- She also expressed concern over the growing number of boys who assume financial responsibilities at a young age
- She added that children facing challenges should be offered rehabilitation and encouragement
- the initiative serves as a mentorship platform aimed at nurturing responsible and goal-driven young men
The wife of the Lagos State Government governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday called for comprehensive support for boys, stressing the need to give equal attention to their development.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that she led about 600 students from public and private schools across the state on an educational tour of key locations in Lagos, including the Nigerian Air Force Logistics Command in Ikeja.
The four-day outing forms part of activities under the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, a programme designed to promote the welfare and growth of male children.
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Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the governor’s wife was welcomed at the Air Force facility by Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs Sanwo-Olu noted that while advocacy for the girl child has gained significant attention over the years, there is also a pressing need to focus on boys.
She said boys should not be stereotyped as lacking ambition or direction, adding that with the right guidance and encouragement, they can grow into leaders and achievers.
According to her, the initiative serves as a mentorship platform aimed at nurturing responsible and goal-driven young men. She explained that the programme seeks to raise awareness about the importance of providing boys with access to quality education and proper support systems.
She also expressed concern over the growing number of boys who assume financial responsibilities at a young age, often sacrificing their education to support their families.
Such situations, she said, highlight the need for stronger intervention and assistance. She added that children facing challenges should be offered rehabilitation and encouragement rather than being dismissed or labelled.
In his remarks, Suleh assured the organisers of the Air Force’s readiness to back programmes that promote strong moral values among young boys. He emphasised that character formation begins early in life and that guidance at a young age can prevent future social problems.
Encouraging the students, he urged them to set ambitious goals and remain committed to achieving them through hard work. He further observed that balanced attention should be given to both boys and girls, as each group has unique needs that require mentorship and support.
During the visit, the students were taken around key sections of the Air Force base, where they learned about its operations. The Air Force also hosted presentations for the visitors and presented gifts to the governor’s wife.
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