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By Lukman Olabiyi
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged young people in the state to serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria and steer clear of negative social influences that could jeopardise their future.
The governor gave the charge during a four-day residential workshop organised under the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, a programme of the Office of the First Lady, in collaboration with the Boys Court of Nigeria.
Addressing about 600 boys between the ages of 13 and 17 drawn from 50 secondary schools across the state, Sanwo-Olu encouraged them to make the most of the lectures and exposure provided during the workshop, noting that the experience would help shape them into responsible adults and worthy representatives of their families and the state.
He described the opportunity to interact with leaders and ask questions as a rare privilege he did not have while growing up.
“It is a golden opportunity that eluded me when I was growing up. Let the exposure you have had stay with you all your life. It is a life-changing opportunity. Don’t waste it and don’t fail those who have trained you. You must be good ambassadors of this opportunity,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu added that it was the responsibility of the government to lay a solid foundation for the younger generation.
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“As a governor, my assignment is to create a future that is good for you. Learn about the future and prepare for the responsibilities ahead. Be disciplined, speak out when necessary, and strive to become better citizens and leaders,” he said.
In her welcome address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the workshop was designed to engage the boy-child and promote positive transformation.
She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people, and cautioned against the unregulated use of social media, stressing the need for guidance and moderation.
“We must be careful about what we hand over to our children. The use of social media should be restricted. I want these boys to emerge as responsible individuals,” she said.
During the workshop, participants received training on responsible leadership, the dangers of hard drugs, and the importance of managing social media exposure. They were also warned against negative peer influence.
One of the facilitators, David Folaranmi, urged the boys to resist peer pressure and choose their friends wisely.
“They need self-discipline and must control who they follow on social media. The true test of a person is how much pressure he can resist,” he said.
