Boy child initiative: Lagos First Lady, Deputy Governor, CJ warn boys against drug abuse

…mentor 200 school children

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; and the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, on Monday cautioned schoolboys in the state to avoid drug abuse and focus on their education.

The trio addressed the students during a visit by the First Lady to the offices of the Deputy Governor and the Chief Judge, accompanied by 200 boys selected from various secondary schools in the state.

This visit marked the commencement of a three-day workshop titled ‘2025 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Residential Workshop,’ organized by the Office of the First Lady.

Deputy Governor Hamzat encouraged the boys to view their visit as an opportunity to reflect on their futures. He emphasized the importance of concentrating on their studies and steering clear of drug abuse.

“It’s an opportunity you are here, and you should grab it. There are lots of credible things on social media and other vile things. As a nation, we must plan to fulfill our destiny. You must pray and listen to your parents. Tomorrow is certain, but you must grab the future,” he advised.

He further reminded them that challenges are a normal part of life but should not deter them.

“There will be challenges in life; it’s normal. But when you pray to God, He will guide us. You must say no to drugs. Don’t listen to your peers who say education is a scam. Education is not a scam.

“Elon Musk is rich, but he went to school, so it’s important you are educated; it will help you expand your scope in life. Make sure you focus on your schooling. It’s only God that knows tomorrow; we don’t know,” Hamzat added.

In her address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu explained that the initiative, championed by her office, is designed to prepare boys for purposeful living while building a network of future leaders and advocates.

She noted that over the years, the initiative has addressed many of the silent challenges boys face, with the government taking deliberate steps to provide lasting solutions through various workshops for the boys, their parents, and other stakeholders.

The First Lady outlined some objectives of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, including raising awareness of the rights and welfare of the boy child, promoting educational opportunities for male children, especially those from indigent backgrounds, and facilitating the rehabilitation of vulnerable boys through structured referral systems.

Another objective is to nurture a new generation of well-rounded young men who will contribute positively to society.

She added that the theme for this year’s workshop, “Empowering the Boy Child to be a Well-Rounded Individual for the Future,” reflects the government’s commitment to raising visionary leaders, responsible future fathers, and husbands.

Activities for this year’s workshop include a three-day camping at Agbowa, where the boys will receive training from seasoned professionals and experts.

“The boys will also be groomed to pursue culinary skills as a life skill in readiness for the future, especially as Lagos is also heading to food tourism,” the First Lady said.

She also mentioned that the boys will undergo tenderfoot training with the Scouts Association of Nigeria during the workshop.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu noted that in 2022 and 2024, over 400 boys benefited from the camping initiative held in Badore and Meiran.

She stated that the 2025 edition is the third to be held and will feature panel sessions led by educationists, religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and other influential personalities.

During the camping, the boys will visit the Imota Rice Mill and Sonnex Recycling Plant in Imota.

At the Chief Judge’s office, Justice Alogba urged the boys to take the ‘golden opportunity’ of the workshop to ‘rebrand’ themselves and ‘not make a mess of it.’

“Whatever you become in life is what you do with your hands and brain. Where you came from does not matter. It’s a golden opportunity for you to disabuse your mind that only children of the rich can become somebody in life. Make good use of your opportunity,” he said.

He commended the First Lady for the initiative and expressed excitement at mentoring the boys.

“I am thrilled by the focus of this present initiative, especially with your focus on the boys. The boys and girls are our future,” the Chief Judge told the First Lady.