Parents, all over, have been called upon to return their children to good value systems of old that would make them to be morally and culturally upright for the betterment of the society at large.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made the call when he delivered an address at the 41st Annual Hijrah celebration 1448AH, with the theme: "Hijrah as a Role Model for Strategic Change" put together by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), held at the Pavilion, Alake Palace, Ake, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Senator representing Ogun Central at the Green Chambers, Abuja, Senator Shuaib Salisu, Governor Abiodun said all efforts must be geared at training children in a proper way, as untrained ones will wreck all the achievements of the parents.

He said this Hijrah celebration should be used to bring the erring children back on track as the present age is one where parents indulge and encourage children to go into vices.

"We're in a time where parents encourage children to go into vices, if children are engaging in the wrong things, the parents should be held responsible because parents are no longer taking full responsibilities over these children. I urge you to go back home and call your children to order. Let them be part of your religion and let them know what you're doing for a living", the Gov. said.

Describing Hijrah as not just a calendar year, but a movement from vices to virtues, a triumph over difficult and challenging situations, and a communal living in peace and harmony with people of diverse faith, Gov. Abiodun congratulated the Muslim community for witnessing the new year and urged them to continue in the good strides that the religion is known for.

He assured them that his administration will continue to be fair, just and equitable as demonstrated in the last 7 years and solicited for more support and prayers in order for him to serve the State better till the very last day.

In a goodwill message, the Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, said Hijrah remains one of the most defining moments in the Islamic history, and added that it was not merely a migration but a divinely guided strategy of transformation built on faith, vision, sacrifice, resilience and purposeful leadership.

He noted that it should also serve as a reminder to the Muslim faithful of Allah's comfort and assurance in moments of difficulty as His words continue to inspire believers that in moments of uncertainty, divine support and guidance remain constant.

The Head of Service emphasized that the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun recognizes that true development is anchored on the quality of human capital and has continued to invest in capacity building, digital transformation, workforce development and institutional reforms to ensure a modern, efficient and responsive Civil/Public Service.

"As we reflect on the lessons of Hijrah, let us embrace unity, tolerance, discipline and selfless service to humanity. Let us also continue to pray for our leaders, our State and the nation for divine wisdom and guidance", the HoS charged.

Adding their voices in separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu and the Chairman of the Occasion, Engr. Abdul-Hamid Omo-Owo, said Hijrah symbolizes moving from wrongs deeds to right ones and called on the Muslim community to rededicate themselves to doing the right things at all times as the day is commemorated.

On his part, the Guest Lecturer, the first Kuliya Ngari of Ilorin Emirate, Prof. Yusuf Ali, who spoke extensively on the theme, said Hijrah involved a deliberate transition from persecution and vulnerability to security, stability and growth, and added that through visionary leadership, meticulous planning, effective resource management, teamwork and unwavering faith, Prophet Muhammad successfully transformed a marginalized community into a thriving society and called on the people at the helms of affairs to emulate the Prophet in the governance of the society.

Earlier in a welcome address, the State Coordinator, NACOMYO, Alhaji Abdul-Bariu Lawal, said the challenges being faced by the nation in terms of insecurity and economic downturn require a strategic model, and submitted that Hijrah should be embraced as a solution to the menace.

Highpoints of the event included the 'Award of Hijrah Personality of the Year 2026/1448AH' to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Moriamo Oloko as well as match past by various schools in the State.