… grooming them for purposeful future.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has urged young students, especially, boys to view education as a vital opportunity for growth and development, rather than seeing it as a scam.
The Deputy Governor who gave this admonition today at a courtesy visit to the office of the Deputy Governor by almost, 200 students from different schools and correctional centres across the state dubbed the “Lagos Boy Child Initiative” organized by the Office of the First Lady of the State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said that though there may be challenges but assures them that the State government is committed to providing help to see them through, post-school certificate, tertiary education if they intend to go further.
According to Hamzat, “there is an erroneous ongoing saying dubbing education as a scam, which many of you are mouthing it and dropping out of school. The promise of education is not riches, its only promises knowledge and wisdom, and this can translate to riches. So, anyone who says education is a scam is a liar. I want you to recognize the value of education in broadening your horizons and transforming your life,” adding that experience has shown that education is a path to a successful life, he stressed that if one takes it seriously, he will succeed.
The Deputy Governor said that education does not only consist of literacy-ability to read and write but extends to acquiring skills that are relevant to everyday living and providing marketable solutions that society needs.
While encouraging them, he noted that what they see is simply talent enhanced by education. He added that research has shown that most artists are educated or at least have a secondary school certificate if not a first degree.
“Therefore, I advised you to nurture your dreams. Presently, you are at the age where it is right to dream and have a vision. But, what leads to the failure of dreams is evil companies,” he said
The Deputy Governor admonished them to avoid friends who don’t add positive values to them, stressing that cultism has become rife among youths and is the shortest cut to death and loss of dreams.
Besides, he also urged them to shun the abuse of drugs and substances as it is not the way to a good life, adding that it is a deception and disruption of dreams.
He therefore asked them to focus on their faith, whether they are Muslims or Christians, “Allah hears prayers and provides help. He makes our paths straight. Remember heaven helps those who help themselves. Be fervent in your prayers,” he said.
Speaking further, Dr. Hamzat reiterated that the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the state government gives them the right to education up to senior school certificate level, adding that the government is determined to ensure that the boys have qualitative education.
While commending the First Lady for the initiative, the Deputy Governor said that Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu is promoting an agenda that will lead to new advocacy in the area of boy child issues. “We must demonstrate our gratitude to her by being serious and focused. I urge you to treasure the experience and open your minds to the various presentations and ideas that will be presented to you”.
Earlier in her remarks, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has stated that the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, championed by her office, is designed to groom boys for purposeful living while building a network of future leaders and advocates.
The First Lady noted that the initiative underscores the State government’s commitment to raising visionary leaders, responsible future fathers, and husbands for a better Nigeria.
While noting the impact of the initiative on the Boy child, she said that over the past two years over 400 boys have directly been transformed by the past camping exercises, and by extension several other lives have been influenced by the LBCI indirectly, adding that “Through the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, LBCI, we have been able to showcase talents which has culminated in some of our participants gaining admission into the tertiary institutions. Currently, some boys are under the LBCI scholarship to about a tertiary level of education.”
Dr. Sanwo-Olu stated that “As part of our activities, these boys will be camped for three days, beginning today, where they will receive training from seasoned professionals and experts. The camp will take place at Agbowa, and we are confident that the knowledge and skills imparted during this period will be invaluable and during the residential workshop, our boys are going to be groomed to pursue culinary skills as a life skill in readiness for the future especially as Lagos is also heading to food tourism.”
Noting the impact of the initiative on the Boy child, she said that over the past two years over 400 boys have directly been transformed by the past camping exercises, and by extension several other lives have been influenced by the LBCI indirectly, adding that “Through the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, LBCI, we have been able to showcase talents which have culminated in some of our participants gaining admission into the tertiary institutions. Currently, some boys are under the LBCI scholarship to about a tertiary level of education.”
Stating the purpose of the visit to the Office of the Deputy Governor, the First Lady acknowledged that it is a strategic step toward fostering collaboration, stressing that the visit allows the young boy to tap into his vast experience not only as a politician but as a distinguished technocrat who has made significant contributions to Lagos State and the nation at large.
“Your outstanding track record of efficient and effective leadership over the years is an inspiration. You are not only a role model in governance but also a shining example of how to balance a successful career with fulfilling family life qualities that are essential for mentoring these boys into becoming well-rounded professionals and family men in the future,” she said.
She, therefore, encouraged the participants to make the most of the opportunity, reiterating that they should absorb all they can from the workshop, and be determined to become the best versions of themselves. Sanwo-Olu, also, assured that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for their success and a brighter future.
