Lagos First Lady Ibijoke urges young boys to join military

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday encouraged male children present at the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) to consider careers in the military and other security services, while also urging them to embrace discipline and make positive life choices.

The First Lady who was ably represented by Falilat Obasa, wife of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly gave the advice during the exposition tour session to selected schools and security formations, including Command Day Secondary School and NNS Beecroft.

The LBCI, which is now in its fourth edition, is designed to promote education and raise responsible boys who will contribute positively to society.

Western Post confirmed that over 500 boys from various public and private schools, as well as correctional facilities, participated in this year’s programme.

In her address, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu noted that interest in military and security careers among boys in Lagos is lower than expected, while attributing this reality to limited exposure and ignorance of the opportunities available in the sector.

She further explained that the tour was organised to give the boys first-hand experience of the operations of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Armed Forces, and to help them make informed career choices.

In addition, the first lady commended the Nigerian Army for partnering with the state government on the initiative and promised to continue with the initiative.

Reacting to the event, the Commander of 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Ayokunle Owolab, described the programme as life-changing, and urged the boys to remain disciplined and determined, while equally noting that the Army is a platform where leaders are built and prepared for higher responsibilities in service to the nation.