The First Lady of Lagos State, Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, has called on communities, parents, and stakeholders to take a more active role in protecting and guiding the boy child, stressing the importance of mentorship, moral guidance, and supportive environments to raise responsible, confident, and well-rounded young men.
Sanwo-Olu noted that boys often face challenges such as peer pressure, negative societal influences, and exposure to digital risks, including cybercrime.
Communities, the first lady said, must provide strong support systems, positive role models, and opportunities for personal development to ensure boys grow into disciplined, morally upright, and socially responsible individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
Speaking at the Lagos Boy Child Initiative Residential Workshop themed “Re-Orientating the Boy Child to Become an Ambassador” on Wednesday at St. Gregory’s College, she emphasized that character, self-discipline, and positive social behaviour must guide young boys’ choices both online and offline.
Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of moral values, emotional intelligence, and integrity in shaping responsible and confident future leaders.
“In today’s digital age, boys are increasingly exposed to social media and online platforms, which present both opportunities and risks. Mentorship and strong moral foundations are essential to help them navigate these influences responsibly, avoid cybercrime, and make choices that reflect discipline, respect, and ethical conduct,” she said.
“Today marks another significant step in our collective effort to raise a generation of well-rounded young men, boys who are academically sound, morally upright, socially responsible, and emotionally stable to face the challenges of the future. This camp is designed to inspire, guide, and expose you to opportunities that will positively shape your path,” the First Lady added.
She lamented that over the years, many boys have received insufficient guidance and attention compared to the girl child. While empowering girls remains crucial, the first lady stressed the need to ensure the boy child is not neglected.
Sanwo-Olu also reiterated the government’s commitment to policies and programmes that support youth development and ensure no child is left behind.
In her remarks, the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Oluremi Hamzat, described the initiative as a strategic effort to guide young boys toward becoming purposeful and responsible individuals.
Addressing the participants, she stressed that the boys are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of society.
She urged them to embrace every lesson and interaction with an open mind, strive for academic excellence, respect their parents and teachers, and uphold values that will make them proud ambassadors of their families, communities, and the country.
