The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged boy children to embrace discipline and explore career opportunities in the military and other security services.
Dr Sanwo-Olu made the call during an exposition tour organised under the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) 2026, an Office of the First Lady programme, where selected boys from secondary schools across the state visited Command Day Secondary School, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, and NNS Beecroft in Apapa.
Represented at the Ikeja Cantonment by Falilat Obasa, wife of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the First Lady said the initiative – now in its fourth edition – seeks to expand educational exposure and raise responsible young males who will contribute positively to society. More than 500 boys from public and private schools, correctional facilities, and other backgrounds are participating in this year’s programme.
She observed that interest in military and security careers among young people in Lagos remains relatively low due to limited exposure and understanding of opportunities within the sector. According to her, the tour was designed to provide first-hand insight into the operations, discipline, and structure of the security services, including the Department of State Services and the Armed Forces.
Dr Sanwo-Olu added that the experience would help the boys make informed career decisions and appreciate the values of discipline, leadership, and service to the nation.
She also commended the Nigerian Army for partnering with the Lagos State Government on the initiative.
In his remarks, the Commander, 9 Brigade Ikeja, Brigadier-General Ayokunle Owolabi, described the programme as a noble platform for mentoring boys and steering them away from negative influences. He encouraged participants to remain disciplined and focused in pursuing their goals.
The commander noted that the Army has produced notable national leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Shehu Musa Yar’adua, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, stressing that discipline and training in the military prepare individuals for leadership and national service.
He urged the boys not to be limited by their backgrounds but to allow determination, discipline, and patriotism to shape their future, noting that Nigeria depends on the next generation of responsible leaders.