The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady, has embarked on a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young boys and shaping them into future leaders. Recognizing the crucial role that young men play in societal development, the 2025 Lagos Boy Child Initiative is a strategic intervention designed to equip boys with the necessary skills, values, and mindset to thrive in a complex and ever-evolving world. This initiative underscores the importance of investing in the holistic development of young boys, moving beyond traditional academic pursuits to encompass vocational training, character building, and mentorship, thereby fostering a generation of well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to society. The First Lady’s vision emphasizes the parity between vocational skills and professional careers, highlighting the essential role of artisans and skilled tradesmen in a functioning society.
The three-day residential workshop, held at the Lagos State Model College, Agbowa-Ikosi, served as the launchpad for this impactful initiative. Two hundred boys aged 13 to 17, drawn from diverse backgrounds including public and private schools, orphanages, correctional facilities, and vocational centers, participated in a series of carefully curated sessions. These sessions covered a wide range of topics crucial to adolescent development, including self-esteem building, personal hygiene, mental health awareness, and drug abuse prevention. This comprehensive approach recognizes that holistic development requires addressing not only academic and vocational skills but also the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of young boys. The inclusion of boys from diverse backgrounds further demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that all boys, regardless of their circumstances, have access to opportunities for growth and development.
The workshop’s curriculum extended beyond classroom learning to include experiential learning opportunities. A key component of the program was the educational visit to the Imota Rice Mill, providing participants with firsthand exposure to the state government’s efforts in ensuring food security. This visit served to connect the theoretical concepts discussed in the workshop with practical real-world applications, highlighting the importance of agriculture and local production in sustaining the community. The planned visit to the Sonnex Plant, specializing in waste management and environmental sustainability, further broadened the participants’ understanding of critical societal issues and the role they can play in contributing to solutions.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the significance of equipping young boys with the right values, mindset, and resilience to navigate societal challenges. She stressed that vocations such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work are just as lucrative and essential as professional careers, highlighting the interdependence of various professions in a functioning society. This message aims to dismantle the societal prejudice often associated with vocational skills and encourage young boys to explore diverse career paths based on their interests and aptitudes, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. The First Lady’s advocacy for vocational training serves as a powerful message, promoting the dignity of labor and recognizing the vital contributions of skilled tradesmen in building a thriving economy.
The Lagos State Government’s commitment to youth empowerment is clearly demonstrated through initiatives like the 2025 Lagos Boy Child Initiative. This program is not merely a short-term intervention but a long-term investment in the future of Lagos. By empowering young boys with the right tools and opportunities, the government is laying the foundation for a generation of responsible men who will contribute positively to society. The initiative’s emphasis on character building, moral values, and resilience aims to cultivate not just skilled workers but also responsible citizens equipped to navigate the complexities of modern life and contribute to a more just and equitable society.
The 2025 Lagos Boy Child Initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the often-overlooked needs of young boys and providing them with the necessary support to reach their full potential. By investing in their holistic development, the Lagos State Government is not only empowering individual boys but also strengthening families and building a brighter future for the entire state. The program’s success hinges on continued collaboration and support from various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community leaders, working together to create an environment where young boys can thrive and contribute to a greater Lagos. The Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Wale Anomo, echoed this sentiment, encouraging participants to seize the opportunities presented by the initiative and become agents of positive change in their communities.
