By Lukman Olabiyi
Former Lagos State First Lady and founder of the Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEM), Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has called on Nigerian youths, particularly young women, to place their ambitions above intimate relationships that could hinder their dreams.
Mrs. Ambode’s advice came during the launch of “Let the child live,” a book by Caroline Oluwadare, a beneficiary of HOFOWEM, in Lagos.
Represented by Mrs. Oyefunke Olayinka, Mrs. Ambode stressed the importance of self-discipline, moral values and caution against negative influences. She highlighted the role of parents in instilling these qualities in their children from an early age.
“Early in our children’s lives, we must impart self-discipline, good moral values and constant admonition against waywardness and bad peer groups. Above all, we must raise them in the way of God, with constant prayers for divine wisdom, guidance and direction, for them to navigate their lives to success,” Mrs. Ambode said.
Reflecting on the group’s impact, she said, “HOFOWEM is just a little idea, envisioned as a vehicle to extend a hand of help to someone in need. Little did I know that a tiny seed of hope sown into someone’s life would soon crystallize into a huge testimony such as we are witnessing today.”
HOFOWEM provided scholarships to Caroline and three other promising youths, all of whom graduated with first class honours. “HOFOWEM is proud of you all, and I am indeed very proud of you all too,” she added.
She urged youths, particularly girls, to emulate the foundation’s beneficiaries and avoid risky intimate relationships that could derail their aspirations.
“Despite peer pressure, numerous social temptations on and off campus, and various challenges, Caroline and her colleagues stayed focused on their academic pursuits. They refused to be swayed, distracted or led astray, dedicating all their attention and energy towards achieving their academic goals.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, Caroline Oluwadare emphasized that her book was intended to raise awareness among teenagers and youths about abstinence from sex and effective ways of handling teenage pregnancy, which she described as a major social plague: “The essence of today’s event extends beyond the immediate activities at this book launch. It is about long-term impact on society, achieving our SDG, Goals 1, 3, and 10; zero hunger, good health and well-being, and reduced inequality. It is about looking at the bigger picture, away from our mistakes and away from the present, which oftentimes seems hopeless and limiting.”
The keynote speaker, Mrs. Juliet Obijiaku, echoed this sentiment, urging girls to prioritize their career goals and personal development while avoiding intimate relationships that could jeopardize their dreams.
She emphasized the need for awareness campaigns to address teenage pregnancy and combat the associated stigma, advocating for supportive environments and programmes to assist victims of teenage pregnancy.
According to Obijiaku, abstinence is the primary solution for youths aiming to achieve their dreams and career goals, as it allows them to focus on their education and personal development.
The book reviewer, Mrs. Toyin Olanrewaju, commended the author for effectively addressing the subject matter. She praised the 152-page book for not only identifying the problems but also offering solutions to issues hindering youth progress.
She emphasized the importance of the Zip Up campaign, encouraging youths who are already victims of teenage pregnancy to speak up rather than suffer in silence.
Olanrewaju also urged parents to support, rather than condemn, victims of teenage pregnancy, providing them with the courage to overcome difficult times.