Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has commended the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) for its transformative impact over the past four years, describing the programme as a life-changing platform shaping a new generation of responsible and purpose-driven young men.
The Governor gave the commendation during his visit to the ongoing 2026 LBCI Residential Camp, where he also urged participating boys to become worthy ambassadors of the initiative and make the most of the unique opportunities presented to them.
Noting that it was his first time attending the programme since its inception, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a “rare privilege” not enjoyed by many, including himself while growing up.
He particularly highlighted the exposure given to the boys through the carefully curated activities of the initiative, including educational tours to key security formations.
According to him, the opportunity for the boys to explore military facilities, including warships and aircraft, and interact with high-ranking officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, is invaluable and uncommon for young people at their age. “These are opportunities many adults today did not have while growing up. It is a privilege that comes with responsibility,” the Governor said.
He stressed that the exposure and investment made by the Lagos State Government in the participants must translate into positive outcomes, urging the boys not to let the State down.
Governor Sanwo-Olu charged them to aspire to become role models in their respective communities, noting that they have a duty not only to succeed but also to guide and mentor others who will come after them.
“You must see yourselves as future leaders and mentors. The knowledge and experience you have gained here should set you apart and prepare you to contribute meaningfully to society”, he added.
The Governor also emphasised the importance of responsible use of social media, cautioning against its misuse and encouraging the boys to leverage digital platforms for personal development, learning, and positive impact.
Speaking against the backdrop of the emergence of a female One-Day Governor in Lagos State and her all-female team, Governor Sanwo-Olu challenged the boys to rise to the occasion.
He urged them to be more focused, determined, and competitive, expressing confidence that one of the participants could emerge as a future One-Day Governor, thereby demonstrating the impact of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative.
Addressing the gathering earlier, the Governor’s wife, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support for initiatives that empower young people across the state.
She noted that since the commencement of the camp on Tuesday, the programme has been impactful, engaging, and transformative for the participants.
“I am pleased to inform Mr. Governor that these boys have demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine desire to learn since the commencement of this workshop,” she said.
The First Lady reiterated that the Lagos Boy Child Initiative was conceived to bridge the gap in attention and support given to boys, ensuring they are not left behind in the collective quest to build a better society.
Through the initiative, she said, the State Government is deliberately nurturing a generation of disciplined, responsible, and impactful young men who will contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
She encouraged the participants to remain focused, disciplined, and open-minded, noting that the knowledge and values gained from the camp would serve as lifelong tools for success.
Giving a Goodwill Message at the event, the Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Bola Oladunjoye, averred that being a boy in today’s society comes with immense expectations but limited guidance on emotional intelligence and responsible leadership.
He stressed that while boys are often taught to be strong and competitive, they are not always taught to care, serve, or lead with integrity. According to him, true re-orientation begins with redefining strength as self-control and leadership as service.
Mr. Oladunjoye emphasised that the boy child must recognise his responsibility to protect the environment, describing careless waste disposal and unchecked tree cutting as destructive habits that threaten the future.
He encouraged the participants to see environmental stewardship as an act of patriotism, noting that planting a tree symbolises leadership and discipline. A properly guided boy, he said, will grow into a man who values integrity over status, respects women, chooses peace over violence, and prioritises long-term societal benefits over short-term gains.
The Chairman charged the boys to become builders rather than burdens to society, builders of homes, communities, policies, and a greener future.
He affirmed that when intentionally nurtured, the boy child becomes more than just a man; he becomes an ambassador of societal transformation, stressing that the nation’s future depends on how deliberately its boys are raised today.
