In Nigeria, where banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes have cast a long shadow over daily life, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has issued a stark warning: the nation’s security woes stem not just from external threats, but from the crumbling foundations within homes. Speaking at a military exercise in Kaduna State, Tinubu linked the surge in social vices like cultism and extremism to the erosion of family values, urging Nigerians to rebuild the family unit as the first line of defense against chaos. This provocative stance, echoed by religious leaders, spotlights a deeper societal rift amid ongoing insecurity that claims thousands of lives annually.
Keynote Address at Exercise Haske Biyu 2025
On September 15, 2025, at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna State, Tinubu delivered the keynote address at the opening of “Exercise Haske Biyu 2025,” a multi-agency initiative aimed at bolstering national security through inter-agency collaboration. Themed “Family and National Security,” the event drew military personnel, civilians, and faith leaders to underscore that combating insecurity begins at home.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima’s wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Tinubu emphasized the family’s role as society’s bedrock. “The family remains the foundation of every society—the first place where we learn love, respect, sacrifice, and duty,” she stated. “A strong family builds a strong nation.” She warned that parental neglect leaves youths vulnerable to negative influences, fueling crimes that escalate into broader threats.
The exercise, running until October 3, includes lectures, field demonstrations, and simulations to foster strategies against insecurity, with AFCSC Commandant Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji noting its focus on reminding participants that “the battle against insecurity begins at home.”
Root Causes: Erosion of Morals and Parental Guidance
Tinubu attributed the rise in insecurity to a “collapse of family values,” where modern pressures like urbanization and economic strain erode traditional upbringing. “This parental absence creates a void which often gets filled by bad company and destructive behaviour. The outcome is not only catastrophic for families but also dangerous for national security,” she cautioned.
Her remarks align with reports of escalating youth involvement in extremism and vice. Nigeria’s insecurity index remains high, with over 1,000 deaths from violence in the first half of 2025 alone, per global trackers. Analysts point to socioeconomic factors amplifying family breakdowns, but Tinubu stressed moral decay as the core issue, calling on parents to instill values early.
Voices of Support: Religious Leaders Weigh In
Tinubu’s call resonated with prominent figures. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, echoed her sentiments, stating, “Weak families produce weak communities and insecure nations.” Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, added that youths lured into extremism are often “products of poor upbringing,” urging faith leaders to reinforce ethical teachings.
These endorsements highlight a consensus among influencers that religion and tradition must counter secular influences. “Religious and traditional leaders must intensify efforts in teaching young people the right principles of faith,” Tinubu urged, positioning faith as a unifying force in diverse Nigeria.
Critics, however, question if this focus overlooks structural issues like poverty and unemployment, which drive 40% youth joblessness. Yet, supporters argue it’s a holistic approach, blending personal responsibility with policy.
Government Initiatives: Renewed Hope for Families
Tinubu tied her advocacy to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, spotlighting the expanded Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program. Set to deliver ₦25,000 in three tranches to 15 million vulnerable households, it aims to ease financial burdens and support family stability. “The agenda is committed to supporting families,” she assured, framing economic aid as a tool to prevent desperation-fueled insecurity.
This builds on earlier efforts, like Tinubu’s 2024 push for home gardening to combat food insecurity, which drew mixed reactions but underscored her emphasis on self-reliance.
Broader Implications: A Societal Wake-Up Call
Tinubu’s speech challenges Nigerians to view insecurity through a familial lens, potentially shifting public discourse from blame on governance alone to collective action. While some see it as sidestepping systemic reforms, it prompts reflection on how eroded values exacerbate vulnerabilities in a nation grappling with insurgency and crime.
As Exercise Haske Biyu unfolds, the call for stronger homes raises a vital question: Can rebuilding families truly fortify Nigeria’s security, or must it pair with bolder economic and judicial overhauls? Citizens, leaders, and communities are urged to act—starting in their own backyards—to foster the unity needed for lasting peace. (Word count: 498)