The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has urged Nigerian youths to recognise the importance of education and technology in securing their future and advancing the country.
Hamzat gave the advice during a visit to him by Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Wife of Lagos State Governor, and participants of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, on Monday at Alausa, Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu came to inform Hamzat of a three day workshop being organised by the initiative for 200 boys.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative aims to groom boys for purposeful living, build a network of future leaders and advocates, and provide mentorship and guidance.
According to the deputy governor, the notion that education is a scam is destructive and must be discarded.
Hamzat emphasised that education would build life and expand thoughts, adding that it remained essential for personal and national growth.
He encouraged youths to focus on developing valuable skills and rendering services which would meet people’s needs.
He warned against taking shortcuts to success.
The deputy governor commended the governor’s wife for the initiative and assured her of support.
He urged the workshop participants to remain focused, take advantage of the programme, and avoid negative influences.
The deputy governor also addressed the issue of drug abuse, emphasising the importance of dignity in labour and responsible social media usage.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow and our future ambassadors. You must believe in God, obey your parents and elders, and seek guidance.”
Responding, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of empowering the boy-child to become a well-rounded individual.
She highlighted the initiative’s objectives, which included raising awareness of the rights and welfare of the boy-child, promoting educational opportunities, and nurturing a new generation of well-rounded youths.
According to her, the workshop with the theme: “Empowering the Boy Child to be a Well Rounded Individual for the Future,” aims to equip boys with essential life skills.
“These include culinary skills, citizenship education and environmental sustainability.
“The three-day residential workshop, which is the third edition, will be held at Agbowa, Ikorodu with 200 participants and
will feature panel sessions, educational tours, and training from seasoned professionals,” she said.
Sanwo-Olu said that the initiative had already made a significant impact by transforming 400 boys.
She encouraged the workshop participants to take advantage of the opportunity to develop their potential.
The first edition of the workshop held at Badore while the second took place at Meiran.
The Lagos Boy Child Initiative started in 2022. (NAN)
