Lagos First Lady, Nigerian Army charge boy-children on discipline, military career
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has charged boy-children to imbibe discipline and consider careers in the military and other security services. Mrs. Sanwo-Olu gave the charge
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has charged boy-children to imbibe discipline and consider careers in the military and other security services.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu gave the charge during an exposition tour for boys drawn from secondary schools across the state under the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) 2026.
The tour took the participants to Command Day Secondary School, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, and NNS Beecroft.
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At the Ikeja Cantonment, the First Lady was represented by Falilat Obasa, wife of the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
The LBCI, now in its fourth edition, aims to promote educational opportunities and build a generation of transformed male children who will contribute positively to society.
Over 500 boys from public and private schools, correctional facilities, and other backgrounds are participating in this year’s programme.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu noted that interest in military and security careers among young people in Lagos State remains low, attributing the trend to limited exposure and inadequate understanding of the sector's operations and opportunities.
She said the exposition tour was designed to expose the boys to career prospects in the military and encourage them to consider such paths.
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“It is in response to this that we have curated this exposition tour as part of activities lined up for this year’s Lagos Boy Child Initiative to equip our boys with first-hand experience and insight into the workings of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“These experiences will not just serve as an excursion but as precursors to possible futures. It is important for our boys to understand that this stage of their lives is critical for making informed career choices, especially in the security sector,” she said.
She also commended the Nigerian Army for partnering with the Lagos State Government on the LBCI.
In his remarks, the Commander, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ayokunle Owolabi described the initiative as a noble platform for shaping the mindset of young boys and mentoring them away from negative influences.
He urged the participants to remain disciplined and determined, noting that the Nigerian Army had produced national leaders through discipline and service, including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“This is a life-changing initiative. The Nigerian Army is not just about uniform; Discipline and training in the Army prepare individuals for leadership roles. Your background should not limit you—your determination should elevate you. Nigeria is counting on you,” he said. Nigeria is counting on you,” he said.
