1 week ago
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Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor, has urged teenagers’ especially young boys in secondary schools, to view education as a vital opportunity for growth and development, rather than seeing it as a scam.
He gave the advice when he received participants of the three-day Lagos Boy Child Initiative residential workshop organized by the office of the First Lady of Lagos state.
“There is an erroneous ongoing saying dubbing education as a scam, which many of you are mouthing it and dropping out of school. The promise of education is not riches, it only promises knowledge and wisdom, and this can translate to riches.
“So, anyone who says education is a scam is a liar. I want you to recognize the value of education in broadening your horizons and transforming your life. Experience has shown that education is a path to a successful life, if you take it seriously you will succeed.
“Therefore, I advised you to nurture your dreams. Presently, you are at the age where it is right to dream and have a vision. But, what leads to the failure of dreams is evil companies,” he said
Hamzat also urged them to shun the abuse of drugs and substances as it is not the way to a good life, adding that it is a deception and disruption of dreams.
He therefore asked them to focus on their faith, whether they are Muslims or Christians, “Allah hears prayers and provides help. He makes our paths straight. Remember heaven helps those who help themselves. Be fervent in your prayers,” he said.
While commending the First Lady for the initiative, the Deputy Governor said that Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu is promoting an agenda that will lead to new advocacy in the area of boy child issues. “We must demonstrate our gratitude to her by being serious and focused. I urge you to treasure the experience and open your minds to the various presentations and ideas that will be presented to you”.
Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State earlier in her address said that the initiative championed by her office is designed to groom boys for purposeful living while building a network of future leaders and advocates.
She said that the initiative has, over the years, addressed many of the silent challenges boys face.
“We have taken deliberate steps to provide lasting solutions through various workshops designed for the boys, their parents, and other stakeholders.”
Sanwo-Olu said that the objective of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative is to raise awareness of the rights and welfare of the boy child, to promote educational opportunities for male children, especially those from indigent backgrounds, to facilitate the rehabilitation of vulnerable boys through structured referral systems.
She pointed out that the theme for this year’s edition, “Empowering the Boy Child to be a Well-Rounded Individual for the Future” underscores the commitment to raising visionary leaders, responsible future fathers, and husbands.
“As part of our activities, these boys will be camped for three days, beginning Monday, where they will receive training from seasoned professionals and experts. The camp will take place at Agbowa, and we are confident that the knowledge and skills imparted during this period will be invaluable.
She also noted that the boys will be groomed to pursue culinary skills as a life skill in readiness for the future especially as Lagos is also heading to food tourism.
Speaking further she said that the residential workshop will be held in Agbowa that, at the camp, various panel sessions will be held, featuring educationists, religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and other influential personalities.
According to her, the sessions will cover critical topics such as; Self-Esteem and Confidence Building, Personal Hygiene and Etiquette, Mental Health Challenges in Boys and the Importance of Counseling and the Role of Boys in Combating Drug Abuse.
English (US) ·