Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu urges Lagos youths to shun cybercrime, embrace integrity

Adeola Ogunrinde

The first lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday urged young boys in Lagos to shun cybercrime and embrace positive values that will secure their future.

She gave the advice at the Lagos Boy Child Initiative Residential Workshop themed “Re-Orientating the Boy Child to Become an Ambassador.”

While stressing the need for discipline, integrity and responsible use of social media, Ibijoke said the increasing exposure to digital platforms has made it necessary to provide stronger moral guidance and mentorship for boys as many of them fall into crime due to peer pressure, poor orientation and the temptation of quick money.

She noted that character, self-discipline and positive social behaviour must guide boys’ choices both online and offline while adding that true leadership begins with integrity and the courage to do what is right, even under pressure.

Speaking about the event, the first lady described the residential workshop as a strategic platform designed to equip boys with practical skills and mentorship, disclosing that the sessions on leadership, career guidance, mental well-being and civic responsibility would particularly help shape participants into responsible young men.

Ibijoke further expressed concern over the years of neglect of the boy child, while comparing the level of attention boys receive to that of girls. “While supporting continued advocacy for girls, it is equally important not to neglect boys,” she noted.

In the same vein, while commending the initiative, the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, said the program is a timely effort to guide boys towards becoming confident and purposeful individuals, while reminding attendees that they are future leaders and change-makers.

Oluremi urged the participants to take the lessons seriously, strive for academic excellence and respect their parents and teachers. She also encouraged them to embrace the opportunity to learn and grow into proud ambassadors of their families, communities and the state.