KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY DR. AJOKE OLUFUNMILOLA OGUNSAN
AT THE 8TH PCRC WOMEN CONFERENCE, LAGOS STATE COMMAND
THEME: “Raising Children of Light in a Dark World”
Venue: POWA Hall, Lagos State Command Headquarters
Date: Monday, November 17, 2025.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the PCRC Women Committee, the Police Officers’ Wives Association, our gallant officers, the Chairman of PCRC Lagos State, the Chairman of POWA Lagos State, the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, all women of purpose here and gentlemen of the Press here today.
It is with a deep sense of honour and responsibility that I stand before you at this 8th PCRC Women Conference.
This is a gathering of women who, beyond being wives and mothers, are builders of nations, custodians of values, and bearers of light in our world.
The theme of my speech “Raising Children of Light in a Dark World” is timely because we live in an age where darkness like moral darkness, spiritual blindness, and the erosion of truth is celebrated.
The world our children are growing up in is vastly different from the one we grew in. Social media, moral relativism, and the collapse of family values are shaping their minds daily. Yet, in this darkness, God has entrusted to us as women, mothers, and leaders the sacred duty of raising lights.
1. Understanding the Darkness
Let us first acknowledge that darkness today wears many faces. It is in the moral confusion where right and wrong have become negotiable. It is in the lure of materialism that tells our children that success is measured by possessions, not by purpose. It is in the growing absence of empathy, where young hearts are hardened by violence, greed, and self-centeredness.
But, my sisters, darkness should not conquer light. The problem is not the presence of darkness; it is the absence of light-bearers.
2. The Call to Be Light-Bearers
Raising children of light begins with being light ourselves. Children learn more from what they observe and see than what they are told. Our attitudes, our integrity, our devotion, and even our words become their moral compass. A mother who prays, serves, forgives, and stands for truth will raise children who do the same.
The scripture says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come” (Isaiah 60:1). We must first arise from complacency, from fear, and from silence to shine as examples in our homes and communities. Let us model courage in adversity, faith in uncertainty, and love in hostility.
3. The Role of the Family and the Community
Every strong society begins with strong families. As wives of police officers and women in the security space, we know too well the pressures of duty, absence, and sacrifice. Yet, we must never outsource parenting to the internet, peers, or television. We must reclaim our homes as sanctuaries of values where truth is taught, discipline is upheld, and love is expressed. Let us create time to talk to our children, to listen, to guide, and to pray for them.
Beyond our homes, we must build communities of accountability. We must be women supporting women, mothers mentoring mothers, families raising families. When the village stands together, the child stands taller.
4. Light Through Education, Mentorship, and Faith
To raise children of light, we must educate their minds and nurture their spirits. Education without values only produces clever devils. Let us expose our children not just to academics but to empathy, service, and leadership.
Mentorship is also critical. When we guide our young girls and boys to discover purpose early, we help them resist the seductions of darkness later.
And above all, we must anchor them in faith because only God’s Word can illuminate the human heart. A child grounded in spiritual truth will stand even when the world shakes.
5. Our Legacy as Women of Light
Dear sisters, the true measure of our success is not in what we acquire, but in who we raise. The greatest legacy we can leave this generation is a lineage of light. It is a lineage of aons and daughters who will speak truth in public spaces, lead with integrity, and love with compassion.
So let us rise as Deborahs of our time. Let us be discerning, decisive, and determined. Let us become Hannahs who pray destinies into being. Let us be the mothers who make darkness uncomfortable by the brightness of our example.
As I close, I challenge you to let your words heal and let your values inspire.May we all leave this conference rekindled with purpose, renewed in strength, and resolved to raise children who will shine as beacons of hope in our nation and beyond.
Thank you, and God bless the PCRC Women Committee, POWA, the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.