The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called on boys participating in the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) Residential Workshop to become ambassadors of positive values and responsible conduct in society.
Dr Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the four-day workshop held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, with the theme “Re-orientating the Boy Child to Become an Ambassador of Societal Change.”
She explained that the initiative was conceived to give focused attention to the development of boys, noting concerns that many are gradually falling behind their female counterparts in academic performance and life skills. According to her, the programme is designed to provide guidance, mentorship and exposure that will help boys grow into confident, responsible and productive members of society.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, urged participants to develop into well-rounded individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society. Drawing from personal experience, Mr Agoro said combining sports with education played a vital role in shaping his character and advised the boys not to abandon their academic pursuits while exploring other talents and interests.
He further encouraged the participants to pursue their aspirations with determination while maintaining open communication with parents, guardians and mentors, particularly when confronted with fears, peer pressure or difficult life choices.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, reminded the boys that emotional expression is natural and encouraged them to seek guidance when overwhelmed. She cautioned against involvement in gangs, cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that actions carry consequences and that seeking help should never be viewed as a weakness.
Other Permanent Secretaries across various ministries also addressed the participants, offering guidance on leadership, discipline, emotional intelligence and career development, while collectively urging the boys to avoid negative influences and remain focused on education and personal growth.
Some of the participants described the workshop as transformative, noting that they had learned lessons on discipline, leadership, teamwork and personal responsibility which they intend to apply in their academic and personal lives.
Activities marking the final day included an educational excursion to a food manufacturing company and production plant in Ikeja, aimed at exposing the boys to career opportunities and practical workplace experiences.