Vice President Kashim Shettima has underscored the critical importance of restoring core family values, noting that they are fundamental to Nigeria’s national growth and development.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima highlighted key values such as love and compassion between spouses and maintaining balance and harmony within the household.
He emphasised that marriage should be viewed as a spiritual covenant and an act of worship, with an emphasis on kindness, good character, the pursuit of knowledge, and guidance.
He also stressed the family’s central role in shaping individuals and society.
Speaking last weekend at the Muslim Family Summit in Abuja, the Vice President expressed the urgent need to reinforce traditional family structures as a grassroots solution to the nation’s social and economic challenges.
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Represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Aliyu Modibbo Umar, Shettima called for the implementation of marriage counselling programmes to equip couples with the skills and knowledge necessary for building stable and resilient homes.
The Muslim Family Summit, attended by scholars, experts, and the public, serves as a platform for promoting best practices in family life rooted in Islamic teachings.
During his speech, titled ‘In Defence of the Family Order’, the Vice President advocated for more support systems to strengthen the family unit, which he described as the bedrock of societal well-being.
“Its mission is more than a reality check—it is a guide, steering us towards embracing marriage not just as a worldly institution but as an act of worship,” he explained.
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Drawing on Islamic principles, Shettima emphasised the Quranic perspective of marriage as a foundation for peace and tranquillity, urging the audience to reflect on its deeper spiritual significance.
He said, “The family is not merely a social unit; it is the pillar of moral and social order in any society. Every family plays a role in producing individuals who either uphold or threaten the moral fabric of our communities.”
Emphasising that adherence to these teachings could serve as a solution to many of the social issues facing the nation, the VP said, “When we build the family on the wrong foundation, we risk losing everything. But when we raise it upon sound Islamic principles, it becomes a fortress that preserves the values we hold dear.”
As I call upon the Ummah to recognise the urgent need to guide this generation of couples, I find hope in this gathering of scholars and experts who share best practices rooted in the Qur’an and Hadith,” Shettima added.
