society.”
The monarch also called on citizens to support the current administration’s efforts to transform the country, stressing that sustainable development begins with strong families and responsible parenting.
