Katsina Imam Urges Creation of Ministry of Family Affairs to Tackle Nigeria’s Social Ills
In a powerful Friday sermon that resonated far beyond the walls of his mosque, Sheikh Nura Gwanda, the Imam of Kofar Marusa Juma’at Mosque in Katsina, has made a compelling appeal to Nigeria’s federal and state governments. His proposal? The establishment of dedicated Ministries of Family Affairs as a strategic measure to combat the nation’s escalating crime rates and deepening moral crisis.
Parenting as a Sacred Trust: The Core of the Sermon
Delivering his khutbah under the theme “Parenting as a Sacred Trust,” Sheikh Gwanda did not mince words. He drew a direct line between the erosion of family values and the social challenges currently plaguing Nigeria. From drug abuse and political thuggery to armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, and systemic corruption, the cleric argued that these issues are symptoms of a much deeper malaise—the breakdown of the family unit.
“When the family fails, society crumbles,” he stated, his voice echoing through the solemn gathering. “What we are witnessing today—the loss of direction among our youth, the normalization of violence—are all consequences of neglected homes and abandoned responsibilities.”
Learning from Global Precedents
Sheikh Gwanda pointed to successful models abroad, particularly in the Middle East and Europe, where specialized ministries oversee all matters related to family welfare. These governmental bodies are tasked with everything from marriage counseling and child upbringing guidelines to handling sensitive issues like domestic violence, child abuse, divorce proceedings, and inheritance disputes.
“These nations recognized long ago that the family is the bedrock of society,” he explained. “By creating institutions focused solely on protecting and nurturing this fundamental unit, they have built stronger, more cohesive communities. Nigeria must learn from this.”
Why a Ministry of Family Affairs Matters
The Imam’s call is not merely theoretical. He laid out a clear vision for how such a ministry could function and the tangible benefits it could bring. For one, it would provide a centralized, policy-driven approach to issues that are currently fragmented across multiple agencies with overlapping mandates.
“Imagine a government body solely dedicated to preventing child destitution, offering moral guidance programs, and curbing the rising abandonment of children, especially here in the northern region,” Sheikh Gwanda urged. “This isn’t just about social welfare—it’s about national security.”
Linking Family Stability to National Security
Perhaps the most striking part of his sermon was the emphasis on insecurity. The cleric argued that many of the individuals engaged in criminal activities—whether banditry in the northwest or kidnapping in the south—often come from broken homes or are products of parental neglect.
“Abandoned children with no guidance easily become tools in the hands of evil men,” he noted soberly. “If we want to tackle banditry, we must first tackle child abandonment. If we want to end kidnapping, we must strengthen family bonds. A Ministry of Family Affairs would address these root causes, not just the symptoms.”
This perspective reframes the national conversation around security, suggesting that military operations and kinetic approaches alone are insufficient without complementary social policies.
A Growing Chorus of Support
Sheikh Gwanda is not alone in this advocacy. Social workers, child rights activists, and community leaders have long emphasized the need for a more structured approach to family policy in Nigeria. However, having a religious leader of his stature champion the cause adds significant moral weight and public visibility.
In many northern Nigerian communities, religious figures like Sheikh Gwanda are highly influential. Their sermons often shape public opinion and community action. This latest call may well ignite broader discourse and put pressure on policymakers to act.
Challenges and Considerations
Of course, establishing an entirely new ministry is no small feat. It would require political will, budgetary allocation, and careful planning to avoid redundancy with existing agencies like the Ministry of Women Affairs or Social Development.
There are also cultural and religious sensitivities to navigate. Family matters in Nigeria are deeply influenced by tradition, faith, and regional norms. Any government intervention would need to be designed with respect for these diversities while promoting universal values of care, responsibility, and protection.
Yet, as Sheikh Gwanda rightly highlighted, the urgency of the situation demands innovative solutions. With rising cases of child homelessness, substance abuse among teenagers, and youth involvement in violence, the time for half-measures may be over.
What Would a Ministry of Family Affairs Do?
Envisioning such a ministry reveals its potential scope. It could:
- Develop and implement national policies on marriage, parenting, and child welfare.
- Offer counseling and support services for families in crisis.
- Run public awareness campaigns on responsible parenting and domestic harmony.
- Collaborate with religious and traditional institutions to reinforce positive family values.
- Address legal gaps related to inheritance, custody, and domestic violence.
- Provide rehabilitation programs for at-risk youth and abandoned children.
Such an institution could serve as a cornerstone for holistic national development, aligning social policy with economic and security objectives.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Sheikh Nura Gwanda’s sermon was more than a religious discourse—it was a civic intervention. By tying family stability to national security, he offered a fresh, compelling framework for addressing some of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges.
Will policymakers heed this call? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: as long as families remain fractured and children neglected, social problems will continue to fester. Perhaps what Nigeria needs is not just more weapons or surveillance, but a renewed commitment to its first line of defense—the family.
And that commitment might just begin with a new ministry.