…Says, “Children Must Care For Their Parents Beyond Old Age”
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Deputy Imam of the Ilaro Central Mosque, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, Noibi Imam Haruna Musa, has urged parents to invest in the proper upbringing of their children, stressing that well-trained children are a parent’s reward in later life.
Delivering his sermon after the Eid-Adha prayer at the Ilaro Central Mosque prayer ground – Oke-Ela area of Ilaro-Yewa, Noibi Haruna Musa emphasized that parents who wish to enjoy the fruits of their labour must instill both moral values and Islamic doctrine in their children.
Noibi Musa led the Eid-Adha prayer on behalf of the Chief Imam of Ilaro Central Mosque, Sheikh Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Noibi stated that regardless of a child’s wealth or social status, parents must not treat their children as their superiors. Instead, they must actively monitor their lifestyle and behavior, providing continuous guidance.
The Islamic cleric also counseled Muslims to always honour their promises, whether made in business or in social dealings. “Promise made must be kept”, he reminded the congregation.
Citing a religious example, Noibi urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Ibrahim, who kept his promise to Almighty Allah by being willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s will.
“We should always make promises that we can fulfil, and not just say words we cannot meet up”, he cautioned.
Noibi Musa also directed a message to young people, urging them to care for their parents not only in old age, but from the very moment they begin to need support – be it emotional, financial, or physical.
Lamenting the erosion of traditional family values, the cleric said gone are the days when children put their parents first.
He expressed sadness that many parents today do not receive proper care from their own children.
He warned that children who neglect their parents’ welfare will eventually experience the same treatment from their own offspring, stressing the spiritual law of karma and accountability.
Noibi Musa offered prayers for the nation, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, lawmakers at both national and state levels, and Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland who is also Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas.
He also congratulated and prayed for Muslims in Ilaro, Yewa, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large on the joyous occasion of the 2025 Eid-Adha (Ileya) festival, wishing them peace, unity, and divine blessings.