STRONG FAMILIES, STRONG NATION: DR. IGE URGES PARENTS TO BUILD BETTER BONDS WITH CHILDREN 

By Yinka Adeyemi 

Akure — Rev. Dr. Olumuyiwa Ige, the Pastor of First Baptist Church, Akure, has called on parents to strengthen their relationship with their children as a foundation for nation building. He warned that neglecting parental responsibilities fuels crime and moral decay in society.

“If we want a nation free of crime and societal ills, all hands must be on deck. Parents must not shy away from their responsibilities, because failure at home reflects on the family, community, state, and the nation,” Dr. Ige declared during Sunday’s service.

In an interactive session, children openly expressed concerns about their parents’ approach, citing harsh corrections, lack of love, being forced into career choices, excessive chores, and what they described as “over-monitoring.”

Responding, Dr. Ige stressed that though today’s generation is different, biblical principles remain timeless. Quoting Proverbs 13:24, he said, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves them is careful to discipline them.”

He also cited Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

The clergyman further reminded children of their duties with Ephesians 6:1–3: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right… so that it may go well with you and you may enjoy long life on the earth.” He urged parents to correct with love while guiding firmly with godly discipline.

The service climaxed with prayers and blessings for the children, as Dr. Ige charged families to become the bedrock of a new Nigeria, declaring: “Strong families make a strong nation.”