By Felix Kuyinu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged teenage boys in the state to be of proper conduct and flee from any form of related sexual abuse act in order to ensure a meaningful societal change in the society.
The Governor alongside his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, gave the admonition during a three-day residential workshop for the youths held at Lagos House, Marina.
Sanwo-Olu, addressing over 250 boys from different private and government owned schools in the state said that the young ones need to become change agents. He noted the crucial need for youth’s nurturing to become examplary leaders in the foreseeable future.
The governor said that the event tagged, “Awakening The Boy Child Towards Becoming A Change Agent”, organized by the Lagos Boy Child Initiative of the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, will further empower the young boys to become proactive leaders in their communities.
He highlighted the critical roles that young boys occupy in the future of Lagos and Nigeria at large, urging them to embrace the values of responsibility, integrity, and community service.
Sanwo-Olu told the attendees that leadership is not about positions or titles, but about making a positive impact and inspiring others. He informed that his entourage were in attendance to help equip the young ones with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become change agents who can tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The governor also stressed the significance of education, resilience, and empathy in leadership. He encouraged the boys to take full advantage of the various sessions of the workshop which included sessions leadership development, civic engagement and personal growth.
In like terms, the Governor’s wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, explained that the rationale behind the event was to raise awareness on the rights and welfare of the boy child.
She said, “The initiative will promote educational opportunities for male children, especially the indigent and also facilitate the rehabilitation of the vulnerable boy child through referrals.
“I express hope of building a new generation of transformed male children who will contribute positively to society,” she continued.
“By addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by the boy child, we can foster a more balanced and effective approach to combatting societal ills.
“We all must live with the consciousness that our boys are not just the future leaders but they are leaders of today, innovators and pillars of our communities. Early training and proper grooming are essential for their development, ensuring they grow into responsible and enlightened adults. This continuous enlightenment programme is designed to instil values, resilience, and a sense of purpose in our boys, preparing them for the diverse challenges of the 21st century”.
One of the Facilitators of the event, Anthonia Madubuike, Assistant Commander, Gen. Narcotics, NDLEA, (Director, Drug Demand Reduction Directorate), advised the young boys to join the anti-Drug Abuse Clubs and Associations like WADA Club, Boys Scout, Sports Group etc.
Speaking further Madubuike said the youths hold a significant role in combating the menace of drug abuse. The NDLEA figure urged the school children to resist peer pressure and become assertive in their daily activities.
She also advised the children to seek medical help when necessary in avoidance of self-medication as well as keeping a well-balanced life style and be an advocate of peace.
Also, another facilitator and Head, Community Engagement Officer & Kings Club Programme Officer of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Damilare Adewusi, counselled the boys on sex and gender-based violence alongside positive masculinity.
While urging the young boys to stay away from premature sexual relationships and focus on their studies, Adewusi emphasized the importance of positive masculinity, encouraging the boys to adopt attitudes and behaviours that promote respect and equality.
He concluded by highlighting ways in which having a positive masculinity can contribute to reducing instances of gender-based violence and foster healthier relationships.