Sanwo-Olu challenges Lagos Boys to embrace Discipline

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has challenged participants of the 2026 Lagos Boy-Child Initiative to convert the rare exposure offered by the programme into excellence, discipline and responsible leadership.

Addressing nearly 600 boys drawn from about 60 public, private, faith-based and special schools across Lagos State on the third day of the residential workshop on Thursday in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a privilege his generation never enjoyed.

“The opportunity that is given to you, we never had those opportunities. I stand here, I can be your governor, I can be your father, but we did not have that opportunity,” he said.

“Throughout my growing up, I never saw a governor or even a commissioner in front of me. Never. All of you. Because you are powerful. Because you’ve been given an opportunity that is rare. You’ve been given an opportunity that should stay with you for the rest of your life. You’ve been given an opportunity to learn things that we never learned.”

The governor stressed that the programme was intentionally structured to expose the boys to leadership training, mentorship and security institutions, urging them to return to their schools as ambassadors of positive change.

He cautioned against negative influences such as substance abuse and poor peer pressure, advising participants to embrace teamwork, discipline and respect at home and in their communities.

Sanwo-Olu also urged them to balance social media use with their studies, encouraging responsible engagement on platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat.

According to him, visits to military aircraft, warships and security institutions were designed to broaden their horizons and prepare them for future leadership roles.

In her remarks, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to ensure the boy child is not neglected.

She said the programme provides mentorship and structured guidance to boys from diverse backgrounds, including schools, riverine communities, correctional centres and orphanages, with sessions covering cybercrime prevention, mental health awareness, leadership development and drug abuse prevention.

The initiative, she noted, aims to raise disciplined, confident and socially responsible young men equipped to contribute positively to society.