The Parish Priest of Saint John Catholic Church, Igando, Lagos State, Rev. Fr. Michael Etekpo, on Sunday cautioned parents against leaving their children, especially girls, in custody of male adults including relatives.
Etepko, spoke during a cultural competition of Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Isolo Deanery, Lagos State.
According to the priest, heeding to the advice would reduce child abuse.
He urged women to teach their children morals, pray with them, encourage them to get closer to God and generally build their home in the fear of God.
The priest also enjoined parents never to put money and fame above their children.
He also warned parents not to encourage their children to be involved in examination malpractices by paying people to write their examinations for them.
Fr. Etepko said: “Be vigilant over your young daughters, and even sons, do not leave them in the care of any male adult.
“We live in a society where values are lost; I want to encourage you not to be tired of raising up children in the fear of God.
“Don’t go in search of money and fame at the expense of your children, do not entrust them in the care of male adults.
“Satan wants to destroy families, because once that is achieved, his kingdom would excel.
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“He knows that a good family makes a good and morally sound society.
“Our mothers must, as matter of urgency, find time to restore the family lives in homes, in children; don’t divide the house or incite children against their fathers.
“Women are special creatures of great faith, they impact more on children than fathers; they should not be discouraged by challenges; they should build love and unity.
“Get close to your daughters and sons so that they would confide in you and always speak their minds to you before they are led astray.
“Many of them are exposed to so many wrong values, and need someone to talk their hearts out to; be their friends and not a boss.
“Don’t lead your children into wrong doings, don’t pay money to get admission for them ; these practices are responsible for increase in sexual harassment.
“Instead, encourage them to be hardworking and desist from cutting corners.
“Never pay someone to write an exam for your child, it is a high level of irresponsibility and failure; such a child would never get it right in the future.
“If you have all the wealth and fame, and do not build your family well, you are a failed mother, and a failed mother would bring about a failed nation.”
The annual cultural day event which took place at Igando had over 1,000 women from 15 parishes in the Isolo Catholic Deanery in attendance.
