Sanwo-Olu charges young people to stay focused, shun peer pressure

by Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged young people, particularly the recipients of the Silver Award of the International Award for Young People Nigeria, to stay focused to achieve a greater tomorrow.

He urged the recipients of the award, which is part of the globally recognized Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award framework, to strive to be the best in everything they do and make good use of the opportunities and platforms provided to them.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Thursday during the Silver Award Presentation Ceremony and 10th Anniversary of the International Award for Young People Nigeria, tagged “#Celebrating Infinite Impact,” held at Lagos House, Ikeja.

The Governor encouraged the 200 public school students aged between 16 and 24, who received the Silver International Award for Young People Nigeria, to view the recognition as motivation to push toward greater achievements.

He also advised the recipients to shun peer pressure and social media influence, staying focused to achieve a brighter future.

“I want to urge you to believe in yourselves. At age 15, 16, continue to say to yourselves that you will always do the right thing. Stay focused. Don’t join the crowd or think it’s okay to do the wrong thing. No, it is not okay because it is now that you mold your tomorrow. It is from now that you determine what your future will be, and it is only when you do it right that the future you want can come to reality,” Governor Sanwo-Olu advised.

Speaking virtually during the event, the Board Chair of the International Award for Young People Nigeria, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, commended the resilience of the young people in achieving this feat despite the rigorous exercises.

Edun challenged the Silver Awardees to pursue their dreams and aim for the Gold Award to distinguish themselves among their peers.

The Minister also appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in Lagos State, as well as the awardees’ mentors and teachers, for imparting knowledge to the future leaders.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, reiterated the state government’s commitment to youth development and encouraged young people to continue striving for excellence.

During the ceremony, the Silver Awardees, who received their certificates from Governor Sanwo-Olu, were visibly elated to see the Governor, who motivated and encouraged them.