By Ajibola Olaide, JKNMedia Reporter
SPEARHEADING A significant mentorship programme last Friday, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, led a group of young boys to the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The initiative, she said, focused on the boy-child and aims to provide guidance and inspiration to young males in the state.
Accompanied by Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sanwo-Olu and her delegation were warmly welcomed by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, along with other assembly members.
Thereafter, a special plenary session was held to engage and motivate the young attendees.
During the session, Speaker Obasa, a seasoned lawyer, shared personal anecdotes to inspire the boys recounting a pivotal moment from his youth when a theatre performance of a William Shakespeare play ignited his passion for literature.
He emphasized the crucial roles of the legislature in Lagos State, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, and urged the boys to aspire to be exemplary leaders.
“I want you to resolve to be true leaders of tomorrow. And to do this, you must say no to crime. A criminal can never be a leader. So, try to be good children and students. You have learnt from my colleagues and me today. We all started as youths. All it takes is to be good boys and law-abiding citizens,” advised the Speaker.
Speaker Obasa also highlighted the legislature’s commitment to the welfare of Lagos State residents. He encouraged the boys to make a positive impact and reminded them of the child’s rights law passed by the House, which protects the state’s children.
The First Lady, addressing the assembly, explained that the boys were chosen from a diverse range of backgrounds, including public and private schools, orphanages, and correctional facilities, under the Lagos State Boy Child Initiative.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of this initiative, noting that while the focus has often been on the girl child, it is equally vital to mentor young boys and raise awareness about their rights and potential societal contributions.
Eromosele Ebhomele, Chief Press Secretary to the Lagos Speaker notes that the Lawmakers commended Dr. Sanwo-Olu’s initiative and encouraged the boys to remember and apply the valuable lessons and advice they received during the visit.
