By our Reporter
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) for its transformative impact over the past four years, describing it as a life-changing platform nurturing a new generation of responsible and purpose-driven young men.
The Governor gave the commendation during a visit to the ongoing 2026 LBCI Residential Camp, where he urged participants to make the most of the opportunities offered by the programme and to serve as worthy ambassadors of the initiative.
Sanwo-Olu, who noted that it was his first time attending the programme since its inception, described the initiative as a rare privilege that was not available to many, including himself, while growing up. He highlighted the carefully curated activities of the camp, particularly educational tours to key security formations.
According to the Governor, the exposure of participants to military facilities, including warships and aircraft, as well as interactions with senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, is invaluable.
“These are opportunities many adults today did not have while growing up. It is a privilege that comes with responsibility,” he said, urging the boys not to disappoint the state’s investment in their future.
The Governor encouraged the participants to see themselves as future leaders and mentors who must aspire to become role models in their communities. He stressed that the knowledge and experience gained at the camp should prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society.
He also cautioned against the misuse of social media, advising the boys to leverage digital platforms for learning, self-development, and positive impact.
Referring to the recent emergence of a female One-Day Governor in the state and her all-female team, Sanwo-Olu challenged the boys to be more focused, competitive, and determined, expressing confidence that one of them could emerge as a future One-Day Governor.
Earlier, the Governor’s wife, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, thanked the Governor for his continued support for youth-focused initiatives. She described the camp as impactful and transformative, noting that participants had demonstrated enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong desire to learn since its commencement.
The First Lady explained that the Lagos Boy Child Initiative was conceived to bridge the gap in attention and support often given to boys, ensuring they are not left behind in the drive to build a better society. She added that the programme is designed to nurture disciplined and responsible young men who will contribute to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Bola Oladunjoye, said being a boy in today’s society comes with enormous expectations but limited guidance on emotional intelligence and responsible leadership. He urged participants to redefine strength as self-control and leadership as service.
Oladunjoye also emphasised environmental responsibility, describing careless waste disposal and indiscriminate tree cutting as harmful practices that threaten the future. He encouraged the boys to see environmental stewardship as an act of patriotism and to become builders of homes, communities, and a greener society.
He stressed that when intentionally nurtured, the boy child becomes an agent of societal transformation, adding that the nation’s future depends on how deliberately its boys are raised today.
