President Muhammadu Buhari says for Nigeria to prosper as a country, it must recognise the key role that the family plays.
Addressing participants at a conference on “Repositioning the Muslim Family for National Development”, the President commended the initiators of the conference at a critical time in the country’s history.
While noting that his administration is not unmindful that the economic survival of the family is paramount, the Nigerian leader urged fathers to go the extra mile in looking after the children.
He said in a bid to take children out of the streets, his administration has initiated the school feeding programme.
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The President appealed to participants at the conference to come up with practical and workable recommendations for curbing the problem of divorce and marital discord.
In her remarks, the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, said the root cause of the country’s social problem is the gradual collapse of the institution of marriage.
She noted that the aim of the conference is to explore ways of eliminating marital challenges with the believe that they will do justice to marital responsibilities and vulnerable children including the Almajiris that are now threatening the security of the country.
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In his presentation, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi Ii, insists that Almajiri is not the problem but their irresponsible fathers that push them to the streets.
He maintained that it is unislamic for a man to beat his wife noting that a man should take responsibility for his wife and children.
The Royal Father appealed to fathers not to allow their children to beg, insisting that those who fail should be arrested.
He urged government to provide social safety net for women and ensure that justice is provided for them.
