An aspirant for the Ibadan NorthWest/SouthWest Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Oluwatobi John Ogunbayo, popularly known as OJO, has called on parents, schools, and community leaders to prioritize moral upbringing and character development among children following concerns raised by the recent bullying incident at Igbinedion School.
In a statement made available to journalists, Ogunbayo stressed that the strength of any community is not measured only by physical infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and other developments, but by the character and values of its people.
According to him, a truly progressive society is built on strong families where children are properly guided and trained with the right moral values.
“The home remains the first school for every child. It is within the family that children learn discipline, respect, honesty, and responsibility. Parents therefore play the most important role in shaping the future of our nation,” he said.
Ogunbayo noted that when parents deliberately guide their children in the right direction, they are not only raising individuals but also preparing the next generation of leaders who will determine the future of the country.
He explained that the decisions young people will make in the future, the positions they will occupy, and the impact they will create in society all depend on the foundation laid during their formative years.
The APC aspirant further emphasized that education alone cannot guarantee responsible leadership, adding that moral guidance, discipline, and positive mentorship must complement academic learning.
He therefore called for collective responsibility among parents, schools, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure that children grow up with the right values and strong moral character.
“As a community, we must work together to guide our young people. If we want a better society, we must invest in our children. If we desire responsible leaders tomorrow, we must train responsible children today,” he added.
Ogunbayo also urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s upbringing by monitoring their activities, encouraging education, and instilling discipline and respect for others.
He concluded by stating that the future of any society is shaped by the values it teaches its children today, urging families and community leaders to commit to raising disciplined, respectful, hardworking, and visionary young people.
“Together, we can build homes that produce responsible citizens, create a stronger constituency, and secure a brighter future for our society,” he said.
